Volunteers from Lockhead Martin and John A. Ammon & Associates worked together to create this bird and butterfly garden in the courtyard of the Essex Senior Center. The joyful songs of colorful birds, the antics of gray squirrels trying to raid the "squirrel proof" bird feeders, and the soothing sounds of moving water are very much appreciated by everyone who visits the Center.

Features of this low-maintenance wildlife garden include a bubbling blue vase, which circulates water stored in a basin beneath the rocks, bird feeders filled with black oil sunflower seeds, and several butterfly bushes (Buddleia davidii), which will start to flower in early summer and continue until frost.