Gardens and Topiary - St. Louis Zoo - St. Louis, MO
Posted by: 
YoSam.
N 38° 38.020 W 090° 17.676
15S E 735487 N 4279598
Demonstration gardens and Topiary in SW portion of the zoo
Waymark Code: WMRAZT
Location: Missouri, United States
Date Posted: 06/02/2016
Views: 2
County of plaques: St. Louis Independent City
Location of plaques: near the Wells Drive entrance, SW portion of zoo, off I-64 (Hampton Rd. Exit)
Plaque #1:
Monarchs and Milkweeds
Monarch butterfly populations have declined by 96°. The only plant that monarch butterfly caterpillars can eat is milkweed.
That is why the Saint Louis Zoo has planted several species of milkweed here, to produce seeds for monarch habitat restoration.
Plaque #2:
Pretty Garden?
This garden may seem pretty to us, but it is not to visiting wildlife. Many local animals can't eat foreign or exotic plant species. Also, the use of lave rock bedding, coupled with a sparse planting pattern, provides little shelter for any potential guest.
Plaque #3:
Be Wildlife-Friendly
With a few simple adjustments, you can easily make your yard a hotspot for local wildlife. Planting a variety of native plant species and having a source of water provides nourishment to animal visitors. And, a scattered planting pattern and the use of natural mulch and edging will provide shelter, encouraging your animal guests to stay put.
Plaque #4:
Go Native
One of the best ways to help local wildlife is to plant native plants. Studies have shown that creating a native prairie can increase butterfly species by 500 percent. The plants in this garden are all native to St. Louis. They help insects, as well as benefit local birds, reptiles and mammals.
Plaque #5:
What do Bees like?
When it comes to bees, all flowers are not created equal. Many flower varieties do not produce pollen or nectar for bees. Saint Louis Zoo researchers are studying wildflowers to determine the best flower types for bees -- and your garden.