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— by Kathy Galloway
The Native Plant Society of Texas – Williamson County Chapter’s Field Trip Committee has found a terrific location for you to observe the migrating monarch butterflies before they all pass through Texas in early November. Murphy Park in Taylor has two garden areas with native plants and lots of butterflies.
Liberty Garden is located right inside the entrance of the park. It consists of a small, fenced formal garden that contains several native plant species. The butterflies seem especially interested in the Fall Aster and the Gregg’s Mistflower, but you can also find Turk’s Cap, Pavonia, Inland Sea Oats, and Yaupon Holly Trees, to name few. Don’t miss the two large planting beds flanking the entrance drive which also have lots of native plants.
Murphy Park Butterfly Garden is a small, certified Monarch Waystation located in a round planted area in the parking lot between the swimming pool and the lake. This garden is dedicated to Ms. Betty Jackson, a former member of our chapter, who was a life-long educator and supporter of ecology who inspired the garden. The garden is a little bit overgrown but the butterflies don’t mind and there are several different species of native plants here. See if you can spot the milkweed in this garden.
On the afternoon we visited, there were at least 20 butterflies, monarchs and queens, flitting around on the Gregg’s Mistflower. There was also a duck sitting on her eggs in her nest which she located within the butterfly garden, so be careful not to disturb her. We noticed the butterflies seem to like the Murphy Park Butterfly Garden location much more than the same plants in Liberty Garden.
This field trip involves minimal walking, but there are trails in the park if you wish to explore and enjoy the fresh fall air. Bring water, sunscreen, and insect spray and let us know if you have luck spotting the monarchs. Post your photos and videos on Facebook or Instagram with the hashtag #NPSOTMurphyPark and we can all share in the fun.
Directions from I-35:
• Head east for about 15 miles on Highway 79 in Round Rock
• Stay on 79 through Hutto and into Taylor
• Turn left onto Sloan St and travel .6 miles
• Turn right onto W Lake Drive for .9 miles
• Turn right into the park and the Liberty Garden will be right in front of you. The Butterfly Garden is in the parking lot to the left by the lake.
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