An exciting new addition to Butterflies & Blooms in the Briar Patch was unveiled on Dec. 14 as people gathered to see and hear new musical instruments installed throughout the park north of Eatonton.
The instruments included metallophones and pagoda bells. These selections were intentional, as they make soft, pleasant music to accompany the pollinators and flowers.
B&B founder Virginia Linch eagerly welcomed guests and made sure everyone was given a raffle ticket before beginning a short ceremony. She recognized the volunteers who worked hard to make the space so inviting, then presented multiple awards of gratitude to those who played a part in installing the instruments.
Rotary Club of Greene and Putnam Counties President Rick Thompson received the first award, with Linch also giving him a certificate of appreciation which she stated was “for the local and international dedication to uplifting all, filling the needs of people, and for the gift of support and instruments to this pollinator project in the city of Eatonton Park, from Butterflies & Blooms in the Briar Patch.”
Joseph Hawkins, superintendent of the city of Eatonton Public Works, was recognized for his role in the project, too. Linch said his certificate was “for leading the city team in all areas of maintaining and enhancing the city of Eatonton, including the installation of the features for the public to enjoy in this pollinator project in the city of Eatonton Park.”
Lastly, Eatonton- Putnam Chamber of Commerce Chair and CEO Maggie Milner was recognized, with Linch stating it was to honor Milner’s “continued positive, innovative, creative, and dedicated leadership in this community and for the gift of support and instruments for this pollinator project.”
Milner said the musical instrument installation was her second project within city limits this year and it had been “a huge collaboration between multiple parties that came together incredibly quickly.”
“There was a likeness in our motivation and our vision. It took everyone involved to make this happen,” Milner said. “I don’t think this will be the end of this project, as these instruments have already drawn a lot of attention. I think we will continue to see this grow and expand.”
Thompson spoke afterward on behalf of Rotary. “It is with the support of you all and with Rotary International that we were able to find these musical instruments that will work well in this park,” he said. “We hope that this will lend toward community, a great place to live, and common bonds that we all can share. Thank you very much for letting us be a part of that.”
Butterflies & Blooms Habitat ambassador Bobby Hill had the honor of playing one of the instruments first, followed by those who won the raffle.
Melodious notes filled the air as everyone tried the instruments out for themselves and enjoyed the pleasant weather on the walking trail.
“Although this project has nothing to do with pollinators, it engages people in nature,” Linch said. “We have about 2,500 visitors a year. There are tours, camera clubs, garden clubs, children’s clubs, and not to mention individuals that travel through. People are blown away by the nature here.”
Linch is passionate about pollinators and encourages people to come visit the B&B Habitat (617 N. Jefferson Ave.) and try out the new musical additions for themselves.