Lush perennials encourage people to read at the Mars Public Library.

A garden that blooms all season long is not only wonderful for the human soul, but is also a welcome feast for pollinators.

From March through November, the Mars Library Butterfly Garden always has something blooming, providing much-needed pollen and nectar to a bounty of butterflies and pollinators. Visitors are welcome to self-tour the garden, located at 107 Grand Ave. in Mars.

The Mars Library Butterfly Garden was developed in 2003 by Jill Barger, a Penn State Extension master gardener from Butler County.

The main design element is unity or unity of purpose, which is to attract butterflies and other pollinators. The garden has an asymmetrical design, using the lawn to balance the perennial bed space.

Other design elements include the focal points of the tree and stone garden sign. The Mars library sign welcomes visitors and showcases a colorful bed of annual flowers.

The garden is densely planted with perennials, annuals and shrubs that attract butterflies and pollinators. A sampling of the plantings demonstrate its breadth and variety.

While spring bulbs are the first to flower, other spring bloomers include “Blue Waterfall” Campanula, Columbine and Fringe Tree.

Late spring and early summer brings Lemon Drops, Clematis and Sunray Tickseed Coreopsis. Through the summer, Black-eyed Susan and Yarrow keep the butterflies and pollinators busy.

Late summer is highlighted with the flowers of Rose of Sharon, Russian Sage, Obedience and Blue Mist Shrub.

Fall brings blossoming Aster, “Autumn Joy” Sedum and Joe-pye weed. Many of these plants are native to Western Pennsylvania.

New to the library garden is a small sensory garden planted at the library's main entrance. The sensory garden was designed and planted at the librarian's request.

Plants in this garden are those that enhance the senses. For example, there is Lamb's Ear for its soft, velvety leaves that are appreciated by touching.“Main Street Sunset Boulevard' Coleus is for visual enjoyment, with its bright colors and leaves.The senses of smell and taste are stimulated by Sage, Lemon Balm and Spearmint.Over the past 15 years, Master Gardeners and community partners have collaborated with Barger to continue ongoing design and maintenance of the Pollinator Garden.At the Mars Library Butterfly Garden, gardeners can read books about garden design and draw inspirations for their own pollinator gardens.Monica Huselton, a Butler Township resident, became a Penn State Master Gardener in 2015. Mars resident Jill Barger became a master gardener in 2003.

Velvety white lamb’s ears frame the brightly colored rudbeckia. Master Gardeners

Monica Huselton has gardened since childhood and became a Penn State Master Gardener in 2015. She lives in Butler Township with her husband Richard and her collection of gardening adventures, which includes growing hops, figs, currants, kiwis, strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, blueberries, citrus plants, miniature pomegranate, vegetables, herbs, flowers, shiitake and oyster mushrooms, saffron crocus, grapes, and garlic.submitted by the Butler County Master Gardenerssubmitted photo

Mars resident Jill Barger became a master gardener in 2003