Butterflies released at Greensburg Garden Center

A legend ascribed to Native Americans says that if you want a wish to come true, you should capture a butterfly, whisper the wish to it and then let it go.

Since a butterfly makes no sound, it can reveal the wish to no one but the Great Spirit — who will grant the wish in return for the butterfly receiving its freedom.

Greensburg Garden Center President Carla Rusnica related the legend to attendees at the center’s annual butterfly release on Saturday.

To accommodate social distancing, the release was held in morning and afternoon sessions, with butterflies also available for curbside pickup for release at home. In total, 200 butterflies were available, courtesy of Dominion Energy.

The butterflies, sourced from a private grower in Lawrence County, were distributed in small white envelopes. As envelopes were opened, they fluttered to nearby flowers or off into the sky.

Center Treasurer Elizabeth Pesci said the majority of butterflies were Monarchs, although she also spotted some Baltimore checkerspots and spicebush swallowtails.

“The spicebush butterflies might have been ours, though, because we do have a spicebush,” she said.

In gratitude for Dominion Energy’s support, Rusnica presented its Pennsylvania policy adviser, Don Houser, with a key to the garden, a lifetime garden center membership and one of the center’s signature butterfly pins, handmade by members.

“It’s with programs like their annual butterfly release that this dedicated group is bringing nature education to life throughout Westmoreland County and beyond,” Houser said. “We are excited by the work the Greensburg Garden Center is doing in our community and are pleased to support their conservation efforts.”

Guests at the release also had access to educational displays, including a mesh tent containing Monarch caterpillars feeding on swamp milkweed; sales of plants, garden accessories and flower-covered butterfly wands for children; and a lunch of hot dogs and macaroni and cheese.

The butterfly garden is open to visitors from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. The garden also is open to larger groups by appointment; call 724-837-0245.