Entertainment
16 November, 2025
Butterfly yarn comes to life
AFTER 36 years living in Cairns, Nicola Strange has found inspiration right in her own backyard, in the flutter of the magnificent Cairns Birdwing butterfly.
A self-described nature lover, Mrs Strange has just written her first book ‘Gigi’s Butterfly Garden’, a richly illustrated story for older children and young teens that brings the life cycle of the Birdwing to life while delivering an important conservation message.
“I’ve spent hours outside watching and photographing the whole process,” Mrs Strange said.
“From the egg to the caterpillar, to the chrysalis and finally the butterfly, it’s such a quick and beautiful transformation. I’ve even had tears watching it happen.”
The book grew out of her own photo collection, which she first compiled to show her step-grandson.
When a friend suggested she turn it into a story, Gigi’s Butterfly Garden – named after her nickname ‘Gigi’– began to take shape.
At the heart of the book is a crucial environmental lesson. The Cairns Birdwing depends on the native vine Aristolochia tagala to survive.
The introduced Aristolochia elegans (Dutchman’s Pipe) vine, however, looks similar but is toxic to the Birdwing’s caterpillars.
“The female butterfly uses her senses to find the right vine to lay her eggs,” Mrs Strange explained.
“If she lays them on the wrong one, the caterpillars die. So, it’s vital people plant the native vine, not the introduced one.”
Mrs Strange hopes her book will inspire families, schools and gardeners to plant native vines and help sustain local butterfly populations.
She’s also passionate about protecting Cairns’ remaining green spaces.
“If we keep removing trees and green areas, where will these creatures go?” she said.
“We need to plant natives, flowers and vines that invite our local insects and wildlife to stay.
“Even green ants and stingless bees play a part in our ecosystem.”
Mrs Strange previously worked with Cairns Regional Council and the Yorkeys Knob Residents Association to create an interpretive sign on Buckley Street that educates visitors about local wildlife, another example of her long-standing commitment to conservation.
Jabiru Publishing publishes Gigi’s Butterfly Garden and will soon be available online and in local stores, including Cairns Books in Cairns Central.
“I’ve really enjoyed creating it,” Mrs Strange said.
“It’s all self-funded, but worth every cent if it helps raise awareness and teaches children the wonder of nature.”
For more information or to order a copy, visit: www.bit.ly/49dxjtC
