Did you know that one out of three bites of food that you eat is dependent on pollinators? Scientists are worried because bee, butterfly and hummingbirds numbers are dropping. Improper use of pesticides and loss of habitat are likely to blame. You can help bring the buzz back by planting a pollinator paradise in your backyard! Join us for this free workshop on Saturday, June 8, 2019. The class will begin at 10:00am in the historic Mansell House in Wills Park, 1835 Old Milton Parkway, followed by a field trip to see a pollinator garden at the Old Rucker Rd. farm, 860 Rucker Road in Alpharetta. This fascinating program is hosted by The City of Alpharetta and the Alpharetta Natural Resources Commission.
"Gardens are more than just pretty ornaments for humans - bring yours to life and delight the butterflies, bees, and children that use them!" As they say, “Build it and they will come!” Everybody can help with this important conservation issue and enjoy the added benefit of seeing these creatures and how they can multiply your gardening efforts. All you need is a little bit of earth to plant bio-diverse, native species plants. Would you like to know more about how to plan and plant an assortment of plants that can create an all season buffet and habitat to support a variety of pollinators? They will need food, cover, and places to raise their young! Some are very picky about what they need for each life stage.
Our presenter is Ellen Honeycutt. She has an extensive knowledge of native plants and pollinator habitats! This class with give you the basics of knowing what to do to turn your garden into an oasis of nature that supports pollinators both as adults and in raising new ones. We’ll cover:
- - Knowing why choosing specific plants matters.
- - Learning the key choices when deciding how to create your pollinator paradise.
- - Evaluating your space so that you make the right plant selection for best success.
- - Designing your garden so that it is beautiful to humans and insects alike.
- - Maintaining your garden so that it supports pollinators year-round.
Register on Eventbrite at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/create-a-pollinator-paridise-in-your-backyard-tickets-62311954734 or by calling (678) 297-6213. For more information about this workshop, please contact Terry Porter at tporter@alpharetta.ga.us or 678-297-6200.
Bio:
Ellen has been gardening with and appreciating native plants for 20 years in north metro Atlanta. She is especially fond of native shrubs and trees but is willing to learn to love herbaceous plants as well. Helping others to see the beauty and versatility of Georgia’s native plants, whether it be in the wild or in the garden, is both a passion and a compulsion – just ask her kids! Ellen is an active member of the Georgia Native Plant Society and the Georgia Botanical Society. She uses her personal blog, http://usinggeorgianativeplants.blogspot.com/, to share seasonal ideas and pictures about native plants in her area.
