Wordless Wednesday

Pollinator Workshop

Last weekend, I had the opportunity 
to take a class on pollinator gardens 
at the Catawba Cooperative Extension Office.
The course consisted of a bit of classroom time,
which offered vital information about this beneficial subject.
The second part of the class was hands-on
and we made our way outside
on a gorgeous, crisp spring day.

This triangular piece of land
adjacent to the vegetable garden was the focus of our work.

A plan had been previously devised
and helped us know where to place the designated plants.

After the classroom presentation,
we moved outside to create a pollinator bed.

Tools were gathered for the project.

The Extension Center had an abundance
of rich, valuable compost available for this project.
A couple of us were on mulch duty,
hauling it from one end of the property
to the new bed.

The sheet mulch method
(also known as lasagna gardening)
was utilized,
layering cardboard over the grass
and then covering with compost.
The cardboard is a great weed deterrent,
and is the way I prefer to deal with unwanted grass at home.

Our group was enthusiastic
and it was plain to see
that experience was not lacking.
Many of the volunteers have already been through
the Master Gardener program.

The compost should aid the new residents
in retaining moisture from rainfall,
as well as keeping them cooler during the summer months.
It's also one of the best ways to keep weeds at bay.

Although I had to leave before the project was completed
(we ran a bit over our time),
it was really coming together quickly.
With plenty of room to spread out in the future,
these plants should give the local pollinators plenty to enjoy
over the next few years.
I can't wait to go back to see how it's filled in.

If you are interested in adding some pollinator-friendly
plants to your garden, keep these tips in mind:

~Pollinators need a diversity of flowers.
~Choose plants that bloom at different times of the year.
~Create habitats for those who prefer tight spaces,
using grasses or a handmade "bee hotel".
~Provide a water source as well as
some bare ground for nesting bees.

Check out this link
for a free design planner
to get you started.

Going Local-Dearness Gardens

How's spring treating you?
We've had lovely clear days and cool nights.
A Piedmont gardener couldn't ask for anything better!

We have an addition to our "Going Local" series today,
where we feature nearby attractions and events.

A trip recently to Dearness Gardens was a delightful way
to spend a few hours with friends.

From their website:
"Established in 1995, Dearness Gardens occupies 3 acres on a rustic 1920s farmstead in the heart of downtown Huntersville.  There’s a little something special for everyone who visits us, so plan to spend some time exploring the lush display gardens, stone paths, and soothing water features.  We want your visit to be relaxing,  pleasurable, and memorable–the ultimate shopping experience!"

I'd been hearing about this local nursery for a while,
and was so happy to have time to stroll the grounds.
 It was pretty much a 
droolfest. 

In fact, this will be a post of few words,
because the pictures speak for themselves.

 The selection of plant varieties is massive.
There were things we found here
that we'd never seen before.
This statement crossed our lips over and over.

Dearness also provides assistance with
professional consultation, design, and installation
to create the garden of your dreams.

 Fairy gardens are all the rage right now,
and a fabulous way to get kids interested in gardening.
Dearness has a section devoted to this pursuit,
with miniature  everything 
to keep your fairies (and fairy-lovers) happy.

Pollinator-friendly species were prevelent
and it was obvious by the buzzing around us
that they had found 
their 
                 happy 
                                   place.

bee house

I was able to pick up a few varieties
for the butterfly garden I'll soon be installing.
This lantana is one of the best at attracting butterflies.

 There is also a considerable assortment of pottery,
yard art and ceramic pots available for purchase.
Aren't these owls a hoot?
(Yeah, I went there.)

Isn't this little tree amazing?
Have you ever seen anything like it?
See what I mean?
If you are looking for unique plants or garden furnishings,
you've gotta check this place out!
You know there has to be a gardener on your gift list 
who has every type of plant imaginable.
I'll bet you could find something different here.

What an alluring spot for bees, butterflies,
toads and tadpoles.
Humans might enjoy it too!
Numerous water features abound on the 3-acre property,
so you're sure to find something you can't live without.

 Just when you think your senses could be delighted no more,

 you find something that takes you completely by surprise!

Something as simple as a bundle of bright-n-bouncy blooms
provokes a profusion of ideas for plans in the home garden.

Spring is the perfect time to visit Dearness.

You can find them in Huntersville at
 13501 South Old Statesville Road 
Huntersville, NC 28078
 phone 704-875-8234
(Or click on the initial link for more information.)

Just plan to stay a while.
And be joy-full.
And bring your checkbook.
You won't be sorry.

 Going Local Series:
Mike's Growers Outlet
The Mundy House
Memory Lane Museum
Renfrow Hardware 
Mount Holly Farmers' Market