Tuesday, February 19, 2019, 7:00 – 8:30 pm
Rhythmix Cultural Works, 2513 Blanding, Alameda
What do zucchini, almonds and guavas have in common? They all need pollinators.
Without pollinators, the world would be a less colorful, less tasty and less well-balanced place: all the more reason to learn how to create a garden that will naturally attract bees, butterflies and other major pollinators. Although the best-known pollinators are domesticated honey bees, there are other pollinators that are also important, including bees and other insects that are native to California.
The presenters have been working for some years to build and maintain a pollinator garden at Lake Merritt, and will share the knowledge they have. Topics to be discussed include:
- The goals of the pollinator garden at Lake Merritt,
- The importance of native bees,
- Why you might wish to create a pollinator garden of your own, and
- How to start a pollinator garden, including optimal growth conditions (sun,soil, and water needs), and plant grouping to attract the maximum number of pollinators. The presenters will also discuss site selection, plant selection, soil amendment and care for your pollinator garden.
Presenters: Sally Hughes, Alameda County Master Gardener, 2006, Co-manager of the Lake Merritt Pollinator Garden; Jennifer Cardoza, Alameda County Master Gardener, 2012, Co-manager of the Lake Merritt Pollinator Garden, Sarah Phelan, Nature Journalis