Pollinator Garden Workshop and Chatham Mills Garden Tour: Sept. 23, 26

The workshop will include a guided tour of the Pollinator Paradise Garden at Chatham Mills. Photo by Debbie Roos.

The Chatham County Center of North Carolina Cooperative Extension is offering a pollinator conservation workshop and garden tour as part of its Enhancing Sustainability Series. During the workshop, Chatham County Agricultural Extension Agent Debbie Roos will give an overview of North Carolina pollinators and discuss the role of native bees and managed bees in crop pollination. Participants will learn about the principles of planting a pollinator garden and how to select trees, shrubs, herbaceous perennials, herbs, vines, and grasses to attract a diversity of pollinators.

Debbie will emphasize native plants but will also include a few other plants that provide good resources. The workshop will conclude with a tour of Cooperative Extension’s pollinator garden at Chatham Mills, about half a mile from the Agriculture Building. The garden is comprised of 160 different species, 85% of which are native to the piedmont of North Carolina.

Participants will receive several native perennial milkweed plants (Asclepias tuberosa and Asclepias incarnata) grown by local nursery Mellow Marsh Farm to take home to plant for pollinators! These species are great for both bees and monarch butterflies.

Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2:00 – 5:00 pm

Saturday, Sept. 26, 2:00 – 5:00 pm

Advance registration is required for these workshops
Space is limited so please register early to reserve your spot. The cost of the workshop is $25 and includes a CD of resources plus perennial milkweed plants. Call 919-542-8202, or email Debbie Roos for more information extension.programs@chathamnc.org.
To register, download the registration form and mail with your check.

Download the registration form for the September 23 workshop. Please fill out the form on-line, then print it and mail with your check. Registration deadline is September 16!
Download the registration form for the September 26 workshop. Please fill out the form on-line, then print it and mail with your check. Registration deadline is September 21!

Persons with disabilities and persons with limited English proficiency may request accommodations to participate by contacting Sam Groce, County Extension Director, at 919-542-8202 or email sam_groce@ncsu.edu, or in person at the Chatham County Extension Center at least 14 days prior to the event.

Visit the Growing Small Farms website at http://go.ncsu.edu/gsfworkshops to learn more.