They may be hibernating now, as is our garden, but in a few months, they will provide natural splendor!
Thanks to the support of the Creation Care Committee, NDPC boasts a Pollinator Garden. Located along the narrow section between the front sodded area and the parking lot and continuing below the retaining wall and side concrete walkway, the space has evolved since its inception in Fall 2018.
Volunteers gathered on a breezy October Saturday morning to amend the heavy clay soil with compost and install “pass-along” perennials from member’s own personal gardens.
Some of the perennials from member’s gardens include: day lilies, yarrow, shasta daisy becky, black-eyed susan, purple cone flower, phlox, lamb’s ear, asteronia, thyme, iris (several varieties), southern shield fern, swamp sunflower and mexican petunia. All thrive in full sun. And, once established, require minimal watering. This is important for sustainability since the church does not have an irrigation system.
Master gardeners Burt Weaver, Anne Topple and Ellen Herbert graciously contributed plants from their gardens. Others providing plants include Lee Nichols, Annie Godfrey, DeeDee Murphy, and Diane Wilkes.
During the COVID shutdown, Pastor Mary Anona suggested we create fresh flower arrangements from the garden and deliver to church members and friends. Volunteers found floral vases and glass jars and delivered to the Art Room to support the effort. Coordinated with the Congregational Care Committee, the floral arrangements continue to be used for church centerpieces for special events, receptions, the Sunday morning altar and deliveries to member’s homes.
What started as a Creation Care garden to support our local pollinators has grown to be a nurturing space for members, guests and the community. The garden has also become a “learning center” for other churches that would like to create a perennial space. Last summer, we met with local Presbyterian folks that want to create a similar space on their church properties.
The garden is maintained by church volunteers. Depending on the season, various tasks are required to keep the area thriving. They include weeding, dead-heading, pruning, cutting back old growth, thinning out and dividing plants and transplanting.
If you are interested in helping with this special outreach, want to learn more about gardening, want to learn about pollinators, want to create floral arrangements or just want to “play in the dirt,” please contact Diane Wilkes.