The problem we wish to fix is pollinator decline. Pollinators are essential to the ecosystem to reproduce plants, however they are in danger of decline largely due to pesticides, modernized agricultural farming, habitat loss, and climate change.
The action we are planning includes building new pollinator beds at The Greenwood School Community Garden to help create an educational, hands-on environment for children to learn about New England native plants and the importance of enhancing pollinator populations. We also want to have this resource to educate the community about the importance of protecting pollinators from collapse. We aim to create a friendly habitat for pollinators to thrive. Our goal is to improve the pollinator population by planting a diverse selection of non-invasive native plants and pollinator plants to provide shelter and food for wildlife, such as bees, butterflies, ants, moths, beetles, lizards, and bats.
The pollinator garden was very successful. We purchased 13 different native New England plants from independent nurseries called Blue Stem Natives and The Monarch Gardener. We built two new raised garden beds at The Greenwood School Community Garden and both of our kindergarten classrooms participated in weeding, digging, planting, and watering the garden beds. The plants we used include: Cutleaf Coneflower, Bee Balm, Seaside Goldenrod, Grassleaf Goldenrod, Monarch Milkweed, Self Heal, Foxglove Beardtongue,Dense Blazing Star, Columbine, Anise Hyssop, Great Blue Lobelia, Mist Flower, and Blue Vervain.
Through this project we learned about biodiversity in the garden. By bringing in a variety of plant species, we are hoping to attract a greater variety of insects, birds, and other wildlife.
If we did this project again we might consider adding a water feature to aid in bringing in a greater variety of wildlife.
My favorite part of this project was teaching the children about different plants and educating them on the importance of planting natives to sustain the pollinators specific to our region. The children were so excited to get dirty planting in the beds. I loved their ongoing curiosity and enthusiasm for the garden.
Spacing the plants according to height and sunlight requirements were very important. I also found making record of each plant and labeling helpful to the students, staff, and visitors enjoying the space.
