Volunteers from the Fulton County Farm Bureau, Extension Master Gardeners, and Extension Master Naturalists planted close to 200 native plants around the Farm Bureau Building. On May16, 2023, nearly 20 volunteers helped to prepare soil and plant more than twenty-five species of native plants. We encourage Conservation@Home members to visit the demonstration garden to observe the plants and how they grow.
Fulton County Farm Bureau Manager, Elaine Stone said, “Thank you to all the volunteers who helped plant and care for the native plant demonstration garden. It looks great. I am so glad we did this.”
“We are so excited to offer this native plant demonstration garden as an educational tool,” says Nicole Flowers-Kimmerle, Extension horticulture educator. “Visitors will be able to see native plants in atypical home landscape setting and hopefully be inspired to add some to their own yard. In addition, the Farm Bureau will be able to reap the benefits of reduced water runoff, low maintenance, and a beautiful landscape that attracts beautiful pollinators.”
The landscape has been in bloom throughout the season in 2024. A variety of plants such as golden Alexander, Canada anemone, Ohio spiderwort, blue-eyed grass and wild geranium were blooming in May. In June and July, cone flower, scarlet bee balm, wild bergamot, mountain mint, coreopsis, and queen of the prairie have been in full bloom. We look forward to blooms continuing into the fall with golden rod, asters and black eyed-Susans.
Master Volunteers have diligently worked to remove weedy species as the native plants establish themselves. Over time, as the native plants fill the space, weed management will become easier. Their commitment ensures the garden’s long-term success.
Having blooms from spring until fall is a good way to support pollinators throughout their lifecycle. Leaving stems and seed heads over the winter also provides food and shelter for birds and overwintering pollinators as well as providing winter interest in the landscape.
Follow the ILRiverHort Facebook and Instagram pages for regular updates on how the garden is blooming.