native demonstration gardens
DESCRIPTION
NATIVE DEMONSTRATION GARDENS. Kathy Henderson, Williamson County Chapter Presented at NPSOT State Board Meeting - April 19, 2014. OBJECTIVES. What is a Native Demonstration Garden? Why have one? First project: Georgetown Library Second project: Williamson County Landfill Results achieved. - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
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NATIVE DEMONSTRATION GARDENS
Kathy Henderson, Williamson County Chapter
Presented at NPSOT State Board Meeting - April 19, 2014
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OBJECTIVES
What is a Native Demonstration Garden? Why have one? First project: Georgetown Library Second project: Williamson County Landfill Results achieved
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WHAT IS A DEMONSTRATION GARDEN?
A designed landscape containing natives and (optionally) well-adapted non-natives.
Located in a very public place
With a message to all:
Good aesthetics
Low water usage
Specialty purposes (butterflies, pollinators, etc.)
Importance of proper maintenance
“Native plants = healthy habitats”
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WHY HAVE ONE?
Texas is growing rapidly; Habitat destruction continues
Our water supply is at risk
Demonstration gardens can impact policy makers and the public
We need to “get the word out” more efficiently A public initiative with a lot of leverage
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GEORGETOWN LIBRARY – HISTORY
Two demo gardens at old Georgetown Library
First tried a wildscape – not good
Second a managed garden - very successful
Chapter did all the maintenance
Library moved to new building
Maintenance handed to city and contractor with written instructions
Unsatisfactory results
Agnes Plutino
Agnes Plutino
Agnes Plutino
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GEORGETOWN LIBRARY – HISTORY II
New library in 2008
Contract designer – African iris, Crepe Myrtle, “row crops”.
2014 Water Reduction initiative by City – an opportunity
City asked for a new native landscape
Collaborative effort
City
NPSOT
Master Naturalists
Another chance to educate and influence
Marilyn Perz Marilyn Perz
Diane Sherrill
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Kathy Henderson
Kathy Henderson
Kathy Henderson
Kathy Henderson
Marilyn Perz
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WILLIAMSON COUNTY LANDFILL ENTRANCE – POLLINATOR GARDEN
Landfill owned by County
Operated by contractor
Started Gateway project
Hired landscape designer
Beach Vitex, Chinese Pistache, Crepe Myrtle, etc.
Operator asked Master Naturalists about a pollinator garden
NPSOT invited to collaborate
A chance to influence and educate
Marilyn Perz
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WILLIAMSON COUNTY LANDFILL ENTRANCE - 2012
Started by planting wildflower garden
Began education about non-natives, invasives, and habitats
Began suggesting alternatives
Butterflies and hummingbirds started arriving
Marilyn Perz
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WILLIAMSON COUNTY LANDFILL ENTRANCE - 2013
Wildflower garden growing Permission to start replacing
Vitex NPSOT/Master Naturalist
work sessions Materials and “heavy lifting”
furnished and paid for by landfill operator
Summer open house Public County commissioner New Agri-Life agent
Growing cooperation and education
Marilyn Perz
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WILLIAMSON COUNTY LANDFILL ENTRANCE - 2014
Installed rainwater collection system
Obtained TP&WD Wildlife Habitat and Monarch Waystation certifications
Landfill operator decided to remove balance of invasives
Replacing with appropriate natives
Continuing influence and collaboration
Marilyn Perz
Dennis Perz
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SO WHY DO THIS?
• Aesthetics• Drought
tolerance• Reduced
water usage• No invasives• Birds and
butterflies• Healthy
habitats
• Collaborations• City/County• Master
Naturalists• Others
• Side-by-side comparisons
• Proper maintenance
• Design• Plant selection• Maintenance
• Mulch/weed• Watering• Trimming by
season
• Natives the better choice
• Teach “native competent” maintenance
• Leverage our knowledge and experience
DemonstrateGain Influence
Build Credibility
Educate Broadly