Native Plants For BeckySPL's In the Garden group will plant Becky's Garden at 1 p.m. Thursday, May 23, in Community Roots. The community is welcome to join us for the planting. In the Garden has also composed a list of native plants it would like to include in the garden (see the PDF below). Those wishing to donate a plant from the list should email Sarah at swright@syracuse.lib.in.us. Space is limited, but we will try to make room for everyone. We'll also include plants from Becky's personal garden in this project.
We are also seeking sizable rocks to create native bee habitats. NOTE: We will only put in native plants and not cultivars.
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Knowledge generates interest, and interest generates compassion.
-Douglas W. Tallamy, "Bringing Nature Home: How Native Plants Sustain Wildlife in Our Gardens"
Native plants numbered high among Becky Brower's passions. It led her to create SPL's In the Garden group to raise awareness and interest in Indiana's native plants.
Following Becky's passing in June 2023, In the Garden decided to create a special native plant garden in Syracuse Public Library's Community Roots outdoor space in her memory. This garden will continue Becky's mission: to educate and drive an appreciation for our native plants and pollinators. In the future, the library plans to use it for educational programs. |
Progress
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October 2023In October 2023, In the Garden group members laid the groundwork for Becky's Garden in Community Roots. This included laying cardboard before raking leaves on top of it. This material will break down over the winter, clearing the way for easy spring planting.
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January 2024Becky's Garden may appear to be inactive, but as winter storms come and go, the leaves, compost, and cardboard are gradually being broken down, adding nutrients into the soil. These components will also smother grass and weeds making for easier spring planting in May.
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Meet the Plants & Their Pollinators
Learning Activities
Children can use this worksheet from the National Park Service to learn more about pollinators.
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Purdue University has created a virtual learning page for children to learn about flowers and pollinators.
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Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences has also put together a webpage, featuring helpful classroom activities for children of all ages. Click here to see available materials.
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