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NATIVE DEMONSTRATION GARDENS

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.

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NATIVE DEMONSTRATION GARDENS

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  1. NATIVE DEMONSTRATION GARDENS Kathy Henderson, Williamson County Chapter Presented at NPSOT State Board Meeting - April 19, 2014

  2. OBJECTIVES • What is a Native Demonstration Garden? • Why have one? • First project: Georgetown Library • Second project: Williamson County Landfill • Results achieved

  3. 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”

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 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 Diane Sherrill Marilyn Perz Marilyn Perz

  7. Kathy Henderson Marilyn Perz Kathy Henderson Kathy Henderson Kathy Henderson

  8. 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

  9. 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

  10. 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

  11. WILLIAMSON COUNTY LANDFILL ENTRANCE - 2014 • Installed rainwater collection system • Obtained TP&WD Wildlife Habitat and Monarch Waystationcertifications • Landfill operator decided to remove balance of invasives • Replacing with appropriate natives • Continuing influence and collaboration Marilyn Perz Dennis Perz

  12. SO WHY DO THIS? Gain Influence Educate Broadly Build Credibility Demonstrate • Aesthetics • Drought tolerance • Reduced water usage • No invasives • Birds and butterflies • Healthy habitats • Design • Plant selection • Maintenance • Mulch/weed • Watering • Trimming by season • Collaborations • City/County • Master Naturalists • Others • Side-by-side comparisons • Proper maintenance • Natives the better choice • Teach “native competent” maintenance • Leverage our knowledge and experience

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