by Judy Seeley
Newly graduated Master Gardeners Tony Boland and Kim Gossnell along with Kate Odom invite you to join them in keeping the native plant garden flourishing. Photo credit: Judy Seeley
What a beautiful day we had at the Pickens County Native Plant Garden Saturday, April 20, 2024! A dozen volunteers gathered to share their passion for native plants and lend their helping hands to maintain and enhance the garden’s beauty. We were thrilled to welcome two new Master Gardener Class graduates, Tony and Kim, to the crew. They joined Kate Odom, one of our garden team leaders, and a group of dedicated regulars, including Georgia Connon, who returned after having volunteered with us in years past.
The rest of the enthusiastic team consisted of Tony Boland, Kate Odom, Jean Fontaine, Betty Bishop, Kim Gosnell, Georgia Connon, Jon Fritz, Diane Coiner, Keily Nix, Sarah Dake, John Batson, and Judy Seeley. Together, their combined efforts made a noticeable difference in revitalizing the Pickens County Native Plant Garden.
Our group was greeted by the false blue indigo (Baptisia australis), white indigo (Baptisia alba), fringe trees (Chionanthus virginicus), golden club (Orontium aquaticum), and an array of spiderworts (Tradescantia virginiana) in full bloom, attracting many bees. After a morning of diligent work, the garden was left in pristine condition. Volunteers weeded, mulched, deadheaded blooms, and removed small trees, leaving the native plants happier and healthier.
Additionally, the crew potted up dozens of extra green and gold (Chrysogonum repens) and Georgia aster (Symphyotrichum georgianum) plants to be sold as a fundraiser for the garden at the upcoming Arts and Ag Day on May 18. Betty Bishop generously took the plants to her home to care for them until the event.
Thank you to everyone who contributed their time, energy, and care to the Pickens County Native Plant Garden! Your dedication is what makes our garden such a welcoming and beautiful sight. If you couldn’t join us last Saturday, now is the perfect time to stop by and enjoy the fruits of our labor.
