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With the help of Dr. Michael Blazier's Fire Management and Herbicides class and Forest Manager Stacy Wilson, Drew County Master Gardeners recently began spring prep work for the pollinator area at the Monticello Sports Complex. The class burned off the pollinator project where a problem with Johnson grass had overtaken the planting area. Now a near clean slate is ready to continue the work of re-establishing planting areas of pollinator friendly plants. Extension Agent Scott Hayes also has a demonstration plot in the pollinator area for Arkansas Diamond test plants.
The other two areas of the garden areas -- the Arkansas Heritage Garden and the Pass-Along Garden-- have been put to bed for the winter but should demonstrate some early growth in the next couple of months. The Heritage Garden under the leadership of UAM History Professor, Dr. Shari Silzell has added information stakes with QR codes along the pathways established last year. The stakes when scanned provide information about the herbs, both medicinal and culinary uses, and their place in Arkansas history. The area is supported by grants from Arkansas Heritage and Janet Carson Master Gardener County Scholarship.
The Pass-Along Garden was created to highlight those plants that grow in Monticello and Southeast Arkansas gardens and are "passed along" from Master Gardeners and community members. The goal is to have year round interest in the garden. There are some foundation plantings of shrubs and lilies and irises already established. Annuals will be added later in the spring as well as butterfly and pollinator supporting plants and flowers.
For more information or to set a tour or speaker about the Pollinator Garden, Arkansas Heritage Garden, or Pass-Along gardens, contact the Master Gardeners through the Extension office.
