Garden Party

16-June 
   On Saturday-15-June the Bogota Community Garden held a gardening workshop at its River Rd location. Nancy Guaman of, the Bogota based, Guaman Gardens gave a presentation on why it is important to incorporate plants that will attract pollinators to a garden. These include wild bees and butterflies which feed on certain plants and in turn pollinate those plants which aids in reproduction. Over a five year period there has been a 23% reduction of the native bee population. An example of this if the classifying the "Rusty Patched Bumble Bee' as endangered species.  The continuing loss of wild pollinators will force farmers, and growers,  to  hand pollinate their plants which will add time and cost to the production of foodstuffs. 
  Ms. Guaman recommends flowers such Purple Coneflowers, Sunflowers, Crocus, and Lavender should be added to any garden. Some colours such as blue, purple and yellow are more favorable by bees.  Even a single addition of one, or more of these plants will attract pollinators to a garden. It is important to use local flowers which will  encourage native bees and butterflies to your garden. She added that bushes and other elements are important to allow pollinators to find shelter, and to lay eggs for the next generation. If possible a small area near a garden should be left in an unmanaged state. And all pesticides will be harmful to pollinators. Ms. Guaman then shown the lanting bed she has created solely to grow plants to attract butterflies and bees.
   After the workshop there was time to look at some of the recommended flowers that will attract pollinators. As well was some literature describing on how to create a friendly bee and butterfly environment.  Others in attendance then moved on to tend their own plot. Some took the time to remove weeds from in and around their planters. While other added new plants and other growth material to their beds.  A few Gardeners even had some plants that had started to bear fruit for the 2019 season. 
   This season the Community Garden has rented all 20 of their planting beds. This has two rows of 10  planting beds each, along  with a tool shed, compost area and benches. Two of the bench have been donated by the local Girl Scout troop. They are also looking for volunteers to assist with maintenance of public areas of the garden. Another feature is that  the Bogota Volunteer Fire Dept will be permitted to fill the rain barrels if the supply of water begins to run low. 
    Anyone wishing  for more information to reserve at planter for themselves, or as a group, for next season should contact the  Bogota Community Garden at:  bogotacommunitygarden@gmail.com 
  For more gardening assistance please contact Nancy Guaman by email at  guamangarden@gmail.com 

( To help  support Bogota Blog NJ with it's coverage of Local stories & sports

 please contribute  at: donate to Bogota Blog NJ )

( To help  support Bogota Blog NJ with it's coverage of Local stories & sports

 please contribute  at: donate to Bogota Blog NJ )