Since the project to convert the existing landscape to a Pollinator Garden began in 2019, the Santolina, Brake-Light Agave and occasional Crepe Myrtles have been supplemented with Greggs Mistflower, Datura, Salvias, Bluebonnets and other native wildflowers as well as plants donated from the community such as Milkweed, Lantana, Plumbago, Cannas, Cosmos, Marigolds, and more. Staff and volunteers are focusing on including as many native plants in the Pollinator Garden as possible to ensure that native flora is represented but are accompanying these plants with adaptive plants that are of equal value as host plants or nectar plants to support the newly returned wildlife. Since the evolution of the pollinator gardens began, more than 1,400 square feet of traditional landscaping has been overhauled to be stunning and functional pollinator gardens.
This project is only possible through the consistent work of local volunteers. Volunteers from Ranch House Recovery, a men’s drug and alcohol rehabilitation center, host a workday every other month to weed, plant, disperse seeds and prune as necessary. Church group youth volunteers come assist in planting and weeding, along with the LDS Missionaries every few weeks. Local volunteers commit hours every week to water wildflower seedlings and refill birdbaths and insect watering stations. Members of the community who are unable to contribute time to the project donate bug and bee houses, bird baths and other amenities to support the Pollinator Garden.