On the west side of the Horticulture Building a 60 by 10 foot garden was developed with many native plants, trees and shrubs. The garden was developed to provide a nurturing environment for native pollinators. The pollinator garden was cultivated, enriched and planted by club members under the direction of members of the South Schuylkill Garden Club. The South Schuylkill Garden Club supplied many of the plants found within the garden. Funding for the garden were provided through grants from many sources with a significant contribution made from the Schuylkill Area Community Foundation who is celebrating their 50 year of service to the community.
So why would a 4-H livestock club develop a pollinator garden you ask? The 4-H’ers understand the need for pollinators to assist in the supply for the food we all enjoy. The members of the livestock club understand that alfalfa which is a grass that almost all of their animals need to eat as part of a healthy diet. Alfalfa would not exist without pollinators. The need for pollinators is so great in other parts of the country that Bee Colonies are moved across the country from field to field to pollinate alfalfa. Enhancing an environment for natural pollinators in our area just makes sense. It is a hope that after seeing the garden that people go home and develop gardens in their own yards big or small that promote natural pollinators.
Inspirations for the Pollinator Garden came from June Leiby. June loved flowers. She shared her love for flowers with others. She was the driving force behind the Lewistown Valley Garden Club. The club members of the Lewistown Valley have been exhibiting floral exhibits at the Fair for many, many years. June’s passing in 2016 left a void in the garden club community. It is with a sad heart that a tree will be dedicated in her honor. The tree is a fountain Beech.
The Blue Mt. 4-H Livestock Club is grateful to the South Schuylkill Garden Club for the direction and plants. The club would also like to thank the Schuylkill Area Community Foundation for the financial commitment that made this project possible. Also, thank you to Pine Creek Country Garden Center for landscaping materials and advice. Of course none of this would not have happened if Jane Kruse of the South Schuylkill Garden Club and Kim Morgan our 4-H leader had not skillfully planned out the project.
For more information about the Schuylkill County Fair visit the fair’s web site at www.schuykillfair.com. Schuylkill County Fair is where the country scene make blue ribbon dreams come true.