In 2021, MGEVs in Dougherty County took on the project of giving new life to a public garden space within a popular park and zoo area in Albany, Georgia. Five years later, these volunteers are proud to share a garden that is thriving with pollinator and native plantings. It has a certificate from the State Botanical Garden’s Connect to Protect Program and is recognized by the Georgia Native Plant Society as an education garden.
Master Gardeners continue to work hard to in the Chehaw Native Plants and Pollinator Garden, installing new, native azalea plantings during a recent work day along with other new plants. While working, MGEVs noticed evidence of a pest on a mature Button Bush, and collected a sample that was taken to the Extension office where the agent identified it. Said agent, Vivek Bist, UGA Extension, Dougherty County, works closely with Master Gardeners and supports their commitment to providing a beautiful garden space for visitors to relax, learn about native plants, and observe pollinators. He provides an article explaining this project’s history on the Dougherty ANR blog.
MGEVs meet regularly for work days, maintain reports of observations, activities, and plant successes, and share photos of what’s blooming each month. They continue to dedicate many hours of volunteer service to this demonstration garden enjoyed by visitors of the Chehaw Park and Zoo. They describe spending time together in nature improving and caring for these gardens as having endless benefits. Their dedication and continued efforts shines a light on the immense value volunteerism in the garden setting has on both the individual and communities.
