Tremendous thanks go to the California State Society Daughters of the American Revolution for their generous support of the Haven. At a festive lunch held at the garden on Friday, March 28, State Regent Debra Jamison presented me with a check for $15,000 to support the addition of benches, shade structures, improved wheelchair access, and additional bee habitat at the garden.
Benches: two benches have been placed in garden and are already being well-used. Additional seating will be added as space and funds permit.
Shade structures: one large structure (12 feet by 25 feet) will be located at the entrance to Grower's Grove. The structure will provide a comfortable place for tour groups to stand and interact with their docent. The structure will support numerous bee-friendly vines.
Smaller arbors will be placed over the benches to provide shady spots for sitting. Again, bee-friendly vines such as honeysuckle, wisteria, passionflower, and wild grape will ensure both shade for visitors and habitat for bees.
Wheelchair access: The Haven has always been an accessible facility, but I'm interested in ways to make it easier for all visitors to enjoy and learn. Our planter boxes are being raised to wheelchair height, 24 inches, to facilitate observation of the bees in the crops planted there.
Bee habitat: Plant nerds like me can always find room for more plants! More importantly, the greater the variety of plants we showcase means more options and inspiration for our visitors' own bee gardens. New habitats include dry shade and moist shade areas as well as updates to My Back Yard. 