In the movie, "Field of Dreams," an Iowa corn farmer hears a voice whispering "If you build it, he will come." Apparently thinking this is the voice of his father, the farmer plows under his corn and builds a baseball field.
We are hearing a similar whisper as spring approaches. "Plant pollinator-friendly flowers and they will come."
Are you ready for spring, which begins March 19? The UC Davis Arboretum is, and has scheduled its first plant sale of the season on Saturday, March 12. It's actually Member Appreciation Plant Sale--members only--but folks can join at the door and participate in the appreciativeness.
The event takes place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Arboretum Teaching Nursery on Garrod Drive, UC Davis campus.
Arboretum officials, noting that there is "life after lawn," are encouraging area residents to create a low-water landscape "that not only looks great, but one that attracts beneficial wildlife with our incredible selection of gorgeous Arboretum All-Stars,California natives, as well as other great drought-tolerant plants."
Access the Arboretum website for more information on what's available and for the dates of the other plant sales (April 2, April 23 and May 14).
Life is good, but it's better when you can create a field of dreams in your own yard. Just add honey bees. And bumble bees. And butterflies. And other pollinators.
Plant 'em and they will come.
Attached Images:
A honey bee forages on a ceanothus (California lilac) in the UC Davis Arboretum. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)
A honey bee takes a liking to white flowering quince in the White Garden, UC Davis Arboretum. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)
The UC Davis Arboretum Teaching Nursery will be the site of a Member Appreciation Sale on Saturday, March 12. Prospective members can join at the door. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)