Nash County Arboretum

In celebration of National Pollinator Week, Nash County Extension Master Gardener volunteers will host the fourth annual Pollinator Symposium, “From Backyard to Biodiversity,” on Saturday, June 27, from 9:00 a.m. until noon at the Nash County Arboretum.
Dr. Annabel Renwick, curator of the Blomquist Garden of Native Plants at Duke Gardens in Durham, will share lessons learned from a backyard wildlife garden she designed to evaluate native plants for their ecological benefits and garden performance. She will discuss how thoughtful garden design can attract and support pollinators, birds, and other wildlife.

In addition to the presentations, you will have the opportunity to visit with native plant vendors and local beekeepers. Refreshments and door prizes will also be provided.
The symposium is designed for gardeners, nature enthusiasts, and anyone interested in making a positive impact on the environment, whether you have acres of land or a small backyard.
To register, visit: go.ncsu.edu/ncapollinatorsymposium.

🎉 Big News at the Nash County Arboretum! 🎉

Did you notice survey stakes around the Arboretum this winter and spring?

Did you spot earth movers and heavy equipment a few weeks ago?

Have you seen a new structure beginning to take shape?

We're excited to share what has been happening behind the scenes!

Through a collaborative effort between the Extension Master Gardener Volunteers, Nash County Arboretum, Nash County Soil and Water Conservation District, and Nash County staff, a grant proposal was submitted to the North Carolina To***co Trust Fund Commission for an educational pavilion.

The result? A grant award of $102,000 and construction of a long-awaited outdoor classroom that is now underway!

The new 20' x 44' education pavilion will provide a dedicated space for agricultural and environmental education programs. It will support workshops, demonstrations, hands-on learning experiences, and community events led by Nash County Cooperative Extension and the Nash County Soil and Water Conservation District.

We are excited about the opportunities this new facility will create for our community and grateful to the many individuals and organizations whose hard work helped bring this project from vision to reality.

Stay tuned for updates as construction continues!

Last week, Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Renee Winstead shared her expertise on creating beautiful container gardens during our monthly garden tour. As steward of the Terrace Garden, Renee has years of experience designing and maintaining eye-catching containers and offered several helpful tips for success.

🌿 Choose a container with drainage holes to prevent soggy soil and root problems.

🌿 Use a quality potting mix rather than topsoil or garden soil. Potting mix is lightweight and provides the air and drainage plants need to thrive.

🌿 Check plant tags for hardiness zones and sunlight requirements. Nash County is in Zone 8a, and zones help determine whether perennial plants can survive our winters and return year after year.

🌿 When combining plants in a container, select varieties with similar sunlight and water needs.

🌿 Follow the classic design principle of “thriller, filler, and spiller.” The thriller adds height and drama, the fillers provide fullness, and the spillers cascade over the edge of the container for a finished look. Before planting each plant, loosen roots that are compacted.

🌿 During the heat of summer, containers often need daily watering. Removing spent blooms will encourage more flowers throughout the season.

With a little planning and care, container gardens can add color and beauty to any porch, patio, or garden space. Plant one today—and get ready for the compliments!

Celebrate National Pollinator Week with us at the 4th Annual Pollinator Symposium, From Backyard to Biodiversity, on Saturday, June 27, from 9:00 AM–Noon at the Nash County Arboretum!

Featured speaker Basil Camu, Board Certified Master Arborist and founder of Leaf & Limb, will explore how common suburban and urban landscaping practices can unintentionally harm local ecosystems. He'll share practical, real-world strategies for transforming our yards and neighborhoods into thriving habitats that support pollinators, wildlife, and healthy ecosystems.

Known for his work preserving mature trees, Camu is a published author, podcast guest, and collaborator with conservation leader Homegrown National Park Dr. Doug Tallamy. His engaging presentation will challenge the way we think about our landscapes and inspire positive change right in our own backyards.

In addition to the presentations, attendees can visit with native plant vendors and local beekeepers, enjoy refreshments, and enter for numerous door prizes.

Registration is required. Register online at: https://go.ncsu.edu/ncapollinatorsymposium

We hope you'll join us for this informative and inspiring morning!
Town of Nashville, NC Town of Nashville Parks and Recreation Explore Nash County NC State Extension Master Gardener volunteers, Durham County NC State Extension Master Gardener volunteers of Johnston County NC State Extension Master Gardener Volunteers of Wake County Wilson Botanical Gardens Explore Nash County Leaf & Limb

🐣 Join us for another fun Storytime in the Garden on Thursday, June 18, at 10:00 AM at the Nash County Arboretum!

This week’s featured book is The Good Egg, read by Nash County 4-H staff. Extension Director for Agriculture Heather Glennon shares, “We are going to learn about eggs, chickens, and how taking care of ourselves is a lot like taking care of animals on a farm.”

After the story, children will enjoy hands-on activities with real chickens and eggs while learning more about life on the farm.

This free program is designed for children in grades K–5 and is sponsored by Nash County 4-H and Extension Master Gardener℠ Volunteers.

Admission is free, but preregistration is recommended: https://go.ncsu.edu/storytime

We hope to see you there! 🐔🥚📚
Town of Nashville Parks and Recreation Town of Nashville Parks and Recreation Town of Nashville, NC Explore Nash County Nash County 4-H

On Thursday, Extension Master Gardener volunteers teamed up with Nash County 4-H once again for another Storytime in the Gardens. After listening to a book about beekeeping, children participated in a hands-on activity that demonstrated how bees pollinate flowers.

As a special treat, Marilyn Fincher, owner of Behind the Pines Farm, shared what it takes to be a beekeeper. She also brought child-sized beekeeper suits—complete with hats and gloves—for the children to try on.

Following a walk through the Pollinator Garden to look for bees and butterflies, the group visited the Arboretum’s beehives, where Marilyn explained the different parts of the hive and how bees work together to produce honey.

It was a fun and educational morning for everyone! There are still two more Storytime sessions remaining on June 18 and June 25.

Admission is free, but preregistration is recommended: go.ncsu.edu/storytime

Behind the Pines Farm Town of Nashville Parks and Recreation Town of Nashville, NC Explore Nash County

Looking for gardening inspiration? Join us tomorrow at 11:00 AM in the Terrace Garden at the Nash County Arboretum for our monthly garden tour!

As part of the program, Garden Steward Renee Winstead will share this month’s gardening tip and demonstrate how to create a beautiful container garden. Whether you have a large landscape or just a small patio, container gardening is a great way to add color and interest to your outdoor space.

We hope to see you there!
Town of Nashville, NC
Town of Nashville Parks and Recreation