3 minute read
Bluethumb Landscapers Home Workshop
To emphasize topics more relevant to home landscapers, the Columbia Water Communications Team partnered with Richland County Stormwater Management once again to host the Bluethumb Landscapers Workshop on April 6, 2024.
The theme for the second workshop was “Planting with Water in Mind,” and participants and presenters were enthusiastic about putting the information they learned into practice. They are eager for more workshops like this one. The lineup of presenters was very knowledgeable and so helpful to the participants. Discussions are underway for a fall workshop to help home landscapers prepare to close down gardens that is beneficial come springtime.
Presentations
Stormwater and Rain Barrels, presented by Leslie Wilson, with Richland County Stormwater Management. Leslie provided information to help participants understand what ‘Stormwater’ really means and how a rain barrel could assist in multiple ways.
What is a rain garden? And, how you can start thinking if this is right for your landscape? presented by Lynn Derrick, Owner of Spring Pond Farm in Eastover. Owning and operating a 75-acre holistic hobby farm that grows over 70 varieties of both vegetable and fruit crops organically takes a lot of work and provides a tremendous amount of practical knowledge. Lynn is a Certified Clemson Master Gardener, Master Rain Gardener and Master Pond Manager and runs the Ask-A-Master-Gardener Program for Richland County. He explained about the constructs of the garden and gave examples of how it can improve the look of your yard or garden.
Native Plants for the Waterwise Garden, presented by Lynn Yenkey, Manager of W. Gordon Belser Arboretum (University of South Carolina arboretum). Lynn explained how using South Carolina plants could help you save water, time, and energy while helping our local birds, butterflies, and bees too.
All About SC Snakes, presented by Ari Hippensteal, Community Outreach Manager SC Wildlife Federation. Ari discussed SC snakes with an emphasis on the venomous ones, while trying to deconstruct the fearful narrative commonly associated with snakes.
The Benefits of Compost, presented by Ericka Coman, from ReSoil Compost. Ericka explained the many wonders of compost and how it can assist in growing happiness in your garden.
Watershed Champions, presented by Dr. Madilyn Fletcher, Gills Creek Watershed Association. Dr. Fletcher’s program recognizes residents in the watershed who are taking steps to improve water quality and environmental habitat in Gills Creek through actions they take in their own gardens and yards.
