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Horticulture & Gardening

Attracting Beneficial Insects and Other Pollinators to the California Native Garden

Instructor
Richard Merrill
Location
Santa Barbara Botanic Garden - Library
Date
April 30, 2023
Time
3:30PM - 5:00PM
Details:

Learn more about the process of pollination and the major pollinators; beneficial insects, bees , hummingbirds, butterflies and moths from Richard Merrill, current Garden docent and Cabrillo Community College faculty emeritus. Attendees will learn how the different colors, shapes and sizes of flowers attract their specific pollinators. There will be a presentation of garden-worthy California native plants that are especially effective at attracting pollinators. We’ll finish with a discussion of the importance of home gardens in establishing local “islands of native biodiversity”. Guests will leave with the tools necessary to create or enhance their own native pollination gardens.

Although the Garden is dog-friendly, participants are asked to not bring their dog(s) to this event. If you need assistance with registration or have questions about this class, please contact the Registrar at registrations@sbbotanicgarden.org or 805-682-4726 ext. 102

Cost:

Garden Members and students: $15

General Public: $30

About Richard Merrill:

Richard Merrill iscurrently a volunteer at the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden. He received his Master’s degree in mathematics and population ecology from UCLA, and studied Ecosystem dynamics at UCSB. Richard emeritus of Cabrillo Community College where he served as the first director of the Environmental Horticultural Department and developed the idea of the “Habitat Landscape.” He has written books on sustainable agriculture, renewable energy systems, and sustainable vegetable gardening.

Rich Merrill’s presentations are enriching for all California native plant lovers. With his expertise, humor, and warmth he delivered a fresh slant on habitat gardens at his lecture on “Ecology and the Design of Habitat.” His  slides are beautiful and the accompanying anecdotes colorful. We are lucky to have Rich among us at the Garden.

Susan Spector, Garden Volunteer

Rich Merrill and I share a great enthusiasm for plants. His talks are informative and entertaining and well worth attending.

Lori Robinson, Garden Volunteer

Rich Merrill is a quintessential educator!  His presentations are lively, engaging, content-rich, and practical.

Carolyn Pidduck, Garden Volunteer

I thoroughly enjoyed Rich Merrill’s talk, not the first I’ve attended. He is so knowledgeable and enthusiastic that you learn a lot whilst having fun too. He is very engaging. I look forward to any other talks he may have lined up. He is a great addition to the Garden.

Linda Stewart

A great big thank you to Rich Merrill for his interesting, informative, and enjoyable talk on ecology, habitat, and landscapes. He presents a wide view that makes you think in new ways about your yard and garden. You will be inspired!

Janet Rogers, Santa Barbara Master Gardener

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