This is an interactive lecture course presented from an artistic and amateur scientific point of view designed to appeal to all levels of nature, butterfly, and gardening enthusiasts. Students will learn what steps to take to create a pollinator-friendly landscape and, upon installation of those gardens, should be able to qualify for certification as monarch butterfly way stations or Rogue Valley pollinator-friendly gardens. Discussions will include habitat, soils, basic design, growing plants from seed, and best plants for sustained bloom. Other topics of interest to Rogue Valley residents such as lawn reduction, removal, or replacement, as well as irrigation and plant selection for water conservation, are emphasized. This presentation is fast-paced and packed with images, many from McKenzie’s camera. No textbook is required. The basic principles discussed can be used in small spaces such as flowerpots on balconies, small raised beds, community spaces, or other planting alternatives.
NOTE: New for winter term will be a class on attracting and sustaining native and migratory hummingbirds. Outside classroom activities are optional, including at-home soil tests and garden design observing solar aspects and compass points.