Bee Friendly Williamstown
Series of educational events to learn with a Master Garden to discover how to help our local community support and protect bees, butterflies & our vital pollinators.
What’s The Buzz POLLINATOR SERIES 2
Learn how to prepare pollinators for the winter with Diane Van Kempen, Master Gardener
Tips to prepare a pollinator-friendly garden for the winter
Guidance on what to do to prepare an area for the next year’s new garden
Education on removing obstacles
Hands-on personal how to with expert Master Gardener
Event Details:
Date: Saturday, September 28th, 2024
Time: 2 PM - 3 PM
Event located at Wild Oats Market, 320 Main St, Williamstown, MA 01267
A Blooming Success: Bee Friendly Williamstown’s Master Gardener Event at Wild Oats Market
On a sunny Saturday afternoon (May 18, 2024), Wild Oats Market buzzed with excitement as Diane Van Kempen, a knowledgeable Master Gardener, shared her insights with our community with the first What’s The Buzz POLLINATOR SERIES 1 event. The Bee Friendly Williamstown group organized this enriching event at the Co-op, and we’re thrilled to express our gratitude.
Native Plants and Beyond
Diane’s engaging discussion covered a wide range of topics. She delved into native specialty plants specific to our area, helping us understand what’s invasive and what’s not. Her tips on controlling invasive plants were invaluable, ensuring that our gardens thrive without harming local ecosystems.
Nurturing Our Pollinators
Local pollinators took center stage during Diane’s presentation. She emphasized their vital role in our ecosystem and shared practical ways to support them. From creating pollinator-friendly habitats to understanding their needs, attendees left with a newfound appreciation for these essential creatures.
From Cardboard to Blooms
Diane’s advice on starting a beginner 4x8 garden using cardboard was a hit. Who knew that simple materials like cardboard could kickstart a lush garden, after using the cardboard to kill the underlying grass and weeds? (It takes 6-8 weeks, and kills the underlying plants by stopping photosynthesis.) Her step-by-step guidance inspired many to try their hand at gardening, even if they were beginners.
Beyond the Garden: Practical Tips
The event wasn’t just about plants. Attendees learned about Irish Spring soap tips (yes, it has uses beyond the shower!), tick prevention strategies, and maintaining garden neatness. Diane’s expertise extended beyond soil and petals, making this event a holistic experience.
Companion Planting
All discovered how to incorporate plants for maximum growth with insights on companion planting and some edible flowers too —pairing compatible plants for mutual benefit—left everyone eager to experiment in their own gardens.
Unlocking Soil pH Secrets
Soil pH might sound technical, but Diane made it accessible. She shared practical ways to test and adjust soil acidity, ensuring our plants thrive. Her recommendations for reliable websites and books further empowered attendees to deepen their gardening knowledge.
Supporting Bee Friendly Williamstown
If you’re inspired by Diane’s expertise and want to contribute, consider donating to Bee Friendly Williamstown. Reach out to Williamstown Town Hall or join their Wednesday gatherings at the Spruces from 3-5pm. Look for the lions on Main Street in Williamstown, MA, and be part of this blooming movement.
In summary, Diane Van Kempen’s Master Gardener event was a delightful blend of knowledge, passion, and practical tips. Let’s extend our heartfelt thanks to Bee Friendly Williamstown for nurturing our love for gardening and pollinators. Together, we’ll create a more vibrant and bee-friendly community.
To learn more about Bee Friendly, click here to visit their website
Diane will return to the Co-op in September for the next event:
What’s The Buzz POLLINATOR SERIES 1
Learn how to create a Pollinator-Friendly Pocket Garden with Diane Van Kempen, Master Gardener
Hands-on how-to’s with an expert Master Gardener!
Garden designs that support bees, butterflies, and more.
Practical tips to create a welcoming habitat for pollinators at home.
Tips on removing obstacles so pollinators can thrive.
How each bloom contributes to preserving bees, butterflies and pollinators.
Event Details:
Date: Saturday, May 18th, 2024
Time: 2 PM - 3 PM
Event located at Wild Oats Market, 320 Main St, Williamstown, MA 01267
About Wild Oats Market
Wild Oats Market is a socially responsible co-op market that has been serving the Northern Berkshire County community for over four decades. As a collectively Member-Owned store, we have become the go-to destination for local, organic, specialty, bulk, and sustainable food options. Whether you’re passionate about social responsibility, environmental stewardship, fair trade practices, healthy eating, or supporting locally produced food, Wild Oats Market has something for everyone.
Here’s what you need to know about us:
Ownership: More than 1700 community members collectively own this co-op.
Location: Find us at 320 Main St, Williamstown, MA.
Hours of Operation: Store is open daily from 8 am to 8 pm.
Shopping Experience: Everyone is welcome to shop at Wild Oats Market. Whether you’re browsing the aisles, enjoying a meal in the café, enjoying our outside seating area or looking for ways to save, this co-op is your community hub.
Ways to Save: Check out our weekly deals and explore ways to save on fresh, organic, and local option on our Ways-to-Save page (click here).
Community Engagement: We actively support local non-profit organizations through programs like Every Penny Counts (click here) (formerly Round Up for Change) .
Environmental Commitment: We prioritize environmental stewardship by promoting local and fair-trade food production, renewable energy, composting, and recyclable packaging.
So, if you’re in Williamstown, make sure to visit us, where good food and community come together!
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