The Northview Buckeye Garden Club, which has partnered with the Columbus Park of Roses Foundation since 1997, was recently notified of receiving the Garden Club of Ohio’s award for civic conservation with native plants.

This award recognizes efforts to restore the two large ornamental beds of native plants on the west side of the shelterhouse. Over time, some species had disappeared, and those remaining looked weedy and unloved. The beds have been renovated with a diversity of straight- species, native pollinator plants. The objectives of this collaboration were three-fold:   
1. Create colorful, vibrant spaces that welcome visitors as they approach,
2. Encourage and support pollinators with host and nectar plants, as well as a habitat, and
3. Demonstrate how native plants can fit well in every garden.

Much appreciation to: project leaders Shelagh Baker and Rita Brown; Karen Martens, who provided Ohio native plant expertise; the CPRD garden supervisor for technical direction; volunteers and the garden assistant for planting and maintenance; and the CPOR Foundation for funding; in bringing this visible — and environmentally valuable —project to fruition.

There are diagrams and plant lists for the renovated beds of native plants just west of the shelterhouse in the kiosks. These can serve as a guide as you watch the plants grow and bloom over the season. They can also give you ideas for creating your own pollinator garden of Ohio native plants.