Saturday, May 31, 9 am – noon

The Dawson County Woman’s Club is inviting everyone to their Fourth Annual Native Pollinator Garden Tour in Dawsonville and Dawson County.  Small gardens or “Pollinator Spots” and larger home gardens display native perennials visited by honey bees, native bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, bats and other pollinators.  Each site has information and tips on the best native plants to grow including milkweed for Monarchs.

The small Pollinator Spots include the Dawson County Farmers’ Market, in front of Dawson County City Hall, The Bowen Center, in front of and on the side of Dawson County Library and

Main Street Park near the pickle ball courts.

The six large gardens with amazing displays of native perennials include Rock Creek Park (at the entrance by the tennis courts), Butterfly Oasis at the Etowah River and Hwy 9, (Rotary Garden),

Edie Chodora garden (127 Harbour Ridge Dr),

Georgann Schmalz garden (152 Willow Oak Lane) Nancy Rentz garden (596 Grizzle Rd) and

Elizabeth Anne Dalton garden (155 Scenic Overlook).

Why are pollinators important? Our butterflies, honey bees, native bees, beetles, wasps, bumblebees, hummingbirds and even bats are all crucial to the production of over 150 fruits, vegetables and nuts. Without these insects, we would have a much smaller supply and variety of fruits and vegetables, if any at all.  However, pollinators are in peril due to habitat loss, misuse of pesticides, diseases, and climate change, and invasive non-native plants.

Why are native plants the best for pollinators? Plants that are native to our ecosystem

are adapted to our soil, drought tolerant and require low maintenance.  They are also less susceptible to diseases and provide the best nectar and flower structures, therefore,

support a greater variety and number of insect pollinators.  

While it is recommended, but not totally required, that you rip out all of your non-native plants, just add some natives to your existing gardens and encourage your neighbors to do the same. If you, and even just a few of your neighbors, dedicate parts of your gardens and backyards to bees and butterflies, we would have important, if not life-saving, feeding and nesting sites for our pollinators.

The DCWC mission is to inspire and educate our community about our priceless pollinators and
how to protect and help them. Experts will answer all your questions about pollinator gardening and provide written information to get you started. Free flowers and seeds are available (while they last).

Home visits and consulting is also available provided by the

Dawson County Woman’s Club members.

This event is free.