History:
My name is Sherrie and I live in the Montavilla Neighborhood in Portland, Oregon. I've been extremely concerned about the plight of bees for some time, and once I had the opportunity to own a small piece of property, I researched extensively how to make a pollinator garden in a very small space.
I connected with neighbors online, meeting in person a few times to come up with the concept (and name) Pollinator Parkways. Parking strips are visible and tend to be smaller than yards, so can be a less intimidating canvass and can create an opportunity to meet neighbors. Aggressive plants are hemmed in by sidewalks and roadways. It took hours of research and talking to experts to assemble this manual in hopes of making it an easy project in a place that's very hard to grow. In mid 2015 I got a $500 grant to buy plants, and with the help of volunteers and brave souls willing to use my designs, we created over 3,000 square feet of new habitat.
Now:
On an annual basis, thanks to the fiscal sponsorship of the City Repair Project, I apply for small grants to purchase plants, soil, and interpretive signage. I then work with homeowners to design a space that is visual to the public to act as small learning gardens as well as habitats.
For the latest information, check out my very active Facebook or Twitter pages. Joining the newsletter is a great option for those who only want a few emails a year, highlighting when applications to have your strip flipped are open, and when there are volunteer opportunities.
The Process:
Note: people drop out all the time. I am a volunteer, doing this in my spare time in addition to a full-time job. Participants need to meet me part-way. They help with digging, with filling out the forms so I can use my time most effectively to help with the hard parts!
My name is Sherrie and I live in the Montavilla Neighborhood in Portland, Oregon. I've been extremely concerned about the plight of bees for some time, and once I had the opportunity to own a small piece of property, I researched extensively how to make a pollinator garden in a very small space.
I connected with neighbors online, meeting in person a few times to come up with the concept (and name) Pollinator Parkways. Parking strips are visible and tend to be smaller than yards, so can be a less intimidating canvass and can create an opportunity to meet neighbors. Aggressive plants are hemmed in by sidewalks and roadways. It took hours of research and talking to experts to assemble this manual in hopes of making it an easy project in a place that's very hard to grow. In mid 2015 I got a $500 grant to buy plants, and with the help of volunteers and brave souls willing to use my designs, we created over 3,000 square feet of new habitat.
Now:
On an annual basis, thanks to the fiscal sponsorship of the City Repair Project, I apply for small grants to purchase plants, soil, and interpretive signage. I then work with homeowners to design a space that is visual to the public to act as small learning gardens as well as habitats.
For the latest information, check out my very active Facebook or Twitter pages. Joining the newsletter is a great option for those who only want a few emails a year, highlighting when applications to have your strip flipped are open, and when there are volunteer opportunities.
The Process:
Note: people drop out all the time. I am a volunteer, doing this in my spare time in addition to a full-time job. Participants need to meet me part-way. They help with digging, with filling out the forms so I can use my time most effectively to help with the hard parts!
- In late summer / early fall, I will announce that people can apply to have help for their strip. Due to limited funds (and time), I can only take so many people.
- I ask for follow-up surveys where you measure your strip and study the manual to decide which types of plants you like.
- I make appointments to come out and view your space, talk to you about the design, or help you if you've designed something yourself.
- I create a to-scale design for you, so when plants arrive you know right where they go!
- I recruit volunteers to help with sheet mulching or digging up sod (usually in November, once rains have come to soften the ground)
- I order plants that are native and not treated with pesticides, doing my best to match them to your order
- You pick up plants (and a sign!) at my home, which are organized to match your design.
- You plant them, care for them, and promise to chat with curious neighbors about your habitat, keeping the site free of chemicals.
