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The Gold Park Pollinator Demonstration Garden in Hillsborough was created in 2014 to beautify a weed-covered bioretention area and provide visitors a place to observe and learn about native pollinators.
In the beginning
Summer 2023
What makes a good pollinator garden?
Plants in this garden provide food and homes for pollinators their larval stages, such as butterfly eggs and caterpillars. They were chosen for the following qualities:
- They are loved by bees, butterflies or other pollinators for nectar or as host plants.
- They are seasonally balanced to provide interest in spring, summer and autumn.
- They are balanced with respect to colors and heights.
Plants that continue to thrive at this location have staying power:
- They tolerate drought and occasional flooding.
- They tolerate full sun.
- They do not need fertilizer other than compost/mulch.
- They are not labor intensive to maintain.
garden creation
The Master GardenerSM volunteers of Orange County partnered with Boy Scout Troop 821 to clear the area, truck in topsoil and mulch to enrich the soil for perennial herbaceous plants and shrubs.
bee hotel
In 2016, Hillsborough became the 35th city to be named a Bee City USA. Dedicated in November 2017, the bee hotel provides a home for the 90 species of bees native to the area, many of which live solitary lives and seek a safe, tunnel-like dwelling to lay eggs and care for their young.
volunteers welcome
Master Gardener and community volunteers maintain the garden and add plants as needed. You can volunteer to help or to donate plants for the garden by contacting us at:
919 · 245 · 2061
ocmgardeners@gmail.com
