Get Excited for Spring with The Pollinators Project at The Barn

In the dead of winter, gardeners are planning for spring. Whether contemplating a spectacle of color in the landscape that will run from early spring to late fall or how to increase that tomato crop, the science of pollination is critical. The goal of The Pollinators Project is to bring awareness and answers to the gardeners and farmers that feed us. One season can make a difference.

The celebration begins with a themed exhibition in the gallery at The Barn that opens to the public Friday, February 20, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Each accepted piece will focus on gardens, pollinators or blossoms. Cash awards will be given in three categories: 2-D, 3-D and photographic art. Gallery hours continue daily from noon to 3 p.m., except Wednesdays, through March 3.

A host of speakers will share simple steps to make any garden a haven for native pollinators. The speaker list includes Jennifer Smith, naturalist and garden designer with Wimberg Landscaping who will give valuable tips on garden design as she shares “Demystifying Matrix Gardening.” Handouts and downloads of information focused on “Butterflies — more than beauty” will be shared by local naturalist Steve Culver. Learn about hive maintenance from Chris Alvarado of Hive Noon.

Make-and-take workshops will include activities for adults and kids. Work with natural dyes, block print your own designs or create felted or beaded flowers. More programs will be announced with registration information online at thebarninmariemont.org. 

On Saturday, March 1, The Garden Market returns, sponsored by Denny McKeown’s Bloomin’ Garden Center. This free event is a mix of vendors selling items to adorn your garden such as mosaic flowerpots and lawn ornaments, and items that bring the beauty of the garden indoors like miniature gardens, pottery, pressed flower art, soap made with natural ingredients and local honey. Information tables from local garden resources are happy to discuss garden design by Wimberg Landscaping, tips to succeed with herbs from the Herb Society of Greater Cincinnati and hive maintenance by Hive Noon. This event runs from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. and is free to the public. This year, a free seed swap will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in which all are welcome to participate.

For additional information, contact The Barn: 513-272-3700 or go to thebarninmariemont.org.