Community Education Programs
The Lewes Community Garden is excited to present three free educational programs to the public on Saturdays in 2025: rewilding and native plants, invasive plants and habitat management, and how to reduce turf grass using pocket meadows. We hope you'll join us to learn from these local experts.
Details:
- Programs begin at 9:30 a.m. at the garden on Park Road between the Lewes Dog Park & the University of Delaware Lewes campus.
- Park along the road.
- Bring a chair and water, and sunscreen if it is sunny.
- Be prepared to walk a short distance on the grass down a small hill.
- Events will be cancelled in the case of heavy rain.
May 17: Rewild Delmarva with Holly Dempsey, founder of ReWild DELMARVA
Are native plants different? Why the concern about pollinators? How can we practice sustainable gardening and landscaping? Holly Fluty Dempsey, founder of ReWild DELMARVA, will lead an interactive talk to explore our past and present relationship with nature and the ecological landscape movement that is spreading rapidly in our area and across North America. ReWild DELMARVA is based at the Island Bays Garden Center and supports Homegrown National Parks, started by University of Delaware Professor Doug Tallamy.
Holly is a Delaware Master Naturalist, a Pollinator Steward with the North America Pollinator Partnership, a Delaware Tree Steward, and on the Board of Directors of the Delaware Botanic Gardens
August 16: Invasive Plants & Habitat Management with Gregg Woolston, Master Naturalist
Invasive species pose a threat to our ecosystems. Plant biodiversity is important for our well being. How can we make a difference in our own lawns & gardens by choosing landscape plants that provide an ecological function?
Gregg is a Master Naturalist and coordinates the DE Master Naturalist program at the Rehoboth Art League. He serves on the board of the Delaware Invasive Species Council and is a lead patron at the Gateway Garden for Lewes in Bloom. Gregg is a gardener at Lewes Community Garden, where he works on the Native Plant Restoration Committee.
October 18: Lose the Lawn / Pocket Meadows with Sussex Master Gardeners
Turf grass makes up more than 40 million acres in the USA, providing little value to the ecosystem. Care and management of turf grass is expensive and time consuming. Studies show that bees, birds, and other pollinators continue to decline due to loss of habitat, use of pesticides, etc. Increasing habitat using native plants is critical to stop this decline. Sussex County Master Gardeners will review and provide examples of steps homeowners can take to reduce turf grass, add beauty and interest to yards and gardens while helping the pollinators we depend upon.
Email lewescommunitygarden@gmail.com with questions and suggestions.