Sandy Seed Library - August 2024 News

What I've Been Reading: Bringing Nature Home: How You Can Sustain Wildlife with Native Plants by Douglas W. Tallamy

I have been interested in the movement to start incorporating native plants into suburban landscapes and this book brought a lot of interesting information to my attention. I feel challenged to get more comfortable with having bugs around and gardening for insect diversity.

Insects often help break down organic matter which is good for our soil. The predatory insects keep the pest insects under control. They provide food for birds, amphibians, and other wild life. And, with this in mind, not all food is found in nectar for the insects, which is why the push for native plants because it is the foliage of the natives that a lot of the insect population eats. A great example of this is milkweed for butterflies. Monarch Butterflies can eat the nectar from many flowers, but the caterpillars can only eat the leaves of the milkweed.

What I've Been Reading x 2: The Naturescaping Workbook: A Step-by-Step Guide for Bringing Nature to Your Backyard by Beth O'Donnell Young

What naturescaping does: preserves natural resources, promotes biodiversity, reduces pollution, and enhances livability.

This book really walks you through a start to finish when it comes to planning out native landscape design that accommodates your needs as the homeowner while taking into consideration the natural life around you.

Upcoming Events

Composting with Garden Debris and Worm Bins Our long awaited composting class is here! Learn the two common methods of composting at home with Master Recycler, Kris LaMar. When: Thursday, August 15th at 6pm Where: The Sandy Library Community Room Bee City Action Group Meeting Due some unforeseen circumstances, the July meeting was canceled and is now in August! Want to get involved with the pollinator conservation efforts in Sandy? Join us at the Community and Senior Center to talk about various pollinators and what outreach activities we can plan for the Fall!  When: Tuesday, August 13th at 5:30pm Where: Sandy Community Center (38348 Pioneer Blvd, Sandy)