Announcement

OPA partners with Garden Club for pollinator garden project

Wednesday, November 13, 2024

(Nov. 13, 2024) The Ocean Pines Garden Club (OPGC) and Ocean Pines Association (OPA) are collaborating to create pollinator garden beds on Ocean Parkway medians, marking a major community initiative to support local wildlife and beautify the area.

Initiated in the summer of 2024 under the leadership of General Manager John Viola, the project took shape thanks to strong partnerships with the Ocean Pines Public Works Department, University of Maryland Extension, Assateague Coastal Bays, Lower Shore Land Trust, and Bluebird Farms.

The effort began with a call to action for native plants that could withstand Ocean Pines’ challenging climate without regular watering. Native plants were selected not only for their resilience to the region’s heat, humidity, and drought but also for their ability to attract pollinators critical to local ecosystems.

An enthusiastic response from community members included recommendations from University of Maryland Extension Agent Ginny Rosencranz, who advised planting “plugs” this fall for better establishment and growth.

Through the coordinated efforts of Senior Public Works Director Eddie Wells and the Public Works team, the initial garden sites were cleared, prepared, and marked with signs. A selection team of OPGC members identified three locations for these gardens at North Gate, South Gate, and across from Pintail Park. The sites were chosen for maximum visibility and potential ecological benefit.

Planting plans, developed in collaboration with Master Gardener Sandy Gaffigan and Bluebird Farms’ Nancie Corbett, were crafted to provide vibrant displays across three seasons. Each garden bed will feature an edging of grape hyacinths for a striking spring border, surrounded by groupings of switchgrass and little bluestem grass at the center. These grasses will be accompanied by native perennials, including beardtongue, blue false indigo, and Bradbury beebalm in the spring; butterfly weed, black-eyed Susan, purple coneflower, and threadleaf coreopsis in summer; and smooth aster, sweet goldenrod, and blue mistflower to complete the display in the fall.

The OPGC will begin planting hyacinths and grasses this fall, with plug installations planned for March.

Signage at each site encourages residents to “please BEE patient” as the garden beds establish. Barring any major weather setbacks, the gardens should start blooming by May 2025.

This initiative offers multiple community benefits: reduced mowing needs, new pollen sources for local pollinators, and an aesthetically pleasing experience for Ocean Pines residents and visitors. The project exemplifies the community’s commitment to environmental stewardship and partnership.

Ocean Pines Association thanks OPGC members, the Public Works team, and Nancie Corbett of Bluebird Farms for their contributions and dedication to the project’s success.

Announcement

OPA partners with Garden Club for pollinator garden project

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