Peace, Love and Pollinators (Weston Nurseries)

In this short but essential first episode, host Trevor Smith introduces himself and shares the inspiration behind Peace, Love & Pollinators. Get a sneak peek at what’s to come—expert guests, actionable tips, and deep dives into the connections between plants, people, and the planet. 

In this episode of Peace, Love, and Pollinators, host Trevor Smith sits down with landscape designer, educator, and native plant advocate Cheryl Salatino. With over 20 years of experience and a passion for purposeful, ecologically sound design, Cheryl has helped shape the Native Plant Pollinator Guidelines, providing essential insights into creating sustainable landscapes.

Together, Trevor and Cheryl explore the steps to designing a thriving pollinator garden, from plant selection to habitat creation, and how to transform any outdoor space into a sanctuary for bees, butterflies, and other essential pollinators. Cheryl shares her expertise on why being present in the garden is key to understanding and supporting the natural world.

Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting your journey into pollinator-friendly landscaping, this episode is packed with practical advice, inspiration, and a deep appreciation for the beauty and function of native plants.

You don’t need acres of land to make a difference for pollinators! In this episode, Trevor sits down with Karen Dooley, a Tufts graduate and urban bee expert, to talk about the simple, impactful ways you can support pollinators right where you are—whether that’s a balcony, backyard, or city sidewalk. Karen studied sweat bee behavior and monarchs, utilizing small native plantings, proving that even the tiniest green spaces can have a huge impact on pollinator populations.

Karen Dooley is an ecologist and entomologist who grew up in northern California and moved to the East Coast to attend Tufts University, where she pursued a degree in biology. At Tufts, Karen discovered a passion for ecological research and joined Dr. Elizabeth Crone's lab, focusing on studying insect pollinators. She continued her studies with a Master of Science in biology at Tufts and is now navigating the post-graduate world as she decides which direction to take her interests.


📌 Resources & Links:
📧 Join our email blast with weekly garden advice: https://www.westonnurseries.com/join-our-mailing-list/ 

More info from Tufts Pollinator Initiative: https://sites.tufts.edu/pollinators/

WestonFarmtoDoor.com - use code POLLEN8 for 10% off your first order 

🌿 Connect with us: 
🔗 Website: WestonNurseries.com
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/westonnurseries
📘 Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/WestonNurseries

In this episode, Trevor Smith and Monique Bosch delve into the world of composting, discussing its significance, various methods, and the importance of soil health. Monique shares her journey into composting and soil health, emphasizing the connection between nature and gardening. They explore different composting techniques, the ideal compost recipe, common mistakes gardeners make, and how to effectively apply compost. The discussion also touches on the rise of food scrap composting services and the challenges posed by jumping worms. Throughout the conversation, Monique provides valuable insights and practical tips for both novice and experienced gardeners looking to enhance their composting practices.


Takeaways

- Composting improves soil's physical, chemical, and biological properties.
-Soil health is crucial for healthy plants and ecosystems.
-Diversity in compost ingredients leads to better results.
-Composting requires active management, not a set-it-and-forget-it approach.
-Understanding carbon-nitrogen ratios is essential for effective composting.
-Common mistakes include neglecting moisture levels and improper ingredient ratios.
-Food scrap composting services are a growing solution to food waste.
-Applying compost should be based on soil tests and organic matter levels.
-Jumping worms can disrupt compost and soil health; management strategies are needed.
-Experimentation and adjustment are key to successful composting.