This summer, we've had the privilege to hear from all sorts of experts in the Peoples' Garden at USDA, as part of the Healthy Garden Workshops series. We've learned about gardening various delicious vegetables, controlling pests, and preparing garden-grown foods. This afternoon, visitors to the USDA tents on the National Mall were treated to a really interesting presentation on pollination.
The workshop focused on the role of pollinators -- bees, flies, moths, butterflies and others -- in enabling plant reproduction and keeping our gardens healthy. After outlining the science behind plants and need for pollination, visitors were able to get a close-up look at a hive of bees and discuss the different kinds of bees we encounter in our gardens; there was also discussion on the many ways to attract pollinators.
Chef's Garden, another summer initiative here at USDA, was also back again this week. After checking out the USDA Farmers Market, visitors were able to meet with chefs from the USDA Cafeteria and taste their recipe for Summer Corn Salad -- a great use of corn, tomatoes and onions easily grown in any home garden.
Healthy Garden Workshops and Chef's Garden programs will continue throughout the summer; if you can't make it to the garden here, be sure to check out the Peoples' Garden on Twitter, or visit the Peoples' Garden web site for some of the great garden tips from the workshops.
