Last year, in the Gifford Garden, we installed two more display cases in the Information Center. In one of these new cases, we now feature some of the various projects that have been completed by students of our Introduction to Ecology class. Many different topics, covered by the students last year, were posted throughout the summer. Acid rain, plant pollinators, insect ecology, butterflies and soil science are just a few to mention.

We have added information, provided by Janet Leete, on gardening with native plants. A handout will be available containing suitable landscape sites and appropriate plant material, pertinent books and publications, and also some internet resources.

In the spring, wander out near the picnic area in the Gifford Garden and visit the native bed that Janet designed and planted. There are many wonderful plants that can be incorporated into your own landscape. If you should choose to use some natives in your garden, make sure these plants are purchased from a reputable nursery. They should all be "nursery propagated". Plants that are "nursery grown" may have been unethically collected from the wild, transplanted and then grown on in containers. This is detrimental to the colonies of wild flowers that exist in nature. So please be sure the plants you purchase are propagated and grown by their suppliers. If you have ever walked in the woods and come upon a stand of wild flowers in full bloom, you realize just how precious these plants really are. Why would anyone want to disturb them?

Other new postings in the Information Center will include a month by month gardening calendar, an overall map showing the numerous beds in the Gifford Garden and photographs of plant material that is being highlighted due to outstanding characteristics such as flowers, fruit, fall color and winter interest. These plants will be labeled and easily found on the map and in the garden. With help from our volunteers, these exhibits will be changed on a regular basis.

When the weather gets warm and the garden comes to life, come for a visit. Don't forget to stop at the Information Center and glance at all the new exhibits.