Pollinators

One day this week I had the great pleasure of visiting the 4.5 acre yard and gardens of Kruger and Shannon du Plessis. They have named their acreage Stoic Sages and they do have many different types of sages abundantly planted throughout. Shannon, a Hays County Master Naturalist, macro photographer, and winner of many awards for her photographs of pollinators is a person dedicated to preserving pollinators. She is planning to offer three-hour immersive mac ro-photography and pollinator workshops dedicated to increasing awareness of, as well as appreciation and protection of pollinators.

Thanks to the work of pollinators such as birds, bats, bees, butterflies, beetles and other small invertebrates that pollinate plants, we enjoy one out of every three bites of food we eat. Shannon and Kruger have worked diligently to plant flowers, shrubs and trees to achieve their goal of attracting pollinators. These plants are primarily native ones. When I visited them, bees and other pollinators were busily swarming over blooms, doing their job.

Their acreage has remained almost completely in its original state with the exception of the plants mentioned above. For the most part, however, the original native trees, shrubs, grasses and yes, what many of us call “weeds” still abound and Shannon’s workshop will teach you the names and benefits of the abundant variety of vegetation as well as resident pollinators while showing you how to capture all with your camera.

Unfortunately, for now, the workshops are on hold because of the coronavirus pandemic. If you wish to learn more about Shannon’s work and see some of her splendid photographs, check out her website at www.shannon.photos.

Please also be alert for future announcements of her projected plans.

Written by Martha Knies