Asheville, NC – The Asheville Botanical Garden will host a workshop titled “Pollinator-Friendly Pest Management” on Monday, August 12. This educational event is part of the Asheville Botanical Garden’s Certified Pollinator Advocate series and will be led by Brannen Basham.
Due to ongoing renovations at the Butler Room within the Asheville Botanical Garden Visitors Center, the workshop will take place at a new venue: the AmeriHealth Caritas North Carolina facility, located at 216 Asheland Ave., Asheville, NC. The session will run from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
In the realm of pest control, the adage “sometimes the cure can seem worse than the disease” holds true, especially concerning pesticides targeted at insects, fungi, and invasive weeds. This workshop aims to guide participants in identifying true pests and employing management strategies that minimize harm to pollinators. According to Basham, distinguishing between pests and beneficial pollinators like wasps can be complex, as these insects play crucial roles in natural pest management. The workshop will emphasize the importance of biodiversity in supporting gardening efforts.
Brannen Basham, along with his wife Jill Jacobs, co-owns Spriggly’s Beescaping, a business dedicated to nature education and habitat restoration in Western North Carolina. Basham’s extensive background includes horticulture and landscape design, with formative experiences at renowned gardens such as Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, PA, and the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC. He is a frequent speaker on topics related to pollinators, contributing regularly to events like the Organic Grower’s School, Cullowhee Native Plant Conference, and WNC Gardening Symposium. His written work spans local, regional, and national publications, and he has authored two books: “A Guide to the Wonderful World Around Us,” a collection of nature articles, and a children’s book titled “Finding Home: A Story of a Mason Bee,” co-authored with his wife. Additionally, they offer an online course series titled Gardening for the Planet, featuring comprehensive content on beneficial wildlife and sustainable gardening practices.
Beyond education, Spriggly’s is involved in creating educational signage and interactive exhibits that promote conservation awareness. Their habitat restoration services cater to residential, commercial, and municipal clients, focusing on designing and implementing spaces that support local pollinators and wildlife. Notable installations include public pollinator gardens at Frog Level Brewing in Waynesville, NC, and 7 Clans Brewing in Asheville, as well as a rain and pollinator garden at the Haywood County Arts Council.
The workshop registration fee is $25, with Asheville Botanical Garden members eligible for a 25% discount. Interested participants can register online at https://ashevillebotanicalgardens.square.site/classes.
