From Fear of Bees to Flower Power: How Louise's Passion for Sustainability is Cultivating Community in Surprising Ways

Louise first came to Gould Farm in 2021 for a 7-week fieldwork placement after divinity school. Like many others, she found herself drawn back to this unique therapeutic community for a longer stint. Now, as a staff member on the residential team, Louise has brought her passion for native plants and sustainability to the Farm, enriching the community and landscape in myriad ways.
"I was totally terrified of bees as a child, but now I spend a lot of time around flowers enjoying the bees’ activity, just as much as I admire the more dramatic hummingbirds," Louise shares. Her journey into native planting began at a church retreat years ago focused on earth care, where a breakout session on native plants captured her interest. "It was a new concept to me and I was taken in by it. It took me some years to build up steam on the topic, but I never forgot and began to pay more attention to what to plant. Sustainability always held significance for me in being a good steward."

The impulse for planting native plants at the Farm came from Louise's efforts to convert much of her former property in Pennsylvania to native plantings. Upon returning to Gould Farm a year ago, she took time to observe and plan for native plantings on the Farm. This vision became a reality through a grant opportunity through Berkshire Conservation District and Berkshire Agricultural Ventures, via support from Theresa on the garden team and various members of Campus Crew, including Duke and Rick, as well as Louise's own resources and dedication.
"We revived an old herb garden behind Main House with native plants," she explains. "I had to study about the plants, how much light and moisture they need to thrive, and provide a planting plan for the grant proposal."
Berkshire Conservation District provides grants for up to $1,000 for native plant and pollinator initiatives through their Berkshire County Pollinator and Native Plant Initiative. According to their website, "With the increasing loss of habitat, use of pesticides and introduction of non-native species of plants, pollinators are in decline in the US. Pollinators provide a vital ecosystem service by transferring pollen between plants to facilitate reproduction, making them responsible for 1/3 of the bites of food eaten by humans each day."
Louise's work on pollinator beds around campus highlights the importance of native plants to an ecosystem. Native plants that are indigenous to the New England region before colonization and deforestation have evolved symbiotic relationships with local insects and animals, setting down links in a strong ecosystem. Planting and caring for native plants helps to strengthen a local ecosystem in surprising ways. Louise notes. "Insects are the basis of our visible food chain. When I drive past huge lawns, I think: what a waste! This expanse of grass is feeding nothing and supporting nothing!"Â
Louise's passion for learning extends beyond just planting. She has begun exploring the relationship between plants and insects, understanding how native plants support local wildlife, and involving the community in these efforts. "Birds rely on larvae for food, so if there are more native plants attracting insects and their larvae, there is more food for birds, and a healthier bird population."
Learning about native plants and pollinators can change how you look at the world. Much like the Farm Team here jokes that they are grass farmers and not dairy farmers because, without healthy soil and grass, we would not have healthy cows or nutritious dairy products, flower gardening can be seen as building an insect nursery. The more native relationships we can cultivate between plants and pollinators, the healthier the whole chain of life will be.
The practical benefits of native plants are also significant. They tend to be hardy, low maintenance, and tolerant of local weather conditions. "In addition to the intentionally planted native plants, we let the wildflowers that grow here naturally also take root and flower in the beds. They can be more wild looking but also just as beautiful and welcome in the design."
This work is not only about plants and insects; it reflects Louise's personal journey. "A garden, like a person, is a process that takes a long time and a lot of patience to develop, waiting for the shape and color to emerge. Working with these garden beds is reflective of my own deep work: possibilities, hope, nurturing, believing that something beautiful will come from my efforts to grow. It’s incredibly satisfying to see these plants flowering and feeding the ecosystem."
Louise's return to Gould Farm and her contributions to the community's sustainability efforts highlight a broader theme at the Farm. Everyone who comes to Gould Farm – staff, guest, and volunteer – has the opportunity to share their unique gifts and talents, enriching the community in countless ways.
In the end, the story of Louise and her pollinator native plantings is a testament to the transformative reality of Gould Farm. It's a place where people not only find connection but also discover and cultivate latent or new abilities to contribute meaningfully to the world around them. The Farm community thrives when individuals courageously contribute their talents and interests. At the end of our interview, a guest walked over, and Louise excitedly pointed out a hummingbird moth to the guest (pictured above), admiring its maneuvers as it sucked nectar from one of her favorite pollinator plants, the Monarda Fistulosa – a full-circle moment of connection and sharing joy.
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