Around ChApin & irmo

Happy pollen season to you! I can hear the flowers and pine trees laughing at all the humans who are sniffling and sneezing. I only sneezed a little today. I think that is progress.

Pollen is necessary yellow dust for pollination so we can have fruits, flowers and of course, more pine trees. The study of pollen is called palynology.

If you love hummingbirds, Monday, April 1, at 6 pm at the Chapin Library, you can learn to create a hummingbird garden.The site www.hummingbirdcentral.com is for those who want to track the migration of these incredible creatures. The Lexington County Master Gardeners will share their invaluable wisdom to all who attend. Call 803-345-5479 for more information.

The Chapin Garden Club was recognized for community work at the West Sandhills District meeting in Winnsboro. This group of ladies is also a wealth of knowledge for anyone interested in gardening and flowers. Call 803-345-2890 for information.

It’s an expensive trip to Scotland and Ireland. But Midlands residents can hop in their cars and drive to Cayce to enjoy Celtic heritage, bagpipes, sheep herding, falconry, Celtic Dancing and more. Tartan Day South is April 4-7 at the Cayce Motor Speedway, 2001 Charleston Highway, Cayce. Visit www.tartandaysouth.com for the calendar of events.

I had an issue with that sneaky black rat snake that was stealing my chicken’s eggs. I learned about this species first hand when I captured him and took him to another place to hunt. Local expert Brandon Eargle will be at Saluda Shoals April 10, 10-3 pm, to teach us about our amazing local snakes.

Spring brings flowers and yard sales. The Spring Market at Seven Oaks Park on Saturday, April 6 from 8:30-2:30 pm can be a place to find treasures and sell some of your items. Crafts, paintings, handmade jewelry and more can be yours!

Saluda Shoals Park has Backyard Saturday for you to expereince nature. This event is from 1-3 pm and includes two or three planned activities.