Members at the First Church of Samuel are working together to repair the earth and promote responsible stewardship through fostering natural spaces for pollinators in Tulsa, OK. This project is comprised entirely from donations of time and resources by members of the church and provides opportunities to engage with nature and with the community in our endeavors for spiritual healing as individuals and as a collective.

Small but has alot of life.

The Urban Roost Farm, made possible by Lithic Roots in Tulsa, OK, is a thriving half-acre oasis blending regenerative agriculture and hugelkultur with native plants to support local pollinators. This residential lot is a medicinal and culinary herb farm dedicated to sustainability and biodiversity, creating a haven for monarchs and other native species.

Barefoot Garden is a shining example of how a typical suburban front yard in Bethany, Oklahoma can be transformed into a thriving pollinator paradise. Nestled amongst the houses and manicured lawns, it stands out as a beacon of biodiversity and community engagement.
Here’s what makes it special:
* A Suburban Oasis: Unlike large, rural gardens, Barefoot Garden demonstrates how even a small space in a suburban setting can make a significant impact on pollinator conservation. It’s a model for Bethany residents, showing them how to integrate native plants and sustainable practices into their own yards.
* Oklahoma Native Focus: The garden showcases a variety of native Oklahoma plants, specifically chosen to attract and support local butterflies and other pollinators. This includes milkweed varieties like Antelope Horns and Butterfly Weed, crucial for monarch butterflies that pass through Oklahoma during their migrations.
* Adapting to Bethany’s Climate: Barefoot Garden thrives in Bethany’s climate, with plants that can withstand hot summers and occasional dry spells. This water-wise approach not only benefits pollinators but also conserves precious resources.
* Community Connection: Barefoot Garden fosters a sense of community in Bethany. Neighbors are invited to participate in planting days, educational workshops, and seed swaps. The garden becomes a gathering place where people can connect with nature and with each other.
* Education in Action: Barefoot Garden is a living laboratory where visitors can learn about the importance of pollinators, the role of native plants, and the benefits of sustainable gardening practices. It inspires residents to take action and create their own pollinator-friendly spaces in their Bethany yards.
By showcasing the beauty and ecological value of native plants in a typical Bethany setting, Barefoot Garden is making a real difference for pollinators and the community. It’s a testament to the power of small-scale actions to create positive change.

Two-tiered raised flower bed along our back fence, approximately 45′ long x 6′ deep. We have four 2’x2’x8′ raised rectangular beds (bottomless containers) along the back fence, and in front of those is a row of three 1’x2’x8′ oblong raised beds (also bottomless containers). We have filled the beds with Oklahoma Native Plants (95% are true native with only a few hybrids and others). Included are two plants each of three different species of milkweed: butterfly, purple and whorled.

I planted a 2000 square ft. monarch sanctuary garden including milkweed in the backyard in February. They are now attracting what I believe are monarch caterpillars. I just took a picture of my first one. No pesticides or herbicides are used in the backyard.

We have worked hard to add monarch and other pollinator friendly plants to our home garden. Such as 3 types of milkweed, black night butterfly bush, coreopsis, purple cone flower, indian blanket, zebrina mallow, yarrow, thistle, purple passion flower, vervain, and goldenrod. Along with pollinator houses and water stations.

Pollinator garden in rural Ada, Oklahoma