This week we’ll focus on garden design and the practical aspects of incorporating native plants into the garden or landscape. Author, instructor and garden designer Debra Knapke will deliver our Friday webinar: “Native Plants in My Garden? Absolutely!”
Debra is an expert horticulturist and the author of several Ohio-specific books on plant material. She is also involved in many community projects in Central Ohio, including the native plantings at the Governor’s Mansion, the Franklin County OSU Extension office at OSU’s Waterman Farm, and Chadwick Arboretum. She understands the tension between great garden plants and what the industry can grow and market, and believes native plants can be included in most any landscape.
This week’s journal prompts will focus on your garden. How would you describe your gardening style? How can you use native plants to enhance your garden spaces? Which plants are on your “wish list” this year?
Last week, our Tending Nature study group here in Ohio invited Livia Raulinaitis to a zoom meetup to discuss native plants for specialist bees, with a focus on Ohio. Livia just relocated from Ohio where she worked in plant conservation with the Dawes Arboretum to a position in Maine with The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation. I’ve posted the video here for you to enjoy.
It’s hard to believe we’ve reached Week 6 of Tending Nature! All readings, materials and recordings will be accessible indefinitely on this website as well as on YouTube. Feel free to share resources and recordings with others.
I welcome your input, comments and suggestions. Thanks for all you do to help spread the word about the importance of Native Plants and Every Gardener’s Role in Fostering Biodiversity!
I hope to see you in March as we launch the Bumble Bee Short Course for Community Scientists.
~Denise