By 1812Blockhouse
The Richland Soil and Water Conservation District (Richland SWCD) is set to host a free native plant workshop on Wednesday, May 8, at 5:30 PM. This event, designed to promote the benefits of using native plants in gardening and landscaping, will take place at the Longview Center, located at 1495 W. Longview Ave., Mansfield.
Guy Denny, a retired Chief of Natural Prairies and Preserves Division for the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, will lead the session. Denny plans to share insights into the importance of native plants and engage with attendees in a question-and-answer format.
Benefits of Native Plants
The workshop aims to appeal to both novice gardeners and experienced landscapers interested in incorporating native plants into their projects. Native plants offer a range of benefits that non-native species often lack. They are adapted to Ohio’s climate and soil, reducing the need for excessive watering, fertilizers, and pesticides. Additionally, these plants play a critical role in supporting local ecosystems by providing food and habitats for insects, pollinators, and wildlife.
Key Considerations for Gardeners
Those attending the workshop will gain valuable insights into important factors to consider when choosing native plants. Topics such as selecting the right location, understanding blooming times, and attracting butterflies and bees will be covered. Native plants can enhance a garden’s aesthetic while also contributing to broader environmental sustainability.
The Native Plant Sale and Registration Information
Following the workshop, a Native Plant Sale will offer attendees the chance to purchase a variety of native plants for their own gardens. Richland SWCD encourages participants to consider native species for their landscaping needs due to their environmental benefits and low maintenance requirements.
To register for the workshop or learn more about the event and plant sale, you can visit Richland SWCD’s website, call 419-747-8688, or email [email protected].
Native Plants in Ohio
Ohio boasts nearly 1,900 native plant species, making it rich in biodiversity. Gardeners can choose from a wide range of native perennials like bee balm (Monarda didyma), black-eyed susan (Rudbeckia hirta), and blazing star (Liatris spicata), all of which are known for attracting pollinators like butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds. Additionally, native shrubs such as brambles (Rubus spp.), buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis), and bottlebrush buckeye (Aesculus parviflora) offer food, cover, and nesting sites for various wildlife species.
Incorporating native plants into gardens and landscapes is becoming easier, with many nurseries and online retailers now offering a wide selection of native species. This trend underscores the growing recognition of the value that native plants bring to both individual gardens and the broader environment.
Image by Helga Kattinger from Pixabay
