AHS Garden School - Gardening with Native Plants

You are invited to “Gardening with Native Plants” at River Farm in Alexandria, Virginia!

Join Guest Horticulturist, Carole Ottesen, author of the Native Plant Primer: Trees, Shrubs, and Wildflowers for Natural Gardens to learn about the amazing world of native plants. Carole will share her insights gained from years of experience researching, designing, and writing about native plants. She will also be your host as you meet and get personal instruction from nationally renowned industry pros and horticultural experts.

On the first day of the Garden School, hear the history of “The New American Garden” and the inspiration for gardening with native plants. Discover native grasses with Kurt Bluemel, one of the founding fathers of the ornamental grass movement. Learn first hand from AHS Horticulturist Peggy Bowers about “The Making of a Meadow at River Farm.” After lunch, Garden School attendees will embark on a field study exploring gardens featuring native plants in the Washington, DC area. The day will conclude with a remarkable evening with author, photographer, and consultant Rick Darke as you learn about the connection of “Native Plants and Local Landscapes.”

The study of gardening with native plants will continue on the second day with exploring the plant palette, the passion for native plants, and the art of designing with native plants. Carole Ottesen will reveal the diversity of “The Native Plant Palette.” Richard Bir, noted authority on native trees and shrubs, will inspire you to new heights as he shares his expertise on “Native Trees & Shrubs for the Garden.” Rick Lewandowski, the director of Mt. Cuba Center in Greenville, Delaware, will share the passionate tradition of celebrating gardening with native plants in plant combinations and patterns inspired by nature. As the Garden School draws to a close, put the theory into practice as Darrel Morrison inspires you to design with native plants. From increasing your native plant palette to discovering how to incorporate native plants into your garden design, attendees will gain insight and inspiration for gardening with native plants.

Through a variety of presentations, demonstrations, and specially planned activities, participants will gain practical tips and techniques for mastering the effective use of native plants in the landscape. Avid garden enthusiasts and horticultural professionals alike will benefit from this inspirational and informative study of the practical application of gardening with native plants.

The AHS Garden School offers a truly unique environment for life-long learning – intimate, in-depth workshops featuring personal instruction from noted garden authorities, opportunities for practical application and hands-on experiences, and outstanding settings.