Events Calendar

Explore the ecological and aesthetic advantages of hedges and hedgerows in our upcoming Wild Ones national webinar, “The Beauty and Benefits of Hedgerows” with Heather McCargo, founder of Wild Seed Project.

Native hedgerows are diverse plantings of woody plants from shrubs to small trees along with herbaceous groundcovers at their base.  Learn how these low-maintenance and sustainable plantings of shrubs, trees, and groundcovers can enhance biodiversity, provide critical habitats for wildlife, and contribute to climate resilience. Discover practical tips for designing and implementing hedgerows in various landscapes, from farms to urban settings, and understand their role in supporting pollinators, birds, and soil health. 

 You will also learn about Heather McCargo and the Wild Seed Project's latest collaboration with Wild Ones on the new Native Garden Design for Portland, ME. Don't miss this opportunity to gain insights from a leading expert in native plant restoration and take your landscaping skills to the next level. 

Landscapes in Progress events were designed as a way for our members to learn more about native plant gardening from the experiences of other members. Like all of our gardens, these gardens are “in progress.” They do not have to be perfect, although there are always some really amazing and beautiful things to see. We have found that these garden visits are a great way to learn about a variety of native plants and the conditions in which they thrive. 

Join members of the Tennessee Valley Chapter of Wild Ones for a tour of two of our members' gardens. One is on Missionary Ridge and the other in East Ridge.

You will receive directions and parking details in a follow-up email.

Southeastern Grasslands Institute ecologist/botanist Zach Irick will lead an educational tour of the native savanna and creekside scour grasslands. We'll view nearly every genus of the aster family in their prime. Come explore with us for a view of native grasses,fall wildflowers, shrubs and trees of the WMA which is bordered by two scenic waterways �" the Obed Wild and Scenic River and its tributary, Daddy's Creek. You'll also hear bobwhite, see migratory birds, numerous butterfly and native bee species and will come away with ideas for savanna and prairie plantings, rock garden and rain garden designs, natural growth patterns, as well as identification of many native plants that are often available for the landscape.

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Caring for your garden as it grows and changes over time is the best part! In this class we will discuss basics of sustainable landscape care like optimizing maintenance activities for wildlife support, and reducing air and water pollution. There are key differences between managing a native plant garden and a conventional landscape, so let's get into it.

For this class, meet in the parking area between the recycling center and the Community Fitness Center. 

Free and Open to the Public

Fall �" and the best time to plant many of our natives �" is just around the corner. And so the Tennessee Valley Wild Ones Fall Plant Sale! 

During the sale, we'll also be honoring our newest members, along with the recent Certificate in Native Plants graduates who've worked hard to complete their coursework and volunteer hours.

So SAVE THE DATE and make plans to join us. More details are coming soon!

Join botanist/ecologist Gary Kauffman for a hands-on native grasses workshop highlighting grass identification and grassland communities. We'll learn to use a Southern Appalachian grasses key derived from Weakley's Flora of the Southeastern U.S. and other identification tools, look at samples of common native grasses, and learn a bit about grassland communities and the wildlife they support. You should come away from the workshop able to use the key to Poaceae (grasses) groups and genera, recognize a dozen common grasses by sight, and have ample resources to hone your grass skills.

This is an ELECTIVE class for the Certificate in Native Plants. You do not need to be working toward the Certificate in Native Plants to register for this class.

$40 for Wild Ones members, $50 for non-members

Information will be posted soon.

Landscapes in Progress events were designed as a way for our members to learn more about native plant gardening from the experiences of other members. Like all of our gardens, these gardens are "in progress." They do not have to be perfect, although there are always some really amazing and beautiful things to see! We have found that these garden visits are a great way to learn about a variety of native plants and the conditions in which they thrive. 

Join members of the Tennessee Valley Chapter of Wild Ones for a tour of two of our members' gardens. One is In Tunnel Hill GA, and the other in Rocky Face GA. You will receive directions and parking details in a follow-up email the week of the event.

Learn how to use high-density plantings that replicate natural ecosystems in aesthetically pleasing designs, enhancing ecological functions while reducing maintenance efforts in our upcoming Wild One’s national webinar, “Matrix Landscape Design” with author, landscape designer, activist, and educator Benjamin Vogt.

Matrix planting is a landscape design approach that mimics natural ecosystems by closely planting and layering compatible perennials and grasses to cover the soil, provide more ecosystem services, and eliminate the need for wood mulch or aggressive weeding.  Join Wild Ones for a webinar to learn how author, educator, and landscape designer Benjamin Vogt applies this approach to create stunning native gardens. Learn the principles behind this method, its ecological benefits, and practical steps to implement matrix planting in your own garden. 

You will also learn about Benjamin’s latest collaboration with Wild Ones on the new Native Garden Design for Lincoln, NE. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain insights from a leading voice in natural garden design and take your gardening skills to the next level. Register now to secure your spot! 

The Ochs Gateway Trail is just one of many interconnected trails along the northwest side of Lookout Mountain. Stephan Eselgroth, MD will lead this hike and the exploration of the bluffs and woodland habitat to Jackson Spring via the Jackson Gap Trail. Consisting of mostly sandstone, there will be a great number of huge rock outcrops, cliffs, a few seeps, and a creek/falls like spring fed from Jackson Lake just above. We should be surrounded by fall colors amongst the native trees and shrubs as we explore this trail and its vistas.

TBA

Annual Member Meeting.
Details will be posted soon.

Holiday Social Gathering.
Details will be posted soon.
Save the date!

Learn about the Wild Ones San Diego Chapter's newest demonstration garden funded in part by Monarch Joint Venture and U.S. Forest Service International Programs. You'll also hear from landscape designer Jeanine Sharkey about this newest San Diego native garden design. 

More details and registration coming soon. 

Learn about the Wild Ones Capital Region NY Chapter's newest demonstration garden, funded partly by Monarch Joint Venture and U.S. Forest Service International Programs. You'll also hear from landscape designer Kate Brittenham about this newest Albany NY native garden design. 

More details and registration coming soon

Details coming soon! 

Details coming soon! 

Details coming soon!