Great Resources

Whether you are a new gardener, a seasoned gardener, or a native plant geek, you can benefit greatly from a membership with a local native plant society.  These groups are tremendous resources for information on regional native plants (many have online plant lists), educational events including certificate programs, landscaping and gardening conferences, garden tours, plant walks, and even native plant sales.

There are now native plant societies and related groups in all 50 states; most are state-based but some are regional or local.  A number of native plant societies have very large memberships.  The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center reports 10,000 member households throughout the U.S., as well as 38 affiliate and partner organizations.  The California Native Plant Society has 9,000 members, the Florida Native Plant Society reports 2,800 members, and New England Wild Flower Society has 2,500 members, with chapters in Massachusetts, Maine, Vermont and New Hampshire.

In my state of New York, we have The Native Plant Center, the first national affiliate of The Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Society.  I am a proud member, serve on the Steering Committee and teach there as well.  The Native Plant Center runs an educational certificate program called “Go Native U” emulating The Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center.   There are similar certificate programs in other states.

No mater what state you live in, find a local native plant society and join today!

from Kim Eierman at EcoBeneficial!