Events

Brigitte Bilodeau’s Garden Tour
Location: Canonsburg, PA
Date: Saturday July 27th
Time: 10am

Learn more and register here: https://westernpa.wildones.org/brigitte-bilodeaus-garden-tour/

From Greg: "I have been gardening with native species for over 20 years, I help and enjoy consulting with clients to achieve native plantings whether a native meadow or a wetlands/riparian area.  My inspiration for native plants/plantings comes from my love of nature, providing clients and people with the appropriate tools and techniques needed to achieve the goal of a successful native planting.  This is a memorial planting or garden in remembrance of the son of a good friend who passed away after graduating college. It is 1.5 acres in size and planted by seed with all PA native plant species.  I am a professional, and this was a collaboration of stakeholders (family members & volunteers) who got this project completed.  The seed was sourced through Ernst seeds at my recommendation.  As this was an established lawn to meadow conversion, the main challenges were proper site seed bed preparation, seeding and a good bit of in season weed maintenance.  This planting does not have any certifications but is a magnet for birds, native pollinators such as bumble bees, bees, moths, and butterflies.  This is a full sun, slightly sloped mostly dry sight located in a Catholic cemetery just outside of Freeport, PA."

From Melinda: "Our 3 Acres is an Audubon Society of Western PA Certified Backyard Habitat and a Penn State Extension Watershed Friendly Property that features nearly 100 native plant species and abuts eighteen acres of local parkland in Fox Chapel Borough.

I am a volunteer with ASWP, Tree Pittsburgh, Allegheny County Parks, and Fox Chapel Borough Parks Commission.

We purchased our property as a vacant lot in 2017 and our first challenge was to identify native species of value and invasive species to manage. We identified more than 25 non-natives and made the decision to locate and construct the house, driveway and rain garden in the center of a patch of seventeen removed Tree of Heaven. We left beautiful Oaks, Eastern White Pines, Tulip Poplars, Maples, Black Cherries and many other native species untouched."

Click here to learn more!

Read about both garden's here!

Explore how native plants can enhance biodiversity and support ecosystems in our upcoming Wild Ones national webinar, “Combating the Biodiversity Crisis with Native Plants” featuring Sarah Gray and Coralie Palmer from the Indiana Native Plant Society.

Native plants are essential for maintaining biodiversity as they provide food and shelter for a wide range of wildlife, including pollinators, birds, and beneficial insects. By incorporating native plants into your landscape, you can create a thriving ecosystem that supports local fauna and flora. These plants are well-adapted to local environmental conditions, making them more resilient to climate change and reducing the need for chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Attendees will learn how native plants can improve soil health, enhance water retention, and contribute to a more sustainable and vibrant ecosystem.

Sara and Coralie are part of the Indiana Native Plant Society (INPS) Landscaping team, and they have collaborated on diverse projects across Indiana, including native planting schemes for schools, community gardens, the Eiteljorg Museum, and the Humane Society. Their new design for Indianapolis reflects typical sub-divisions in Indiana and considers future climate challenges, such as increased flooding and hotter, drier summers. The design features resilient, native Indiana plants that thrive in local soil conditions and contribute to the ecosystem.

Don’t miss this opportunity to gain insights from leading experts in native plants! Participants will gain practical insights into native garden designs and learn how tailored landscaping can support wildlife, promote ecological balance, and help restore natural habitats. 

From the gardener: “Two years ago I started transforming my suburban Mount Lebanon yard into a habitat for wildlife with native plants. Since then I have added more than 550 native plants/shrubs/trees to my yard and taken out most of the turf grass. It is very much a work in progress.”

From the webmaster: Trina Brown of Allegheny Understory has a beautiful garden, but even more amazing is her dedication to sharing information as well as her process/progress to social media. We highly recommend you learn more about what’s she’s been up to!

Register for the tour here!

About Allegheny Understory:

https://www.facebook.com/alleghenyunderstory

https://www.instagram.com/the_allegheny_understory

Check out one of Upstream's beautiful gardens used for rain management! Register here!

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. 

Join us for our summer social! We will be celebrating the end of summer with a pot-luck style picnic. This event is for members only. Please check your email for upcoming communications about this 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! 

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!