Events

Enjoy a tour of these  eye-catching and exuberant gardens which include multiple types of vines on arbors, stone walls, sculptures, and other attractive landscaping elements. Most of the gardens are sun gardens with trees and shrubs added for habitat value and design interest.  Over the last four years, the homeowner has transformed her long-established traditional gardens to almost entirely native gardens. Lawn is now used for wide paths which lead visitors from one garden area to another. This yard is a favorite with WOMV visitors and changes every year.  RSVP to [email protected] for exact address.

If you were not able to make the tour of this property on July 10th, you have another opportunity. Come and visit the beautifully kept and expansive native gardens on this Sherrill property. Over the last 3 ½ years, what was a typical grass backyard has been transformed into almost entirely native gardens with mown paths between. The well-designed gardens vary from vibrant full-sun flower areas, a three-year-old screening hedge of serviceberries, fothergilla, clethra and more, a thriving garden under a Norway maple and a Norway spruce, and a new 90ft hedgerow designed for privacy and for bird habitat. In addition, various groundcovers, or living mulch, can be seen in the different beds, as well as several types of fencing and cages. The garden is a lovely example of a yard designed to create a healthy ecosystem while also pleasing people with a taste for more traditional gardens. A great opportunity to view a variety of plant combinations and come away with ideas for your own gardens. RSVP to [email protected] for exact address.

Native plants are the foundation of habitat, but wildlife need more than food to thrive. Join ecologist and Certified Wildlife Biologist Shaun McCoshum, PhD, to explore how nesting sites, shelter, water, soil conditions, and other often-overlooked resources can transform a yard into a functioning ecosystem that supports biodiversity year-round.

Registration link coming soon.

This property has both four-year old established native pollinator gardens and a larger area in its early stages. All of the gardens are attractively designed,  and visitors will be able to see a wide variety of native flowers flourishing .  The homeowner began using native plants four years ago and now has three established sun gardens, as well as an established shade garden.  The owner has also spent the past four years eradicating two invasive species, Japanese knotweed and mugwort, from the back end of his property.  This year, he has planted that area with a small native plant meadow, several new gardens, a small hedgerow,  a small natural pond, and a grape arbor. The new area is not beautiful yet, but should be interesting for those with questions about garden design, natural ponds, and invasive species.  RSVP to [email protected] for exact address.

What does it really take to turn a conventional lawn into a thriving native meadow? Join Owner & Principal, New Directions in the American Landscape (NDAL), Sara Weaner Cooper for a candid look at her family's ongoing lawn-to-meadow transformation featured in The New York Times and BBC. Drawing from three years of hands-on experience, Sara will share the methods, lessons learned, successes, and challenges of converting turfgrass into a dynamic native plant community. Participants will gain practical insights into site preparation, planting, management, and the ecological principles that guide successful meadow establishment, along with realistic expectations for how these landscapes evolve over time.

Registration link coming soon.

Bats are among the most important and misunderstood wildlife in our communities. Join experts from Bat Conservation International to explore how native plants, healthy insect populations, and thoughtful landscape design can help support bats. Learn about the ecological role of bats and discover practical ways to create habitat for North America's night flyers right in your own backyard.

Registration link coming soon.

Monarch butterflies depend on a network of habitats stretching across North America, and home landscapes can play an important role in their survival. Join experts from Monarch Joint Venture to explore the science behind monarch conservation, including the importance of milkweed, nectar resources, and regionally appropriate habitat. Learn practical ways to support monarchs through native landscaping and help sustain one of the world's most remarkable migrations.
 

Registration link coming soon.