Whether you’re a homeowner with a small plot or a landscaper with a suite of clients, using native plants will elevate your home, landscape, and business. Gain access to trailblazing experts with more than 60 years of combined experience. You will learn the entire process from start to finish!

CLASS 1 The What and Why of Native Plants (January 28th 6-8pm): This opening class explores why native plants are essential to the health of our local ecosystems—and why they’re the heartbeat of a thriving landscape. We’ll connect the dots between native plants, insects, pollinators, birds, and the broader food web. We’ll also learn how to uncover the clues to choosing the right plants for your site and introduce the major species native to the Midwest region. You’ll receive an exhaustive list of plants and their traits. This session sets the stage for the hands-on tools and deeper dives offered in the upcoming classes.

**CLASS 2 Introduction to Naturalistic Landscape Design (February 25th 6-8pm): Thoughtful design can create a stunning aesthetic and an outdoor space that feels good, functions well, and provides crucial habitat. This class will illustrate how an ecological design is drawn, from an auditor base map to site analysis to a shapes and planting plan. We’ll also cover how to design a biodiverse native garden using the matrix planting method. You’ll learn how this approach, inspired by natural plant communities, can create a resilient, low-maintenance, and ecologically rich garden. We’ll explore the roles of different plant types—from the “matrix” of groundcovers to “drifters” and “structural plants”—and how to select species that thrive in your local conditions.

CLASS 3 Implementation and Maintenance (March 25th 6-8pm): In this final class, we get our hands dirty—creating a game plan for executing concepts from the previous 2 sessions, resulting in a garden you can live in and enjoy. From sod removal and mulching strategies to pruning and the Chelsea chop, you’ll learn the secrets to keeping it looking beautiful season after season, year after year. We’ll also cover “landscape math”—just how much gravel or mulch will you need and how many plants will fill your space? You’ll leave this class with a detailed schedule for planting and maintenance, a pruning guide, and a handout detailing how to calculate your material quantities.

With an incredible breadth of experience, our instructors come from every facet of the trade—plant propagation, design, installation, maintenance, harvest. Together, they have the inside knowledge on both the plants and growing conditions specific to our region that will ensure you come away with the exact information you need to be successful.

• Amy Dutt, co-owner of Scioto Gardens and owner of Urban Wild Design
• Michael Keeler, founder and principal of Ohio Native Concepts 
• Patty Shipley, founder and owner of Leaves for Wildlife
• Tisa Watts, founder and owner of the Columbus Garden School

All classes will take place at Olentangy River Brewing Co. (303 Green Meadows Dr., S. Lewis Center, OH 43035). Serving coffee and a variety of beers, 1 free drink is included with each class. Drink tickets will be distributed at the venue day-of. Food truck usually on site as well.

$35/class (or $90 if you sign up for all 3). 

Space limited—sign up now! Advance registration required.