Second Annual Symposium "Natural Landscaping: Getting MORE with Less"

The Tennessee Valley Chapter of the Wild Ones is holding its second annual native plant symposium "Natural Landscaping: Getting More with Less" on March 9 at Chattanooga State Community College Humanities Auditorium from 9 am to 3:30 pm with registration beginning at 8 am. The symposium will provide practical information about using native plants in the residential, public or commercial landscape to get MORE birds and butterflies, biodiversity, beauty, and a health environment with LESS watering, maintenance, lawn area, and chemicals. This program is a must for any landowner interested in sustainable landscaping practices or for anyone who appreciates wildflowers, gardening, and would like to see more birds and butterflies in their yards and gardens.

Keynoting the symposium is Tim Spira, plant ecologist, native plant gardener, hiker, and professor of botany at Clemson University where he teaches field botany, plant ecology, and the natural history of wildflowers. He's the author of the award winning book, Wildflowers and Plant Communities of the Southern Appalachian Mountains. In the symposium session of the same name, Doctor Spira will reveal the multi-layered tapestry of plant life in the Southern Appalachian Mountains by discussing representative wildflowers within the context of their natural communities, including little known features of their natural history. Particular attention will be given to wildflowers that make attractive additions to woodland wildflower gardens.

Other speakers are:

• Leon Bates “Building a Native Plant Garden: Native Trees, Shrubs and Woody Vines in the Urban Landscape”

• Andy Sessions “Adding More Beauty: Great Native Perennials for Your Garden”

• Lisa Wagner “Gardening for Nature: Promoting Biodiversity at Home”

• Cherie Cordell “Managing Invasive Exotic Plants in the Natural Landscape”

The cost for the symposium is $40 for Wild Ones members, $50 for the public if you register before March 1 or $60 at the door on the day of the program. Lunch is included in the registration fee and there will be door prizes, exhibitors and plenty of friendly people to meet. There will also be native plants available for sale, artwork and exhibitors. 5.5 Continuing Education Credits are available for this program.

The program is sponsored by the Master Gardeners of Hamilton County, the Chattanooga Association of Professional Landscapers, and the Chattanooga Arboretum and Nature Center.

For more information and to register, go to www.chattanooganatives.blogspot.com . A paper registration form is available on the attached brochure.