Wild Ones Lexington Chapter promotes the use of native plants in private gardens and public landscapes.
Plants that are native to our region thrive here because they are adapted to our climate. They feed our local insects and sustain the higher order fauna of our region. Many native plants are stunningly beautiful and make great garden plants. In fact, gardening with natives is Nature’s way.
Wild Ones Has a New Meeting Location!
Meetings are now held at South Elkhorn Christian Church, 4343 Harrodsburg Rd, Lexington, KY 40513 unless event states otherwise. Our monthly meetings are on the first Thursday of the month, except for July which will be the second Thursday July 9th because of Independence Day. Our meetings are free to attend. From 6:30 to 7 PM is a social time with refreshments. Program starts at 7 PM. Join us!
The Garden Treasures Table at Wild Ones Meetings
Bring garden or nature-related items to the Garden Treasures table at chapter meetings. Items such as books on plants, birds, insects, butterflies, or clean pots, native plants or houseplants, seed packets, nature-themed art or crafts, and useful tools are welcome. Selected items may be taken in exchange for a cash donation to the chapter. If an item is not chosen, please take it with you when you leave.
Apply for Our 2026 Garden Grants by June 1st to Create or Expand an Existing Garden
Our Garden Grant Program encourages the planting of native plants. Grant funds can be used to create a new garden or expand an existing garden. This year we are offering 4 grants at $300 each. The application deadline is June 1, 2026. To become a recipient of this year’s grants, click to download the document Lexington Wild Ones 2026 Garden Grant Program, which tells what you need to do.
Thursday May 7, 2026 5:30pm
Annual Native Plant Exchange, Rain or Shine!
Parking Lot, South Elkhorn Christian Church, 4343 Harrodsburg Road
Entrance donation to event: $10.00/person; Cash or Check.
You do not have to be a Wild Ones member to participate.
Bring the native plants you have in your garden that you would like to swap with fellow gardeners to this fun event! Bring one or more native plants (e.g., trees, shrubs, flowering perennials, ferns, grasses). Acceptable non-natives would include naturalized plants and herbs. Bring plants in clean pots, not bags or buckets! Please pot your plants at least 2 weeks in advance for good root development.
Labels should include common name, scientific name, light needs (e.g., sun, shade, sun/pt shade), and water requirements (e.g., wet, medium, dry). Other info could include height, bloom time, color.
Wild Ones will supply 8 x 1” craft sticks at the April meeting. Avery mailing labels work well to mount on this craft stick. Sample label writing:
beardtongue, Penstemon digitalis, sun, dry/med, 3 ft, spring, white
beardtongue, Penstemon ‘Dark Towers’, sun, dry/med, 2 ft; spring, pink
Silent Auction: Each item will state its value and minimum bid. Further bids will be in $10 increments. Participants add their name and bid. Yes, you can rebid at any point. Winners must be present to claim their prize and pay the donation bid.
You are welcome to bring refreshments to this event. No alcohol allowed. See you there!
Saturday June 13, 2026 10am—4pm
Wild Ones Garden Tour, Rain or Shine!
Admission ticket donation to all gardens: $10.00 or more/person; Cash or Check.
Tickets can be purchased at each of the garden homes locations, and at Wild Ones meetings.
Open to the public. No pets. No strollers. Tour the gardens at your own risk.
PRIVATE GARDENS
Ann Witherington, 2004 Lampton Circle, Lexington 40514
Our garden wraps around the house and extends down to the South Elkhorn. Our garden’s sun and shade beds feature about 200 species of perennials, 75% native. All are botanically labeled.
Beate Popkin, 124 Idle Hour Drive, Lexington 40520
Our front and back gardens grace an older neighborhood. There are mature trees, shrubs and perennials, mostly native, interspersed with garden ornaments. Feel free to wander along the paths.
Ann Farrer, 2148 Ami Lane, Lexington 40516
My 3-acre plot features sun, shade, vegetable, prairie, woodland and orchard areas. Native plantings are 3-years old due to invasive removal. A bamboo stand was turned into a rain garden. Be willing to walk through a 25-year old work in progress.
Beth Blum Spiker, 2305 Cravat Pass, Lexington 40511
Over 5 years, we planted a sanctuary for ourselves & wildlife. Professional hardscaping came first. Plants are filling in. A historic stone wall bounds the back garden.
Debra Shockley, 128 S. Winter Street, Midway 40347
Our entire yard includes native plants in landscaping beds. There are also raised beds for vegetables, a pond and a rain garden.
PUBLIC GARDENS
Waverly Park, 4244 Southmoor Park, Lexington 40514
60-foot long all native garden with plant labels
Wellington Park, 565 Wellington Way, Lexington 40503
Wild Ones Lexington Pollinator Garden
Wild Birds Unlimited, 152 N. Locust Hill Drive, Lexington 40509
Bird and Pollinator Friendly Garden
Thank you for your support of Wild Ones Lexington Chapter!
Looking to buy native plants, hire a landscape service? Please see the Community tab.
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