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 June 4, 2026 6:30pm
Nature and Art Presented by Laura Mentor
Laura is a local artist with who focuses on telling stories in glass. For more than 25 years she has created stained glass installations in public libraries and hospitals which tell stories of community life, history, and species specific to a place. Laura uses her art to communicate that we are part of the tapestry of life of a place. Laura will show us her work and demonstrate the power of art, the ability of beauty to interrupt thought patterns and to reflect back to us our place in the world.
Stained glass on display at New Haven KY library
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!
Thursday July 9, 2026 6:00pm
Annual Picnic
Arboretum, State Botanical Garden of Kentucky
500 Alumni Drive, Lexington KY 40503
You do not have to be a Wild Ones member to participate
More info to come about the picnic and on the presentation and guided tour that will be available for your enjoyment.
Looking to buy native plants, hire a landscape service? Please see the Community tab.
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