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.
Our 2026 Garden Grant Winners
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’s winners are: Jason Thompson, Christie McBride, and Ryan Vicini. Thank you for taking the initiative to plan and plant natives in your yard that benefit our pollinators.
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 + Meet the New Director of the Arboretum
Arboretum, State Botanical Garden of Kentucky
500 Alumni Drive, Lexington KY 40503
You do not have to be a Wild Ones member to participate
Join us at our annual picnic in July! Bring a dish to share and your chair. Drinks such as water and soda and service tableware will be provided. You can bring your own favorite drinks, but remember, no alcohol is permitted at the Arboretum.
Our presenter will be the new director of the Arboretum, Michael Wall. He begins his role as director on June 1st. Wall brings more than 15 years of leadership experience spanning research institutions, museums, and nonprofit organizations, with a career focused on connecting science, education, and public engagement. Wall recently served as executive director of the Balsam Mountain Trust in North Carolina, where he led conservation, education, and strategic planning efforts for a regional nature center. Wall holds a Ph.D. in entomology from the University of Connecticut, along with bachelor’s and master’s degrees in botany from Auburn University. Let’s welcome him to Kentucky!
Thursday August 6, 2026 6:30pm
Plants and Fungi are chemical factories: Why do they do this? What do they produce? How does it help them and us?
Rob Paratley leads a fascinating discussion over the chemical actions of plants and fungi, describing how they protect themselves to enhance survival and how they benefit themselves and us. He will give a summary of herbal actions on what medicinal plants do to restore our balance and health.
Rob was a professor at the University of Kentucky for a number of years where he taught plant related courses such as Plant Taxonomy (classification of plants), Dendrology (the study of trees), Winter Dendrology, and Economic Botany. He also led a summer study abroad program to Costa Rica for 10 years teaching tropical ecology and related environmental issues for students studying Natural Resources.
Rob has been recognized for his teaching excellence and in 2018 received the UK Alumni Association’s Great Teacher Award. Rob loves teaching and is active in the programs offered through the Arboretum, Floracliff Nature Sanctuary, Lexington Tree Week, and other venues.
Thursday September 3, 2026 6:30pm
Entomologist Dr. Jonathan Larson on Good Bugs
From University of Kentucky Entomology Department, with his wit and passion Larson is joining us once again by diving into the world of insects to tell us about those bugs that are good in our urban landscape.
Looking to buy native plants, hire a landscape service? Please see the Community tab.
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