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 October when no meeting is scheduled. 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.
Volunteer for Wild Ones Board Positions for 2027 through 2028
Wild Ones Lexington is looking for members who are willing to share their time and talents with us serving in an officer position or working with the board for 2027-2028. You don’t need to be an expert—just someone who enjoys native gardening, fellowship, and being part of Wild Ones. Click for more info.
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.
Saturday September 12, 2026 3:00 to 7:00pm
1st Annual Pawpaw Party Festival at Ironweed Nursery
Ironweed Nursery 400 Waddy Rd in Waddy KY 40076
$10 to park
Event cancelled if rain
Ironweed will present a Pawpaw Party Festival with workshops Natural History of the Pawpaw by Wysor Ecological Services, Native Plants & Rules & Ordinances by Beargrass Thunder, Food Forests by Clover Systems, Green Real Estate with Erin Hoagland of 85W group.
Other offerings: pawpaw ice cream, pawpaw baked goods, pawpaw fruit, pawpaw trees, Pawpaw Ale8, Brenneman & Bucks Farm & their food truck Farmcut Kitchen, textiles, native plant jellies, barn quilts, and more, plus musicians!
If you haven’t tasted a pawpaw, now is your chance!
October 9 -18, 2026
Tree Week Lexington
A community event with support from Wild Ones
No Wild Ones meeting is scheduled for October
Celebrate the trees throughout Lexington with friends and neighbors to grow a healthier community. Enjoy the trees and green spaces throughout our area by participating in tree plantings, walks, tours, hikes, educational programs, and more. Most of the events and programs are free and include all ages, interests, and abilities. Saturday, October 10th is the free Fall Tree Giveaway for Lexington residents for planting on private property.
It’s a celebration dedicated to enhancing and appreciating Lexington’s tree canopy, made possible by a range of groups and individuals throughout Fayette County. Tree Week Lexington is a community effort!
For a full list of events, please visit this website: https://www.lexingtonky.gov/government/departments-programs/environmental-quality-public-works/environmental-services/urban-forestry/tree-week
Thursday November 5, 2026 6:30pm
Plant Taxonomy for Gardeners: What’s in a name?
Why and how plants get their scientific names
Plant taxonomy is the branch of botany dedicated to the scientific identification, description, nomenclature, and classification of plants. It organizes the estimated 390,000 known plant species into a hierarchical system based on shared characteristics. Ann Witherington, a Lexington Wild Ones member, will explain Plant Taxonomy to us gardeners—the naming of straight species, cultivars/nativars, and hybrids. She will cover classification systems especially the ‘new’ APG system and present a fun ‘quiz’: The use and misuse of plant names!
Ann has a master’s degree from Northeastern University in botany with a major in plant taxonomy. She taught at Northeastern University for 20 years and taught biology at Asbury University for 20 years.
Looking to buy native plants, hire a landscape service? Please see the Community tab.
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