Events

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 biology at Asbury University for 20 years and designed for her students a demonstration garden in her yard labeling all her plants both latin and common names.

Planting native species is an important step toward creating habitat, but how can you tell what’s working, what’s missing, and where to focus your efforts next?

Join Wild Ones and Wildr Places for The Habitat Check-up, a free webinar exploring a practical, science-informed approach to evaluating your home landscape. Presenter Zoe Evans will introduce five key areas to consider when assessing habitat and share how thoughtful observations can help guide your next steps.

Whether you’re just getting started with native plants or have been gardening for years, this webinar will help you look at your landscape through a new lens.

Enjoy conversation, laughter, and food with our fellow members! Bring whatever favorite dish or desert you want to share, Wild Ones will supply the drinks and service ware. Do not bring alcoholic drinks. Included in our meeting will be a seed swap and a game of trivial pursuit.

So what seeds do you bring to the seed swap?
Bring clean, dry seeds from your garden or yard from correctly identified, KY native, straight-species plants. Do not bring cultivars, named varieties, or non-native plants. Include the scientific name whenever possible. Growing information can be added later. Start collecting, cleaning, and drying now so your seeds are ready to share.

Preferred option: Labeled packets
Label packets with the common and scientific names, light and soil preferences, bloom time, flower color, and any required germination treatment, such as cold stratification or scarification.

Alternative option: Bulk seeds
Bring larger quantities of cleaned, dried, identified native seed in a container. We’ll provide envelopes and supplies for participants to make and label their own packets at the swap.

Nothing to contribute? No problem—you can still plan to leave with plenty of seeds, especially since Wild Ones will be donating seeds for everyone to take home.

No yard required. Learn how native plants can turn patios, balconies, containers, and other small spaces into meaningful habitat for pollinators and other wildlife. This practical panel will cover plant selection, container design, seasonal care, and realistic ways to support biodiversity in limited spaces.

Registration link coming soon.

Birds depend on healthy, connected habitats for food, shelter, nesting, and migration support. Join experts from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology to explore how native plants and thoughtful landscape choices can support birdlife at home. Learn how gardens, yards, and community spaces can provide the insects, seeds, berries, cover, and habitat structure birds need throughout the year.

Registration link coming soon. 

Monarch butterflies depend on a network of habitats stretching across North America, and home landscapes can play an important role in their survival. Join experts from Monarch Joint Venture to explore the science behind monarch conservation, including the importance of milkweed, nectar resources, and regionally appropriate habitat. Learn practical ways to support monarchs through native landscaping and help sustain one of the world's most remarkable migrations.
 

Registration link coming soon.