Have you ever opened a nursery catalogue and been overwhelmed by the vast selection of species? Or been frustrated that ‘part-sun, well-drained’ explains so little about where a plant might like to grow? One of the many advantages to working with a native plant palette is that we are surrounded by opportunities to get to know these plants in context, where they grow in “remnant” ecosystems all around us. In Waltham, these remnants are largely secondary growth woodlands and wetlands— habitat that grew back after extensive clearing for agriculture in the 19th century and that was then preserved as part of large estates or institutional properties. These landscapes offer a wealth of botanical knowledge to be gleaned by the keen observer. Meredith Gallogly will lead us on a walk through remnant ecosystems in Waltham on Saturday, September 9, beginning at 10 am, and will identify the local flora (both native and non-native) that we encounter. She will also highlight the growth habits and preferred conditions of certain species, and discuss how these plants might be used in a garden setting. We will finish with a review of available resources and great tips for botanical identification, to empower you to expand your botanical knowledge.

Meredith Gallogly is the Program Coordinator at Grow Native Massachusetts. Her plant identification skills have inspired the monikers of “staff botanist” and “native plant geek.” Much of this knowledge comes from her explorations of metro-Boston area parks and reservations. She holds a B.A. in Biology from Smith College.

Grow Native members $28, nonmembers $38. Meeting place will be sent to registrants. For more information, visit http://grownativemass.org/programs/workshops, or call 781-790-8921.