Learn to fill your garden with native plants

Would you like to plant more native plants in your garden but feel like you don't have a clue? Don't native plant gardens just look messy? No! Using native plants in your garden can be just as beautiful as other choices and bring greater ecological benefits.

Find out how at "Taking the Mystery Out of Using Native Plants in Your Garden" from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 8, at Glacial Park, Route 31 and Harts Road, Ringwood. Preregistration required by Tuesday, Nov. 4.

Green and brown thumbs alike - if you are someone who wants to get started with native plants but has been hesitant, this workshop with instructor Trish Beckjord, RLA Sales Consultant and Market Development with Midwest Groundcovers in St. Charles, will help you learn what the "right" native plants are for your yard, where to plant, and what combinations work well together and with what you already have.

Learn about a selection of native plants that are well-behaved in the home garden. Also receive design ideas for how to use native plants around your own home. An afternoon planning session will allow time to "ask the expert" about your personal design ideas for your own garden space. Bring a lunch and something to drink.

"Taking the Mystery Out of Using Native Plants in Your Garden" is part of McHenry County Conservation District's "People and Nature" programs. The programs are designed to serve the homeowner, volunteer steward, nature educator, or lover of the outdoors, and cover topics on ecological restoration and landscaping with nature.

It is designed for adults and interested students 14 years and older. Cost is $40 for county residents and $45 for nonresidents. Register online at MCCDistrict.org; drop off at Glacial Park Lost Valley Visitor Center, Route 31, Harts Road, Ringwood; or drop in or mail in to Prairieview Education Center, 2112 Behan Road, Crystal Lake.