When we garden, we can support biodiversity through the plants we choose.

 In this workshop presented by Master Gardener Deb Ellis, you will learn how to grow the beautiful and unusual flowers of the spring native garden and how they sustain native bees and butterflies early in the season. 

Since many of these flowers are shade lovers, they grow well under deciduous trees. 

Discover  spring ephemerals like Virginia Bluebells and Dutchman's Britches, as well as spring flowers that become groundcovers, such as Wild Bleeding Heart and Columbine.

Deb is an environmental activist who is passionate about teaching how to use native plants to promote biodiversity and heal the Earth.  She  is the founder and co-leader of the Essex County chapter of the Native Plant Society of New Jersey, a Master Gardener, has served on the Montclair Environmental Commission, and has had a Certified Backyard Habitat through the National Wildlife Federation since 2005.  A retired social justice lawyer, Deb served in leadership positions in nonprofit organizations and received several awards for public service,including being named as a Champion of Change by the Obama White House.

This lecture is open to all and will take place as a hybrid program-- both in-person and virtually on Zoom.

Registration is not required to attend the event in-person, but is required if attending virtually on Zoom. Information on how to access the event through Zoom will be emailed to registrants the day of the event. All in-person participants are required to follow all current CDC guidelines. 

It is made possible with the support of The Friends of the Livingston Public Library.