Green Thumb Project: Native vs Invasive Plants

6:30-7 p.m. Sign-in, information booths open 
7:00-8:00 p.m. Bill McKnight's presentation

It's wise to consider using native plants in our gardens; but not all are attractive, easy to grow or friendly with others. Bill McKnight (aka the Mad Botanist) will discuss the benefits of including native plants in our gardens, and he'll help the audience identify aggressive plants called "invasives."

When you leave, you'll have resources to identify and nurture native plants. You'll also know how to avoid the problem of invasive plants and how best to eradicate them once introduced.

Additionally, McKnight will dispel some of the myths and half-truths regarding native and exotic species, helping amateur gardeners build a more beautiful and less troublesome landscape. A Q&A period follows.

McKnight is an author, book publisher and former museum curator and biology instructor who lives among a nearly three-acre spread of gardens in northeast Indy. He has extensive experience with edible, ornamental, native and invasive plants.  His website (https://www.themadbotanist.com/) features a monthly blog. On Saturdays, during the growing season, he can be found assisting at Soules Garden in Greenwood.

Refreshments from the Hancock County Master Gardeners Assn. and door prizes provided by the Hancock County Soil and Water Conservation District are included.

This "Green Thumb Project" is an initiative of the Hancock County Master Gardeners, whose mission is, in part, encouraging more people to discover fulfillment in gardening.