This fall, Wild Ones Western New York hosted two well-attended community programs at the Julia Boyer Reinstein Library in Depew—each offering hands-on, practical guidance for creating ecologically rich, intentional landscapes. With 30–40 attendees at each session, these events highlighted the region’s growing enthusiasm for native plant gardening.
How to Create a Native Garden Your Neighbors Will Enjoy and Appreciate
September 25, 2025
Native gardens can challenge traditional expectations of what a yard “should” look like. This session, led by Wild Ones WNY board members Ken Parker and Devon Southall, explored how to create native landscapes that are both ecologically beneficial and neighbor-friendly.
Cues to Care: Showing Stewardship in a Wild Garden
Devon shared examples from her own garden to demonstrate how native plantings can sometimes appear “messy” without thoughtful design choices. She showed how small but intentional “Cues to Care” can signal stewardship and intention.
Ken provided a valuable list of native plant species that remain 1–3 feet tall—ideal choices for gardeners seeking structure, visibility, and a tidy appearance.
Cues to Care Examples Discussed
- Defined edging
- Mulched borders
- Clearly marked pathways
- Thoughtful pruning
- Structural layering
- Simple, unobtrusive signage
Ask the Native Plant Experts Panel
October 23, 2025
Wild Ones WNY returned to the Julia Boyer Reinstein Library for a lively public Q&A panel featuring:
- Kathleen Contrino, CW Native Plant Farm
- Catherine LaMantia, Primeval Forest
- Ken Parker, Masterson’s Garden Center
- Moderator: Dannielle Larrabee, Wild Ones WNY Communications Chair
Top Community Questions
Attendees asked practical questions on topics including:
- How to begin a native garden
- Recommended top ten native plants
- Effective invasive species removal
- Managing wildlife in native landscapes
One of the strongest takeaways from the panel was the importance of understanding your site first—including sunlight, soil type, moisture, and existing vegetation—before selecting plants.
Seeds, Conversation, and Community
After the discussion, many attendees stayed to continue conversations with the experts. Catherine also shared a generous supply of native seeds, allowing participants to bring home the start of future plantings.
Growing Community Through Native Plants
These fall programs showcased the collaborative, educational spirit of Wild Ones WNY. Thank you to everyone who attended, asked questions, shared experiences, and continues to support native plant gardening across Western New York. Stay tuned for more events and resources throughout the year.