If you are interested in learning more about native plants, curious about their importance, and want to learn how to manage a native plant garden, this well-rounded introductory class is a great place to start. In this 3-hour session, you’ll take a deep dive into the native flora of the Midwest and gain the resources you need to start a native plant garden in your own space.
This program will cover:
- The historical and cultural significance of native plants
- The ecological benefits of native plants
- Some native plant identification and scientific classifications
- Techniques used to manage native plants in a garden.
If you’d like to learn from home, please check out the self-paced online version of this course, Introduction to Gardening with Native Plants (on demand).
This program meets in person at the Arboretum.
Instructor: Katarina Holecek, ecological horticulturist
Age: 16 and older
Course number: H185
Instructor
Katarina Holecek, ecological horticulturist
Katarina Holecek began their horticulture journey at the NC Botanical Garden, a conservation garden that sparked their interest in local flora. Shortly after graduating from UNC–Chapel Hill with their BS in environmental science, they moved to Chicago and joined the display horticulture team at The Morton Arboretum. That season, they gained interest in garden composition and followed their curiosity to Lurie Garden, where they spent two seasons honing their ecological gardening skills and knowledge. Currently, they are the lead horticulturist for a small, Chicago-based ecological garden company, Resilient Design. Katarina has always had a passion for the environment and is thrilled to be in a field where they can work hands-on in the garden and classroom to spread the joy of plants!
What to Know
This program meets indoors.
Please bring a notebook, pencil, water bottle, and a snack.
There will be a 10–15 minute break in the middle of the course session.
See Education Program Policies for information about cancellations, refunds, and scholarships.
Program Schedule
Saturday, September 19, 2026, 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Thornhill Education Center (parking lot P-21), West Side
