Author Talk: Elise Howard, "Plant This, Not That"

Come find out how easy it is to have a thriving garden using beautiful native plants!

Darien Library, along with Darien Land Trust, Darien Pollinator Pathway, Darien Green Wave, and Garden Club of Darien are excited to welcome author, Elise Howard, who will discuss her new book, Plant This, Not That: Over 200 Native Plant Swaps for a More Sustainable, Pollinator-Friendly Garden.

Thursday, September 17th at 7 p.m. in the Community Room.

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Did you know? A growing number of gardeners are exploring native plants, because—in addition to the ecological benefits—native species require less maintenance, are more likely to thrive, and are just as beautiful as the old-fashioned alternatives. Many savvy home gardeners now know that many traditional, non-native garden plants—like English ivy, barberry, and burning bush—don't support our bees, butterflies, birds, and other creatures. Native plants are more likely to thrive, because they evolved as part of the local ecology, so they often require less fussy maintenance and don’t depend on pesticides and fertilizers. But gardeners ready to make the switch may ask: Where do I begin? And how do I find the best native plants for my landscape?

The book is organized in chapters dedicated to sections of the landscape, from the base of the house (the foundation garden) to the patch of land between the sidewalk and the street; from climbing plants to specimen trees. Whether you have a patch of yard in need of attention or are ready for a full garden makeover, Elise is brimming with ideas!

Discover:

• Smart swaps for everything from boxwoods to barberries, honeysuckles to hostas
• A list of growing requirements for each plant, ecological advantages, and highly detailed regional maps, showing their native range
• Advice on where to shop for natives
• How to maintain a native garden
• The next best steps on your native garden journey, whether you are just beginning or a native plant guru.

About the Author

Elise Howard has gardened in window boxes, suburban backyards, apartment courtyards, and on the rural coastline. Her native plant journey began more than fifteen years ago, when she became a volunteer gardener in New York City’s Riverside Park. She currently gardens and lives with her family in New York City and western
Massachusetts.