Native Plants Showcased at ArtSpace

The Friends of Runnymede Park dedicated a newly installed native plant garden at Herndon’s ArtSpace last Saturday evening. 

The garden was installed as part of the Native Plant Project, a non-profit group launched in 2008 by the Friends of Runnymede Park. 

A brass dedication plaque was also unveiled by Dave Swan, President of Friends of Runnymede Park.

Surrounded by a natural stone retainer wall, the garden greets visitors to and from the ArtSpace facility and showcases Herndon’s botanical heritage.

The planted flowers and shrubs are native Virginia plants and include the Black Eyed Susan, Butterfly Weed and Echinacea. 

According to Friends of Runnymede Park, native plants naturally evolve in the locale’s sun, water and climate conditions and appeal to native birds, insects and wildlife that do not recognize alien plants.  

Following the dedication ceremony, residents moved indoors to enjoy ArtSpace’s opening reception for their latest exhibit, "Sons & Daughters of the Golden Dome."  

The exhibit displays sculpture, paintings, and ceramics by three former professors from the University of Notre Dame and eight former students.