North Carolina
Native Plant Society
Southern Piedmont Chapter
May - June - July 2022
NCNPS Annual Meeting-Picnic-Plant Sale/Auction
Cullowhee Native Plant Conference
In this newsletter... 2022 NCNPS Annual Meeting/Picnic
Cullowhee Native Plant Conference
Thank You Volunteers!
Reedy Creek Native Plant Seed Library
Join Us
In case you missed it... NCNPS Handouts
UNCC Native Plant Studies Classes
Sheryl Allen and Beth Davis shared their native plant knowledge with visitors at the Dozen Years of Digging Festival at Winterfield Elementary on May 14th.
It's not too late to register for the
2022 NCNPS Annual Meeting/Picnic/Plant Sale/Auction
Let's have some fun with our fellow native plant friends!
This annual event comes to the Charlotte region this year for the first time. It's a great opportunity for Southern Piedmont Chapter members to meet other folks from across the state and shop, shop, shop for native plants donated by members. Unique and special native plants will be available at the auction.
What else can you do at this event?
Take a guided hike on the Falcon Trail, part of the Catawba Lands Conservancy Carolina Thread Trail system or explore the Pfeiffer University Rain Garden
Listen to live music from "Pollen Oats" our very own botany band and visit community environmental partner tables
Enjoy air-conditioned comfort in the Knapp Gym at the Knapp Health and Fitness Center shown below. If it rains, the Knapp Gym will accommodate the plant sale and all activities.
Learn about special and unique natives from experts Larry Mellichamp and Ken Bridle, auctioneers at the Live Auction.
Knapp Health and Fitness Center, site of the annual meeting and picnic
Cullowhee Native Plant Conference
Western Carolina University
July 20-23 And then there's Cullowhee for those who want to immerse themselves in native plants. You'll meet and learn from botanists, landscape architects, commercial nursery operators, horticulturists and other experts from across the southeast. The conference is for professionals and enthusiasts alike. This year's conference is in-person or virtual.
We asked. And you answered.
Thank you Southern Piedmont Chapter Volunteers!
Spring is a busy season in the Southern Piedmont as our gardens wake up and need our attention, as we explore NC’s wildflower trails, and as we celebrate Earth Day in so many ways. Our chapter is fortunate to have many enthusiastic volunteers who have contributed their time and talent in promoting education about the native plants of North Carolina. We wish to thank:
Sara Byrd, Liz Wahls for setting up details for our spring events on the NCNPS website
Laura Domingo for teaching a class on native plants to the North Carolina Wildlife Habitat Steward Training
Beth Davis for speaking to Gaston Library
Ed Davis for speaking to the Concord Rotary Club
Sheryl Allen for participating in a Dozen Years of Digging Festival
Jennifer Lee and Judy and Romie Mizell for staffing a table at HAWK’s Matthews Earth Day event
Laura Domingo for leading the Lady Slipper hike at Reedy Creek
Beth Davis, Carol Fox, Carrie Fawcett, Hallie Walker, Libby Vagnoni for hosting garden tours in their native plant certified gardens
Amy Tipton for leading a hike at 40 Acre Rock
Spring Native Plant Garden Tours
Thanks to garden hosts Libby Vagnoni, Beth Davis, Carrie Fawcett, Carol Fox and Hallie Walker.
Matthews Earth Day Celebration
Thank you to Jennifer Lee and Romie and Judy Mizell for staffing a table at the Matthews Earth Day event in Squirrel Lake Park.
We are extremely grateful for our volunteer support. Volunteering is a wonderful opportunity to get to know fellow NCNPS members and find like minded green friends.
by Beth Davis, Volunteer Coordinator
The Native Plant Seed Library at Reedy Creek Nature Center gave away 450 seed packets this spring. It's closed for the season but will be coming back in the fall.
Start saving some of the ripe seeds from your spring garden to donate this fall.
Join Us.
Support the mission of the North Carolina Native Plant Society.
Get to know your fellow native plant enthusiasts.
Don't miss any of our members-only hikes and events.
Annual membership only $25 for individuals and $35 for families.
In case you missed it... Use the link below to watch the zoom recording of our last online meeting.
In April, Southern Piedmont Chapter members learned the history of the herbarium at the Dr.James F. Matthews Center for Biodiversity Studies.
In March, mushroom farmer Josh Partridge spoke with us about mycology fundamentals and answered questions about growing mushrooms in your own backyard.
NCNPS has four handouts to help you select native plants for your garden. They are Favorite Native Plants for the Garden, A Native Plant Color Palette for the Garden, Native Groundcovers for the Garden and Ferns. You can download a copy of these handouts at this link.
UNCC Certificate in Native Plant Studies
UNCC Botanical Gardens has new classes in its Native Plant Studies certificate program. They include basic and advanced botany, sustainable gardening, landscape design, soils and wildflower ID. Click on this link for more information and to register for classes.
