Event Information

Native Plants: The Bigger Picture How Native Plants Complete the Puzzle

Birmingham Botanical Gardenspresented by

November 4-5, 2011

2612 Lane Park Road Birmingham, AL 35223205.414.3950 www.bbgardens.org

The 2011 Central South Native Plant Conference: Native Plants – The Bigger Picture; How Native Plants Complete the

Puzzle will be held at Birmingham Botanical Gardens and is the premier wildflower conference of the Southeast. Held every 3-4 years since 1991, the conference fosters awareness, appreciation and increased usage of plants native to the Southeast. An outstanding lineup of Southeastern native plant experts is featured in a variety of lectures, breakout sessions, field trips and tours.

In addition to discussing many wonderful native plants and their related topics, this conference will focus on the numerous important roles they play in our ecosystems and how we can help keep those systems intact. We will address the interrelationships of native plants to the myriad of life forms…birds, bees, butterflies, bugs – and humans!

Birmingham Botanical Gardens is Alabama’s largest living museum with over 10,000 different plants in its living collections. The Gardens’ 67.5 acres contains over 25 unique gardens, 30+ works of original outdoor sculpture and miles of serene paths.

The Gardens features the largest public horticulture library in the U.S., conservatories, a wildflower garden, two rose gardens, the Southern Living garden, and a Japanese garden with a traditionally crafted tea house.

Education programs run year round and over 11,000 school children enjoy free science-curriculum based field trips annually. The Gardens is open daily, offering free admission to over 350,000 yearly visitors.

C en t r a l S o u t h n a t i v e P la n t C o n f e r en C e

Ho t e l Ac c o m o dAt i o n s

Rooms have been reserved for attendees who must travel.* Hampton Inn Mountain Brook2731 Highway 280 SMountain Brook, AL 35223 p205.870.7822(Ask for Central South Native Plant Conference Reservations. You can also make your reservation online at www.bbgardens.org/csnpc)

*Reserve by October 3, 2011

Registration Form pleAse print

nAme: __________________________________________ Address: ________________________________________ city: ___________________________________________ stAte: _____________ Zip: _______________________ pHone: _________________________________________ e-mAil: _________________________________________ Choose a breakout sessioN oN saturday:8:30-9:30 a.m.: 9:45-10:45 a.m.: 11-Noon:

Choose a Field trip:1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Second choice if field trip is full: ___

Cost oF atteNdaNCe: Discounted Members Conference Fee $100.00(includes box lunch Friday if received by Oct. 3)Discount rate applies to members of partnering organizations with valid code. Membership will be validated to receive discount. Members of Birmingham Botanical Gardens enter your membership ID # from your membership card.Membership ID or Discount Code: _________________ Non-members Conference Fee $125.00(includes box lunch Friday if received by Oct. 3)

Field Trip Fee for Saturday $20.00(includes box lunch)

total amouNt eNClosed $_______ paymeNt iNFormatioN: my cHeck is enclosed mAde pAyAble to: Friends oF birmingHAm botAnicAl gArdens

pleAse cHArge my: VisA mAstercArd discoVer

Account #: _______________________________ Expiration date: ___________________________ Name on card: ____________________________ Signature: _______________________________

Please return this form to:Friends of Birmingham Botanical Gardens

2612 Lane Park RoadBirmingham, Alabama 35223

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Calycanthus floridus, sweet-shrub

Blanche Dean Chapter of Alabama Wildflower Society

2011 eV e n t sp o n s o r s

Alabama Wildflower

SocietyIn memory of Teresa Holcombe Neal

1 2 3 4 5 Second choice if session is full: ___1 2 3 4 5 Second choice if session is full: ___1 2 3 4 5 Second choice if session is full: ___

Friday, November 4

7:30 a.m. registratioN

8:45 a.m. WelCome From exeCutive direCtor

9 a.m. ChaNgiNg the laNdsCapiNg paradigm With Native plaNts: doug tallamyBecause our gardens are part of the terrestrial ecosystems that sustain humans and the life around us, we must keep them in work-ing order. Tallamy will discuss the important ecological roles of the plants in our landscapes, emphasize the benefits of designing gardens with these roles in mind, and explore the consequences of failing to do so. Gardening in this crowded world carries both moral and ecological responsibilities that we can no longer ignore.

9:45 a.m. break

10 a.m. preserviNg the legaCy oF Native trees iN publiC parks: heNry hughesUsing native trees in public parks has biological and historic im-portance; remnants of forests often became landscape trees, left in place following clearing for fields. Perpetuating these by replanting their progeny underscores this role and provides opportunities for collaboration.

11 A.m. soCial Climbers: Native viNes that WoN’t ruiN your gardeN party: daN loNgNative vines are generous plants that support wildlife, provide natural beauty and are less likely to eat your landscapes. Numerous species will be profiled to illustrate their merits and their use in formal and natural garden settings.

Noon luNCh

1:15 p.m. iNtegratiNg layers to eNriCh the gardeN experieNCe: riCk leWaNdoWskiForests provide many inspiring lessons that can be translated into gardening practices; foremost is the tapestry of layers that create a continuum of color, texture and forms throughout the year. Learn the key elements of naturalistic woodland gardens that emulate the forests of the eastern U.S., using Mt. Cuba Center as an example.

2:15 p.m. best Native plaNts For southerN gardeNs: reFleCtiNg Nature as iNspiratioN For gardeN desigN: gil NelsoNWhether amassing favorite species in forests, bogs or wildflower meadows, and creating havens for wildlife, using native plants offers an excellent opportunity for creating sense of place in the landscape. Several strategies for reflecting nature in our gardens – and many of the best native plants – will be highlighted.

3:15 p.m. break

3:30 p.m. paNel disCussioN/QuestioNs

Moderator: John Manion

Saturday, November 5 Saturday, November 5

2. butterFlies aNd Native plaNts: Close-up looks at the big piCture: sara bright & paulette ogardGlimpses into the everyday lives of butterflies include native plants – some often-overlooked – which provide primary food, shelter, and reproduction sites. Basic butterfly biology, as well as the interrelation-ships between several southeastern species and their caterpillar host plants, will be explored.

3. plaNt exploratioN: more thaN a Walk iN the Woods: Fred spiCerThis overview of Birmingham Botanical Gardens’ southeastern plant exploration efforts, illustrates goals, procedures, partners and results. Highlights of collecting trips will take us on a whirlwind journey throughout Alabama’s myriad hills, valleys, outcrops and wetlands.

4. edible Natives: toNy gloverLearn about the culture of some well-known, and get to know a few of the lesser-known, native fruits of the Southeast – long used by locals. Generally, these fruits look at home in our landscapes, are pest–resistant and easy to grow. 5. best Native FerNs For the southeast: eleaNor CraigFerns are interesting, important and attractive members of our native ecosystems. This presentation discusses a variety of native ferns, their habitats, characteristics, as well as preferred locations and adaptability in cultivated landscapes.

10:45 a.m. Break

11 a.m. Breakout sessions

1. exploriNg the alabama plaNt CoNservatioN alliaNCe (apCa): bob boyd, dee smith, patriCk thompsoNAPCA was formed in 2009 to promote native plant conservation in Alabama, which is 9th among US states for total number of native plant species (and 11th in the number considered at risk of extinction). This session gives an overview of our endangered and endemic plants, and highlights APCA projects and future activities.

2. For the birds: providiNg Food the Natural Way: greg harber (repeat oF saturday a.m. sessioN)We appreciate native plants for their biological richness, colorful blooms and abundant fruit. Often overlooked is their important role as food sources for our native wildlife, including birds. Learn which species of native plants are favored by the numerous resident and migratory birds that inhabit the southeast.

3. got bugs? iNseCts that help our Native plaNts: keN CreelInsects play a role in ecosystems; that fact is well-researched but poorly understood by many gardeners. This presentation discusses the importance of insects, both beneficial and not-so-beneficial, and

Saturday, November 5

7 a.m. early morNiNg birdiNg: greg harber

7:30 a.m. CoFFee

8:30 a.m. breakout sessioNs

1. bees aNd relatioNships: sallie leeBees and plants have co-evolved into relationships that have worked for eons, producing beauty and food for global populations; now, bees are facing many challenges. Learn how native plants can support and improve life for bees.

2. For the birds: providiNg Food the Natural Way: greg harberWe appreciate native plants for their biological richness, colorful blooms and abundant fruit. Often overlooked is their important role as food sources for our native wildlife, including birds. Learn which species of native plants are favored by the numerous resident and migratory birds that inhabit the southeast.

3. viburNums aNd dogWoods: teN exCelleNt Native speCies For southerN gardeNs: gil NelsoNThese five native dogwoods and five native viburnums make excellent garden subjects. Their moderate size, attractive form, pleasing foliage, variation in habit, big bang flowering and ease of culture, make them perfect candidates for cultivated landscapes.

4. exploriNg the allure oF Native azaleas: riCk leWaNdoWskiAs a group, native azaleas are among the most attractive, yet under-appreciated native shrubs, flowering – often with intoxicating fragrances – from March to July. Learn about the culture and ornamental attributes of these wonderful species.

5. propagatiNg Native plaNts that beNeFit WildliFe: JaN midgleyObtaining less-than-common native plant species can be challenging. Overcome this obstacle by propagating your own plants from seeds of local provenance. The emphasis in this talk is on native shrubs and perennials that are food sources for butterflies and moths.

9:30 a.m. Break

9:45 a.m. Breakout sessions

1. groWiNg Native trees From seed – oaks, hiCkories aNd others: heNry hughes

Explore techniques for growing our large native trees (many of which are hard-to-find) from locally collected seed. Participants will be given samples of local seed, with instructions on storage, germination, planting and after-care.

explains how to protect and attract those that will help pollinate and protect our gardens.

4. embraCe the roCks iN your laNdsCapes: miChelle reyNolds & arNie rutkisExplore the geologic structure of local outcrops of sandstone and limestone, and their unique and beautiful plant communities. Learn how to use these natural examples to mimic them with stunning results in the landscape.

5. the eFFeCt oF NoN-Native iNvasive plaNts oN our Native Flora: loretta lyNNe WeNiNegarSince the 1400s the biodiversity of our country has been changed by the introduction of non-native species, sometimes with disastrous impacts on native species. Learn how you can help curb the influence of some of the more common non-native invasive plants that may be lurking nearby.

Noon luNCh

1 p.m. Fieldtrips/Workshops (mAximum 20 pArticipAnts eAcH)

1. regioNal eCology oF mosses: paul davisoN

2. Forest eCology: heNry hughes

3. hikiN’ For liCheNs – our importaNt loWer plaNt Forms: Carl sloaN

4. Never eNough Natives – Native plaNt ColleCtioNs oF birmiNgham botaNiCal gardeNs: JohN maNioN

5. pruNiNg – be Not aFraid: Fred spiCer 6. saviNg a sWamp: mike hardig

7. Native plaNts iN aN urbaN oasis: leaNNe mCNally

8. Natives iN CommuNity desigN: rip Weaver

For a complete schedule, presenter biographies, description of presentations and field trips: visit us online at www.bbgardens.org/csnpc.

Spider and prey on Silphium sp., rosinweed