This is a “Lifelong Learning” class offered at the North Central Community College Health & Science Building in room 333. The class is full at this time, but you can register to be on the waiting list at this link. The class has a fee of $30.

Getting Started with Native Plants is taught by Monica Gruler Farrier. She owns Gruler Gardens in Petoskey, a local source of native plants, cut flowers, and handcrafted art inspired by nature. She is a Michigan State University Extension Master Gardener, garden writer, educator, and founder of Wild Ones of Northwest Lower Michigan, a seedling chapter of the national organization Wild Ones.  

Are you curious about native plants but don’t know how to use them in your garden? If so, this class is for you!

Fall is a perfect time to get your plants in the ground, as they’ll have plenty of time to establish deep, healthy roots from fall through winter. Then, when spring arrives, much of your work will have been done, and you can enjoy your new plants as they emerge from the soil when the temperature rises.

In this class we’ll talk about:

• What native plants are and why they are critical in supporting wildlife and human life

• How native plants can make gardening easier with lower maintenance than lawns and ornamental plants

• How native plants bring both beauty and ecological function to your garden

• Which native plants work well in home gardens

• Caring for native plants throughout the seasons

You’ll come away inspired and eager to get started with native plants in your garden this fall!