Programs

Using Native Plants on Our Home Grounds

Wednesday, March 11, 2026, Noon
Debra Knapke
The Garden Sage

What are native plants and what are their ecological contexts? If we can answer those question, we know whether or not they will be able to grow and thrive in our gardens… or not. Engage in the discussion about native plants and how they can be successively incorporated into our gardens. Debra will offer many examples of native plants in their habitats and in gardens.

In 1992, after two other careers, Debra turned her avocation of plant study and gardening into her full-time career.  Known as “The Garden Sage”, Debra is passionate about gardening, sustainable garden design and the natural world, and enjoys sharing knowledge through her writing, public speaking, and garden consulting in the private and public sectors. She has served on various local and national committees and boards that focus on education, the environment, and sustainability. She has championed those passions during her two-year term (2014-2016) as Honorary President of the Herb Society of America and as the Co-Chair of the Sustainability Committee of GardenComm. In addition, she mentored the future of the landscape industry at Columbus State Community College for 24 years. She loves being a gardener and has packed an amazing variety of perennials, trees, shrubs, and edible plants onto the 2/3-acre lot surrounding her home.