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Thriving in the Shade: Native Plant Gardening for Lower Light Areas
at South Coast Gardens
Sun. June 7 | 10am-12pm
Discover how to create a vibrant, low-maintenance garden in shady areas using native plants. This workshop will explore native plant species well-suited to low-light conditions, along with practical tips for creating organic rich soils, adding logs and other features that enhance the woodland character of a garden, and using textural differences in leaf shape to design a welcoming and calming space. Learn how to support local biodiversity while enhancing the natural beauty of your landscape -- whether you’re planting beneath mature trees or along a shaded backyard edge. Ideal for beginners and experienced gardeners alike.
About the event leader
Kevin Kavanagh is the owner of South Coast Gardens and Consulting. Although an avid gardener (and birder) for much of his life, Kevin spent most of his early career in the field of nature conservation working with national organizations such as World Wildlife Fund Canada and Nature Conservancy Canada to help develop their stewardship and habitat protection programs. He currently assists Birds Canada with their ‘Gardening for Birds’ initiative and as a member of the Grand Erie Master Gardeners coordinates their Gardening for Nature program. Today, Kevin can often be found leading garden-themed workshops and presentations where he enjoys introducing gardeners to the rich diversity of native plants that provide benefits to pollinators, birds and other wildlife.
About South Coast Gardens
*Please note parking for this event will be located at Shirley & George Pond Nature Reserve which is located next to South Coast Gardens.
Nestled along central Lake Erie in the heart of Ontario's Carolinian Forest Region, South Coast Gardens provides landscape design services and offers a selection of trees, shrubs and perennials, including many species native to the southern Great Lakes ecoregion and eastern North America.
Although the gardens are still young and many specimens are still in the process of getting firmly established, from the time the first Rhododendrons and Magnolias come into flower in late April until the Asters and Witch Hazel finish blooming in October, the gardens provide a myriad of colour and attract a wide assortment of butterflies and birds.
After "Gardening with Native Plants," we invite you to visit the Shirley and George Pond Nature Reserve, which features diverse forests and meadow habitats, and is located next door to South Coast Gardens.
Learn more about this venue.