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Hear Native-Plant Expert Rick Darke at Unity Gardens

Rick Darke
Rick Darke

What:  “Balancing Natives and Exotics in the Garden” by internationally acclaimed native-plant expert/author Rick Darke

When:  Saturday, March 2 (2013).  Registration and refreshments at 10 am, presentation at 11 am.

Where:  The Key School, 534 Hillsmere Drive, Annapolis, Free parking.  Talk sponsored by Unity Gardens.

Rick Darke brings a breath of fresh air to the debate about the relative merits or pitfalls of using native or exotic plants, a debate that’s so often long on emotion and short on common sense. He sensibly draws from horticultural science, contemporary ecology, and modern resource management studies to describe a balanced ethic for beautiful, functional, and sustainable garden design.

Darke heads a Pennsylvania-based consulting firm focused on landscape ethics, contextual design and photography.  His work blends art, ecology, and cultural geography in the design and management of livable landscapes. Projects include parks, scenic byways, transportation corridors, corporate and collegiate campuses, conservation developments, botanic gardens, and residential landscapes.

Rick Darke’s work has been featured in The New York Times, Garden Design, Gardens Illustrated, and on National Public Radio. He is the author and photographer of many books, including The American Woodland Garden: Capturing the Spirit of the Deciduous Forest, The Encyclopedia of Grasses for Livable Landscapes, and The Wild Garden: Expanded Edition. For further information check his website rickdarke.com

wild gardenWho Should Attend:  Garden enthusiasts, environmentalists, educators, greening organizations, non-profits, community lovers, nature photographers, area planners and residents.

Registration: Online at Unitygardens.org or registration form can be sent to Unity Gardens, P.O. Box 6310, Annapolis, MD 21401 Cost per ticket: $55 (a portion of the ticket will be tax deductible).  Unity Gardens Inc. is a 501 (c) (3) not for profit organization.

Contact Information:  Email unitygardensaa@gmail.com or Barbara Dowling at 410-703-7530.

Note from a Fan: I’ve enjoyed all of Rick’s books and reviewed his Wild Garden here – with photos and a video.  I’ve also heard him speak in person at the National Arboretum and his talk and visuals were terrific!

Posted by Susan Harris.

Stephanie Fleming was raised at Behnke’s Nurseries in Beltsville. Her Mom, Sonja, was one of Albert & Rose Behnke’s four children. She was weeding from the moment she could walk and hiding as soon as she was old enough to run, so many weeds, so little time. Although she quickly learned how to pull out a perennial and get taken off of weed pulling duty.

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