The Wetumpka, Elmore County, April Lunch and Learn was presented by Peggy Thompson. She is a Jefferson County Master Gardener who focuses on native plants. She had earned a Certificate in Native Plant Studies from The Birmingham Botanical Gardens where she is an active volunteer with the Native Plant Group.
Native plants have formed a symbiotic relationship with native wildlife over thousands of years, and therefore offer the most sustainable habitat. Native plants help the environment the most when planted in places matching their growing requirements. Right plant…right place. This will lead to fewer problems with watering and pest control. Native wildlife will also benefit.
Peggy showed some of her favorite native plants including trees, shrubs, bedding plants, vines and ground covers.

She presented detailed information on Callicarpa americana, Croton alabamensis, Illicium floridanum, Hypericum prolificum, Calycanthus fluoridus, Cercis canadensis, Passiflora incarnata, Amsonia hubrichtii, Hydrangea quercifolia, Mitchella repens, Zizia aurea, Asclepias tuberosa, Echinacea purpurea, Symphyotrichum georgianum, Geranium maculatum, Coreopsis laceolata, and Campsis radicans.
