Free Pop-Up Class with Elise Howard

August 20, 2026...

Margaret and Elise Talk Native-Plant Gardening

When I announced in June that the Virtual Garden Club would take a summer break, I promised we would, however, get together in a free pop-up webinar, and you’re invited...

Join me August 20 for a conversation with Elise Howard, author of the hit book “Plant This Not That: Over 200 Native Plant Swaps for a More Sustainable, Pollinator-Friendly Garden.”

Attend the free class.

Seating is limited. Don't miss your chance.

What You'll Learn in This Class

Come prepared with your questions to ask us about native gardening, and hear about our own adventures and advice—both from first-hand experiments in our own gardens, and what we’ve learned from researching the subject in the work portion of our lives.

Spaces are limited, so don’t delay in registering.

Also: If you don’t have Elise’s book yet and want to dig in ahead of time, this page on her website has a list of sources to order it from.

Attend the free class.

Seating is limited. Don't miss your chance.

The idea:

Elise and I did a sold-out, in-person event near where I live last month, and we both left it wishing it had been at an even bigger venue so we could reach even more of you. So we’re going to reprise the idea virtually on Zoom (attend live, or watch the recorded replay at your convenience).

Just a few of the topics we’ll cover include:

  • A little backstory: how we each got started with natives;

  • What is the definition of a native plant, anyway, and how “native” does it need to be to qualify?

  • How much native in your garden is enough to make an impact (and where and how to make room for natives even in an established garden, without starting from scratch)?

  • Invasives: both ethical and tactical thoughts

  • Swapouts: Elise’s book is about suggested native replacements for non-native plants, and we’ll discuss some of the most useful and most asked-about examples;

  • Plus: Your questions!

The Virtual Garden Club will resume in September, and I’ll have details of the upcoming fall semester to share, too.

Date and Time for My Free Class with Elise

We hope to see you August 20, 2026, 1-2:30 PM Eastern

After the live class, you will also receive a recorded version to enjoy at your leisure.

Attend the free class.

Seating is limited. Don't miss your chance.