Go beyond traditional landscaping practices to learn which native plants thrive in the home landscape, why most do not, and how to incorporate appropriate natives into your property in a way that delivers long-lasting benefits to you, your neighbors, and to the environment. Whether you want to convert your lawn to a bird and butterfly habitat, reduce your footprint or improve your weedy wetland this class will show you that a native garden is possible on as small an area as 1/8 acre.  Learn how soil, water, and light conditions create opportunities for some native species, yet exclude many others. Leverage your new knowledge and apply ecological concepts to the practice of landscape design to create natural landscapes and native habitats that can last for decades with minimal care. As a culminating activity, participants will locate and design a native plant garden for their own property, and have a chance to discuss and evaluate their plan with others.