2-26-2025 10:19am

Georgia Military College Native Plant Center Expands Hours and Launches Spring Lecture Series

Nate Weeks Editor

Plants and trees can do more than decorate - native plants can be beneficial to the animals who live around us (Photographer Nate Weeks)

Now is the time to start planning on what you wand to see growing in your yard and garden this spring and, just in time, the Georgia Military College (GMC) Native Plant Center is now open every Thursday and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

The garden's expanded schedule offers even more opportunities for the community to explore the center’s diverse selection of native plants, learn about sustainable gardening, and take home unique species to enhance their own landscapes.

Free Spring Lecture Series

In addition to extended hours, the Native Plant Center is hosting a free Spring Lecture Series on the first Saturday of each month at 9:00 a.m. These engaging talks will be held at the center and feature experts in native plant care, ecological sustainability, and innovative gardening techniques.

- Upcoming Spring Talks:

Saturday, April 5th at 9 a.m. – Dr. Paige Tench
Rhizophagy: How Plants Get Nutrients from Microbes
Learn how plants interact with beneficial microbes to extract nutrients from the soil, a fascinating process crucial to healthy plant growth.

Saturday, May 3rd at 9 a.m. – Dr. Chris Inhulsen
Propagation Techniques for Common Native Plants
Discover the best methods for growing and multiplying native plants in your own garden, from seed collection to division and cuttings.

Saturday, June 7th at 9 a.m. – Morgan Strickland Grizzle
Invasives: Problems With and How to Control
Understand the impact of invasive plant species on local ecosystems and gain practical strategies for managing and preventing their spread.

In addition to the lecture series, the Native Plant Center frequently offers workshops on various plant-related topics, led by experienced horticulturists. Keep an eye on their Facebook page for updates on upcoming sessions and special events.

The Native Plant Center's inventory has also been updated for spring, with a wide selection of native species now available for purchase (see document below). Whether you’re looking to add pollinator-friendly flowers, hardy shrubs, or ground cover to your landscape, the center offers a variety of plants suited to Georgia’s unique climate.

For more information, visit the Georgia Military College Native Plant Center or follow them online to stay updated on events, workshops, and plant availability.