Botanical gardens group to host native plant presentation May 11

Horticulturist Dr. Robert Lyons will present "The Color of the Native Plant Palette and Other Related Thoughts” from noon to 1:45 p.m., Saturday, May 11, at the Lewes Public Library. This presentation is sponsored by Southern Delaware Botanical Gardens.

Lyons is a professor of landscape horticulture, program director for the Longwood Graduate Program in Public Horticulture, director of the Center for Public Horticulture at the University of Delaware and a renowned photographer.

A wide variety of suitable native species and derived cultivars will be discussed in this presentation, highlighting plants with qualities that are frequently considered colorful and visually appealing by landscapers and gardeners alike.

Attention will also be given to aggressive natives and the sensible inclusion of non-native, non-invasive plants that contribute to successful landscape performance, visual interest and function with a low-maintenance philosophy. Plant lists will be available. The program is free to SDBG members and $17 for nonmembers.

The mission of the Southern Delaware Botanical Gardens is to create a world-class, inspirational, educational and sustainable botanic garden in southern Delaware for the benefit and enjoyment of the public. For more information go to delawaregardens.org.