Thursday, March 12th - 9:00 - 10:30 am
Presented by: Susan Kryzwicki
CEUs: TBA

Course Description:

Reducing landscape irrigation needs, minimizing chemical use, and gardening for sustainability (building habitat and reducing green waste) are important trends that benefit from the use of California native plants. This session will explore some of the myths of native plants; show beautiful, low maintenance examples of native plant gardens in managed landscapes as well as individual residences; and explain the benefits of native plants over the broader and less effective Mediterranean or "drought- tolerant" plant selection categories.

Attendees will learn:

• The key California native landscape plants that provide extended bloom, color and reliability
• How maintenance strategies in managed landscapes differ from conventional practices
• IPM the easy way - using native plants
• The key benefits of California native plans over other plant selections, such as Mediterranean and drought-tolerant selections
• How native plants are best adapted to exist in difficult soil conditions

Biography:

Susan Krzywicki is the California Native Plant Society (CNPS) Horticulture Program Director and is responsible for working with the general public and chapter members to promote the use of native plants in the built landscape. She envisions a California where native plants are widely available and routinely incorporated into public and private landscapes to conserve resources, extend habitat, and create a sense of place.

Susan started as chair of the San Diego Chapter Gardening Committee, which inaugurated the popular San Diego Native Garden Tour and the Native Garden Symposium, encouraging homeowners to experience the strategic benefits of low water use, habitat creation, and our unique ecological heritage.

In addition to her work with CNPS, Susan chaired Surfrider Foundation's Ocean Friendly Gardens Programs Committee, taught the San Diego County Water Authority's California Friendly Landscape Training, and serves on the Port of San Diego Chula Vista Bayfront Cultural and Design Committee where she advocates for strong environmental partnerships with new development.