Looking to create a more sustainable yard, reduce lawn maintenance, or build a pollinator-friendly garden? Start with native plants! As part of Week 3 of the Less Lawn More Life Challenge, Wild Ones is thrilled to share a webinar for native plant newcomers: “Native Plants Planted Right: A Practical Guide for Beginners,” hosted by Wild Ones Board President, Loris Damerow.
The webinar will be recorded and available for on-demand viewing after the premiere.
This webinar is part of the 2025 Less Lawn More Life Challenge, a national initiative hosted by Plan it Wild and in collaboration with Wild Ones, alongside a growing coalition of organizations committed to restoring native habitats and promoting biodiversity. Together, we’re empowering individuals to transform their lawns into thriving ecosystems.
Whether you’re planting one species or transforming your entire yard, this webinar offers a valuable introduction to starting your native plant journey. Loris walks participants through the why and how of native gardening, from site assessment and plant selection to planting techniques and maintenance tips. Along the way, she shares real-life garden examples, practical tools, and encouragement for every kind of gardener, no matter your space or experience.
What You’ll Learn
- Why native plants are essential for pollinators, birds, biodiversity, and climate resilience
- How to assess your site’s sun exposure, soil type, and moisture levels
- How to select native plants that thrive in your local conditions and ecoregion
- Practical steps for planting, watering, and maintaining native gardens
- How to avoid common beginner mistakes, including improper plant placement, over-mulching, or buying cultivars with limited ecological value
Loris shares her deep knowledge and passion with warmth and clarity, guiding you through every stage of the native planting process. You’ll see real-life garden examples, from rain gardens to shaded spaces, and get a walkthrough of tools to help.
Whether you’re starting with one milkweed in a pot or a plan to replace your front lawn, this webinar helps you feel confident in each step: observation, design, plant selection, site prep, planting, and maintenance. You’ll also learn how to source straight-species native plants and how to layer plantings for year-round ecological value.
About the Presenter
Loris Damerow brings deep experience and heartfelt passion to this session. Retired from a career in therapy, Loris believes strongly in our relationship with the earth. A former Master Gardener and landscape designer, she’s spent years helping people co-create beautiful green spaces. She has served in many roles with Wild Ones since joining in 2011. She lives in Ann Arbor, MI, where she tends a large yard alongside multiple generations.