Do straight native species provide more for insects than cultivars? Is genetic diversity crucially important in ecological horticulture? Uli will explore both the promise and complexity of gardening for ecological health—examining the assumptions, challenges, and opportunities that shape this field. The central message is clear: by welcoming more native plants into our gardens, we can strengthen local connectivity and foster thriving wildlife habitats, even as the science continues to evolve. Uli will use examples from the Northeast, but much of the message will translate to other parts of the country.