The Copeland Native Plant Seminar has a reputation for attracting highly regarded regional and national horticultural experts as guest speakers. Seminar attendees know they’ll come away with the most up-to-date knowledge about native plants and sustainable horticulture.    

This year’s seminar, set for April 17, promises to be no exception. The special guest speaker is Edgar David, founder and principal architect of SED DESIGN in Blue Bell, Pa. David is widely recognized for his commitment to green design and is considered a pioneer for integrating sustainable principles in the creation of outdoor spaces.

David will focus his presentation on how local geology influences the landscape and how it may shape designs and planting choices. He will encourage attendees to tap into creative landscaping ideas that originate in the beauty of local ecosystems.  His presentation will explore the native landscapes and plant communities of the Appalachian Piedmont, which stretches into northern Delaware, and the Atlantic coastal plain, which extends from New York to Florida and includes most of Delaware’s land. He’ll also discuss the native landscapes and plant communities of the Poconos.

The seminar will be held at the DuPont Environmental Education Center, which opened in October 2009 at the Russell W. Peterson Urban Wildlife Refuge in Wilmington. The center is owned by the Riverfront Development Corporation and operated by the Delaware Nature Society. Seminar attendees can enjoy not only the natural scenic beauty of the refuge but also that of a 10-acre botanic garden that was installed at the site last fall. Garden designer Bill Duncan, of White Oak Landscaping, will offer a guided tour of the garden that is a marvel of horticultural design and outdoor art. In addition, Gateway Garden Center will offer a hands-on container gardening workshop.

Copeland Native Plant Seminar Set for April 17, p. 2

The Copeland Native Plant Seminar is named in honor of the late Pamela C. and Lammot du Pont Copeland, who created Mt. Cuba Center, Inc. and helped to found the Red Clay Reservation, home to Delaware Nature Society's Ashland Nature Center.

The seminar costs $30 for Delaware Nature Society members; $40 for nonmembers. Hours are 9 a.m. to noon. To register, or for more information, go to www.delawarenaturesociety.org or call 302-239-2334.

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