Design a Native Garden: A Workshop Series at Atlantic Cape Community College

Create an Oasis in Your Yard

Virginia Rettig, owner of Cape NativeScapes, will be teaching a new workshop series at Atlantic Cape Community College. This series aims to educate participants about the importance and benefits of using native plants in landscaping and gardening. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out, this workshop has something for everyone.

Native plants are species that have evolved naturally in a particular region and have adapted to its climate and soil conditions. They play a crucial role in supporting local ecosystems, providing habitat and food for wildlife, and maintaining biodiversity. They are particularly important in southern New Jersey where millions of birds and pollinators migrate each year.

Why Choose Native Plants?

Using native plants in your garden offers numerous benefits, including:

• Wildlife Support: Native plants provide essential resources for birds, bees, and other pollinators.
• Low Maintenance: Native plants are well-adapted to local conditions, requiring less water, and nearly no fertilizers or pesticides.
• Environmental Impact: They help reduce pollution and conserve water, supporting a more sustainable environment.
  

Workshop Highlights

The "Native Gardening" workshops offer a comprehensive look into the world of creating gardens for wildlife. We’ll cover different kinds of plants suited to your space, along with what to provide for them to thrive, including proper watering and ongoing maintenance. After 3 sessions, you’ll leave the course with a plan for how to create habitat at your site. You’ll also learn about insect life cycles and how native plants support pollinators and local ecosystems.

Check it out! The link to the ACCC site is here: Courses in General Interest - Fall 2026