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Thursday, October 29, 2026Oct 29

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5 tips for growing native plants

photo The Chattanooga area offers diverse flora that varies depending on the habitat. This woodland garden features wild columbine, wild geranium, blue phlox and blue-eyed Mary.

Horticulturist Paola Zannini is already planning the sale portion of the upcoming Spring Wildflower Festival & Native Plant Sale at Reflection Riding Arboretum & Botanical Garden. The event will be held April 8-10 at the Riding, 400 Garden Road.

Zannini, who as greenhouse manager oversees the event, said native plants are any that were growing in North America before European settlement.

“Appreciation of our native flora has significantly grown over the past several years, resulting in its inclusion in gardens and formal landscapes,” she said. “The advantages are obvious. Native plants, once established, are more adaptable to our gardens, and they contribute to create an ideal habitat for desirable wildlife such as butterflies and birds.”

Zannini offers the following tips on growing native plants.

FIVE TIPS