Events

Even after reading books and attending talks, many still have pressing questions about ecological landscaping. In this talk, Tallamy addresses common concerns on biodiversity, invasive species, native plants, and conservation strategies, providing practical guidance and motivation to restore nature in everyday spaces. 

Thursday, October 16, 2025

Social 6:30 pm. | Program 7:00 pm

Richfield Community Center,  7000 Nicollet Ave 

Ants: The Good, The Bad and the Ugly

Elizabeth Chaigne

In this presentation we will be looking at the rather unsuspecting and yet ever present insect: the ant. With their armies, they bring about many benefits to our yards and gardens and of course some disadvantages too. Topics covered include some basic morphology, most common species in MN, life cycle and roles they play in their colonies and how to best manage them. We will also cover some interesting and fun facts about these sometimes overlooked little critters. 

Elizabeth Chaigne has been an enthusiastic gardener from early childhood to the present day. She has been a master gardener with the University of Minnesota since 2014. Her backyard garden in Golden Valley is filled with some tried-and-trues and some vegetables that are perhaps a little less common. Her most recent project has been working in her garden at her home in France where she gets to explore a growing season of plants that extends up to growing zone 9! She draws from her years living and cooking in France as well as her experience as a master gardener in Minnesota to create meals and eat directly out of the garden. Other than vegetables, her gardens are self-landscaped into various perennial flower and shrub areas leaving plenty of space for her three dogs to romp.

Following the Business Meeting, we will have a short presentation.

Discover the power of ecological garden design in this free national webinar, Living in the Liberated Landscape: My Yard, with award-winning landscape designer Larry Weaner. Join us for a personal look at how dynamic, self-sustaining landscapes can emerge when we partner with nature instead of controlling it. Drawing on more than 35 years of experience, Larry will share practical strategies for designing dynamic gardens that evolve naturally, support biodiversity, and bring lasting beauty to your yard.

Designing with native plants isn’t just about what you grow, it’s about how you shape your space. In this hands-on workshop, Zoe Evans (Plan it Wild) and Heather Evans (Design Your Wild) guide you through the process of creating a cohesive yard plan that supports both your lifestyle and biodiversity.

Details coming soon! 

Details coming soon! This will be a paid webinar with all proceeds supporting the Seeds for Education Program. 

Details coming soon! 

Details coming soon! 

Details coming soon! 

Details coming soon!