Description
Registration
Location
Central Garden
Date & Time
April 14th: 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Evening Talk: California Natives - The Importance of Local Eco-types
As enthusiasm for native plants continues to grow, finding the right ones can present a challenge. As demand grows, public gardens have a powerful opportunity to help bridge the gap between what’s commonly available at nurseries and the locally adapted native plants that truly support healthy ecosystems. This talk takes a practical, hopeful look at how gardens can use their land, horticultural know-how, and community connections to grow and share native plants in ways that benefit both people and wildlife.
Featuring Santa Barbara Botanic Garden’s 805 Initiative as a real-world example, this evening talk explores how ethically collected seed and locally adapted plants can better serve home gardeners, restoration projects, and communities living close to wildlands. These plants are deeply connected to local pollinators and wildlife—and when gardens step into a leadership role to grow and distribute them, the results can be transformative. Expect an engaging conversation about what’s possible when place, plants, and people are thoughtfully brought together.
Keith Nevison is the Director of Horticulture & Operations at Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, the nation’s oldest botanical garden dedicated exclusively to native plants. With a background spanning large-scale land stewardship, public media, and historic plant collections—including roles at Monticello and Bundoran Farm—Keith brings deep expertise and contagious enthusiasm to his work. A graduate of the Longwood Graduate Program, former co-host of Virginia Home Grown, and lifelong advocate for native plants, he is passionate about helping others understand how thoughtful horticulture can sustain the web of life.
Cancellation Policy
Please note if you need to cancel, you must send your cancellation request to education@slgardens.org no later than 5 business days in advance of the scheduled class for a full refund. If less than 5 business days, you will not be eligible for a refund.
