Events

From Lawn to Habitat

Please join us for a self-directed garden tour at a private residence. Alexandra Lotero Vanderkam, Wild Ones Mid-Hudson Valley Membership Chair, is hosting a tour of her home landscape. You can see how she changed her conventional landscape into a naturalized garden supporting wildlife and native plants.

Alex describes the process: “When we moved to our 5-acre property in 2020, nearly two acres around the house were lawn. Over the past several years, I have gradually transformed about half an acre into a series of connected habitats using primarily native plants.

Visitors will find a sunny meadow that I established from seed, a woodland garden beneath mature trees, a mixed hedgerow of native shrubs and understory trees, and a natural wildlife pond that supports frogs, toads, dragonflies, and other beneficial creatures. I have planted more than 800 perennials and 140 trees and shrubs to create blooms from spring through fall and provide food and shelter for pollinators and birds. I planted most of the perennials as small landscape plugs, and many of the shrubs and trees as inexpensive bare-root seedlings.

This garden reflects my belief that landscapes can be both beautiful and ecologically vibrant. Come get inspired and enjoy hummingbirds, butterflies, bees, and seasonal flowers. Through this ongoing project, I demonstrate practical ways to replace lawn with habitat while creating a garden that welcomes both wildlife and people.”

Registration required and will be available in early July. This is a private residence and address will be sent to all who register. 

Wild Ones members need not register! Members go to the Members Only page for Garden Tours 2026

If you have any questions, please contact [email protected].

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