Native Plants Special Interest Group Event:
Tour North Creek Nurseries Propagation Greenhouses &
Visit Mt. Cuba Center – Toxic Plants Tour/Lecture & American Chestnut Trial Site 

The Native Plants Special Interest Group’s leader, Margaret Moore, has planned a fun and informative day for HPS/MAG members on Friday, September 27^th. In brief, the day includes:

• Tour of North Creek Nurseries’ propagation greenhouses
• Lecture/tour on “Demystifying Toxic Plants” at Mt. Cuba Center
• Visit to the American Chestnut trial site on Mt. Cuba’s Natural Lands (optional hike) 

North Creek Nurseries – Tour of Propagation Greenhouses

After meeting up and carpooling from the Hockessin Memorial Hall, the day will start with a 10 AM one-hour tour of the state-of-the-art propagation greenhouses at North Creek’s Landenberg site.

North Creek’s mission is to propagate and market plants that develop the relationship between people and sustainable outdoor environments. This year marks the 35th anniversary of the founding of the company. When founded, there was little awareness of the vital role native plants play in enhancing biodiversity and supplying ecosystem services. North Creek now is one of the largest suppliers of native plant materials in the area. Their propagation greenhouses showcase the state-of-the-art technologies used to optimize plant health in a sustainable fashion.

After the North Creek tour, we will return to our cars in Hockessin, and proceed to Mt. Cuba Center, where we will eat our lunches and enjoy the newly planted formal gardens.

Mt. Cuba Center – Tour and Lecture – Demystifying Toxic Plants

After lunch, at 1:30 PM, we will get a specialized hour-long tour on Demystifying Toxic Plants. Mt. Cuba describes this event as a “walking discussion of toxic plant adaptations and how they influence plant defense, edibility, propagation, and ecological value for wildlife. Learn why many of these plants are maligned in horticulture and public perception, as well as some practical ways they can enhance a home garden.”

Mt. Cuba Center – Optional Hike – American Chestnut Trial Site

Margaret has generously offered to lead an optional hike at ~3 PM to the American Chestnut trial site on Mt. Cuba’s Natural Lands. Read more about Mt. Cuba’s involvement in conserving the American Chestnut at https://mtcubacenter.org/conserving-the-american-chestnut/ .

Whether you choose to go on the optional hike to see the American Chestnuts or not, you may stay in the garden as long as you want until Mt. Cuba’s closure at 6 pm.

This is a Members Only event. The cost is $20. This fee covers Mt. Cuba’s group rate admission fee and an additional charge for the special lecture. Registration is required.

This event is full. 

Maximum number of attendees is 20.

Additional Details:

Event will be held rain or shine. In the event of heavy rain, the event will be cancelled.

Lunch is not provided. Bring your own brown bag lunch and beverage(s).

Restroom and water fountains available at North Creek Nursery; restrooms, water fountains, and snacks available for purchase at Mt. Cuba Center.

Please dress in comfortable hiking clothes and shoes. Bring raingear or an umbrella, sunhat, water, snacks, brown bag lunch, bug juice, and sunscreen.

Additional information on North Creek Nurseries and Mt. Cuba Center:

www.northcreeknurseries.com

www.mtcubacenter.org

For more information, please contact Margaret Moore at: [email protected]