Welcome to July with the Tennessee Valley Chapter of Wild Ones!

As July brings its golden haze and sun-drenched days, our gardens hum with life—proof that high summer is in full swing. This is the season when our native plants shine brightest, offering vital nectar and shelter to bees, butterflies, moths, and hummingbirds. Coneflowers, milkweed, mountain mint, and blazing star are just a few of the summer superstars drawing in pollinators and supporting ecosystems right in our own backyards. Oaks, willows and cherry are producing caterpillars which in turn are used by birds to raise broods of songbirds.

Did you know that 14% of native plants support 90% of caterpillars? These are called “Keystone Species” and are a great starting point when deciding which native plants to add to your garden or habitat.

In the book, Bringing Nature Home, Dr. Doug Tallamy lines out which of our native trees and forbs are the Keystone Species which support the most caterpillar species. We will have a book club discussion about this book on September 15, 2025.

In Tallamy’s book, Nature’s Best Hope, he delves further into the topic of how we can take action to transform our yards into areas that support biodiversity. We will have a book club discussion about Nature’s Best Hope on August 18, 2025.

At Tennessee Valley Chapter of Wild Ones, we celebrate how these homegrown habitats help pollinators thrive even in the hottest months. Whether you're tending a native flowerbed, expanding your pollinator pathways, or simply observing the flurry of wings outside your window, your efforts matter!

The Certificate in Native Plants program is designed to expand students' knowledge of botany, ecology, conservation and uses of native flora in the southeastern United States. The CNP offers a blend of classroom instruction, hands-on learning and guided hikes.  Discounted class fees are available for members of Wild Ones, the Tennessee Native Plant Society or Reflection Riding. Classes are open to all, including interested individuals who may not be working toward the Certificate.

Those working toward the Certificate are asked to volunteer in various capacities to support approved native plant projects in our region. Volunteer requirements have changed slightly. More information and a downloadable volunteer form are available on our website.

For more info about the Certificate in Native Plants program, click here.

To access information and registration links for all upcoming programs, classes, hikes and members-only events presented by the Tennessee Valley Chapter of Wild Ones and Wild Ones national, click below:

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Share the Love for Native Plants This Spring!

Are you passionate about nature and eager to make a difference in your community? The Tennessee Valley Chapter of Wild Ones is looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help staff our Public Information table during upcoming springtime festivals!

As a volunteer, you’ll engage with festival goers, share information about our organization, and educate the public about the vital role native plants play in supporting local ecosystems. It’s a chance to connect with others, promote environmental awareness, and celebrate the beauty of spring.

What You’ll Do:

• Talk to the community about the importance of native plants
• Answer questions and share materials about our organization
• Help inspire others to protect and nurture our environment

Why Volunteer?

• Make a positive impact on your local environment
• Meet like-minded individuals who share your passion
• Enjoy the vibrant energy of spring festivals!

No prior experience needed—just bring your enthusiasm! We’ll provide all the training and materials you’ll need to feel confident and prepared.

Ready to join us in spreading the word and fostering a greener future? Click the button below to view our volunteer opportunities and sign up.

Let’s make this spring unforgettable—for both nature and our community. We can’t wait to work with you!

Upcoming Volunteer Opportunities

St. Elmo resident, Jennifer Tidwell, shares her rain garden with neighbors

The Tennessee Valley Chapter of Wild Ones has taken a bold new step in 2025 by launching Pods—hyperlocal networks designed to translate the organization’s national mission into meaningful action within unique neighborhoods and communities. These Pods reflect the diversity of our region while deepening the roots of environmental awareness and neighborly connection.

The St. Elmo Pod: A Flourishing First Step

The first Pod to sprout is in St. Elmo, where neighbors and native plants are forging powerful partnerships. It all began with a “Dig-In” event at Dennis Bishop’s garden in Flintstone, GA, bringing folks together through the Native Plant Sharing Network. Shortly after, the momentum continued with a garden walk and plant share hosted by a generous St. Elmo neighbor.

From Gardens to Greenways

In April, local landscape architect Matt Whitaker welcomed the community into his private garden for a tour, followed in May by his engaging presentation on the transformation of the public Triangle Garden at the Virginia Ave Greenway. Thanks to this inspiration, St. Elmo Pod volunteers rolled up their sleeves and devoted time to weeding and caring for the Triangle Garden—a shared space that’s now a symbol of collective stewardship.

Cultivating Community and Curiosity

Mid-May brought a charming gathering at yet another neighbor’s garden—complete with wine, cheese, and camaraderie. Most recently, a resident on Florida Avenue opened her yard to showcase two thriving RainSmart garden installations, supported by the city and now nearing their two-year mark. The event drew around 30 neighbors, ranging from novice gardeners to rain garden enthusiasts.

One attendee captured the spirit of the evening perfectly: “I didn’t know rain gardens could look so pretty.” Inspired by the turnout and energy, plans are underway for a St. Elmo Rain Garden Tour in the near future.

Looking Ahead: Tackling Invasives This Winter

Next on the St. Elmo Pod calendar? A deep dive into identifying and removing invasive plants from our yards this winter. It's one more way neighbors are joining forces to care for the land and learn from one another—all while planting the seeds of a more biodiverse future.

Want to get involved or spark a Pod in your neighborhood? Let us know—we're ready to grow with you.

Contribution by Holli Richey, St. Elmo Pod Organizer

To help birds and insects, cultivate native gardens

Entomologist Doug Tallamy explains how filling our yards with local plants can provide our feathered friends with a caterpillar buffet. Read more.

Article from knowablemagazine.org

Image by torange.biz

Variation in flower morphology associated with higher bee diversity in urban green spaces

Urbanization is a leading threat to biodiversity, but scientifically informed management of urban ecosystems can mitigate negative impacts. For wild bees, which are declining worldwide, careful consideration of flower choice in public and private green spaces could help preserve their diversity. Read more.

Article from Ecological Society of America

Image Credit: Dmitry Grigoriev / Unsplash

Purple Passion Flower



Passiflora incarnata, commonly known as maypop or purple passion flower, is a fast-growing perennial vine with climbing or trailing stems.

Photo by Mike O'Brien

Short Toothed Mountain Mint

Pycnanthemum muticum, commonly known as short-toothed mountain mint, is a herbaceous perennial distinguished by its aromatic qualities and striking appearance. It is notable for its dense clusters of small, silvery white flowers.

Seen here with a Banded Hairstreak Butterfly - who are commonly found in oak-hickory forests, woodland edges and savannahs in the eastern United States.

Photo by Mike O'Brien

Bee Balm



Monarda, commonly called bee balm, is a genus of flowering plants in the mint family. Endemic to North America, bee balm is known for the bergamot fragrance of its leaves and its popularity among pollinators.

Photo by Mike O'Brien

Becoming a Wild Ones member shows your commitment to the native plant movement and is a great way to connect with a helpful and knowledgeable native plant community that will prove invaluable in your native garden journey!

Benefits of a Wild Ones membership include:

• Access to the current electronic issue of the quarterly Wild Ones Journal
• Invitations to workshops, garden tours, seed exchanges, plants sales, and stewardship project
• Discounts for partner educational webinars such as NDAL, etc. and Wild Ones chapter programs
• Participation in an annual national photo contest
• Access to the Wild Ones Member Center for learning resources
• Participation in Wild for Monarchs and Native Garden recognition programs
• Involvement in citizen science and networking with conservation partners
• Receiving Wild Ones National e-Newsletters
• Invitation to Wild Ones' private Facebook discussion group and the national Wild Ones Annual Member Meeting
• Networking opportunities and camaraderie with like-minded people who care about native plants and our planet

Additional benefits for members of the Tennessee Valley chapter:

• Discounted admission to all Certificate in Native Plants classes year-round.
• Free admission at members-only programs, including local and regional guided hikes, garden visits (Landscapes in Progress), the annual meeting, an annual plant swap, and other member social events.
• Annual Welcome Party and Orientation for new members.
• Monthly email Member Update, with news about chapter activities.
• All members of the family who live at the same address are entitled to member benefits!
• 10% off plants at Overhill Garden's Native Plant Nursery
• 15% off plants at Reflection Riding's Native Plant Nursery

Your membership dollars help forward our mission of promoting the restoration of native landscapes by allowing us to:

• Provide free, educational resources and learning opportunities that are open to the public from respected experts like Wild Ones Honorary Directors Doug Tallamy, Neil Diboll, Heather Holm and Donna VanBuecken
• Support the efforts of over 65 local Wild Ones chapters in 23 states
• Publish a quarterly, award-winning, online journal featuring current native plant information and resources
• Share free, professionally-designed native garden templates for multiple regions in the United States.

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