Let’s Grow Your Mind: Native, Invasive, Aggressive, and Naturalized – What Do These Terms Actually Mean, and Why Should Home Gardeners Care?

Let's Grow Your Mind! Series

If you’ve ever wondered about the quirky, fascinating, and unexpected corners of horticulture, the Let’s Grow Your Mind education series is for you! From plant folklore and pollinator behavior to soil secrets and botanical oddities, these sessions are as entertaining as they are enlightening.  Whether you're a seasoned grower or just plant-curious, come feed your mind and grow your garden know-how in ways you never expected!

Native, Invasive, Aggressive, and Naturalized – What Do These Terms Actually Mean, and Why Should Home Gardeners Care?

Gardeners hear these terms all the time—native, invasive, aggressive, naturalized—but what do they really mean, and why do they matter in your own backyard? Every plant has a story of how it arrived where it grows today, yet the labels we use can shape how we manage, select, and interact with the plants around us.  In this eye‑opening session, horticulture expert Ruth Carll breaks down the science, history, and nuance behind these commonly used categories. You’ll explore what defines a native species, how naturalized plants establish themselves, why some natives can still behave aggressively, and how invasive species impact ecosystems and home landscapes.  Most importantly, you’ll learn how these distinctions influence real‑world gardening decisions—from plant selection to long‑term landscape stewardship.

SPEAKER:  Ruth Carll, State Leader, Consumer Horticulture

COST: $20