Join ReWild North Fork for a Free Community Talk

A–Z of Native Plant Gardening: Marvelous, Not Messy
Tues. Dec. 9, 2025

SOUTHOLD, NY — ReWild North Fork invites local gardeners, homeowners, and nature enthusiasts to Save the Date for an engaging and interactive free presentation, “A–Z of Native Plant Gardening: Marvelous, Not Messy,” on Tuesday, December 9, from 7:00–8:30 PM at the Meetinghouse-on-the-Bend in Southold.

Want to know the right plant for the right place? Meet Derek Gerson, a respected horticultural professional with nearly 40 years of experience across all facets of the industry—growing, installing, and maintaining perennial, tree, and shrub gardens. He is currently expanding his expertise by studying General Horticulture at Farmingdale State College, while also working at Living Lands in Mattituck. Derek previously spent decades at Bayard Cutting Arboretum, refining his practical knowledge of ecological and ornamental gardening. 

In this practical, myth-busting presentation, Derek will help gardeners of all experience levels understand how native plants can create landscapes that are both ecologically rich and beautiful year-round. He will cover native plant selection, maintenance strategies, design principles, and ways to foster biodiversity without sacrificing curb appeal.

Attendees will enjoy interactive elements, including:

• A native seed giveaway
• Sample native garden plans
• A local source list for native plants
• A curated list of recommended native species
• A Q&A session for sharing challenges, successes, and troubleshooting questions

Advance registration is requested to help plan seating and refreshments. When RSVP’ing, guests are encouraged to include any gardening questions—whether about plant choices, design dilemmas, sourcing native species, or navigating conversations with neighbors.

Event Details

What: A–Z of Native Plant Gardening: Marvelous, Not Messy
When: Tuesday, December 9, 7:00–8:30 PM
Where: Meetinghouse-on-the-Bend, Southold
RSVP: [email protected]