Georgia Native Plant Society - North Metro Atlanta Chapter

07/28/2026

We just released our newest Exploring Georgia's Native Plants webinar, Getting Started with Stem Cutting Propagation!

Join us for an introduction to vegetative plant propagation and discover how you can create new plants from existing plant material.

Kelley Hanada, a volunteer with the Georgia Native Plant Society's Stone Mountain Propagation Project, explores the science behind stem cutting propagation and explains the principles that make vegetative propagation successful. The program includes demonstrations of several propagation techniques, along with practical tips to help you confidently try them at home.

Whether you're new to propagation or looking to refine your skills, this webinar provides a solid foundation for growing more native plants from your own garden.

Watch the webinar now at https://youtu.be/53qrcn4MlPo

Don't forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel so you'll never miss new educational content:
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Join us for an introduction to vegetative plant propagation and dis...

06/21/2026

Georgia Native Plant Society's Silver Certified Native Plant Habitat hosted by State Chair, Michael Cowan

Thank you for opening your property to our members and sharing your journey of transforming it into a native plant wonderland. Your willingness to showcase your habitat provided a wonderful opportunity for others to learn, gain inspiration, and see firsthand the beauty and ecological benefits of incorporating native plants into the landscape. We appreciate your generosity and hospitality! 🌿

06/19/2026

Native Plant Ramble at Island Ford

Our June Native Plant Ramble took us along the newly refurbished trails at the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area's Island Ford Unit. Despite the summer humidity, participants enjoyed the shade of a beautiful mature forest along the banks of the Chattahoochee River.

Towering canopy trees included impressive specimens of Northern Red Oak, American Sycamore, and American Beech. Beneath them, the understory was filled with Sourwood, Umbrella Magnolia, Black Cherry, and a variety of native vines. Thanks to recent rains, the forest floor also featured an impressive diversity of mushrooms, adding to the beauty and ecological richness of the walk.

Among the plants that caught our attention were Wild Comfrey, Pussytoes, and several species of native ferns. As always, we also encountered our share of invasive plants, providing an opportunity to discuss identification and effective management techniques for homeowners interested in restoring native habitat in their own landscapes.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for this educational walk in the woods. We look forward to seeing you at a future ramble! 🌿

06/13/2026

Ethnobotany: If Plants Could Talk – A Cherokee Relationship

We would like to extend our sincere thanks to Tony and Carra Harris for sharing their knowledge and hospitality during last weekend's Ethnobotany: If Plants Could Talk – A Cherokee Relationship program at the Cherokee Garden.

The program began with an engaging discussion about the many ways the Cherokee people have historically used native plants for food, medicine, tools, and ceremonial purposes. Participants then enjoyed a fascinating tour of the Cherokee Garden, where many of these culturally significant plants are thoughtfully cultivated and interpreted.

Our members left inspired and eager to learn more. For those interested in exploring this topic further, we encourage you to visit the below resources.

Thank you again to Tony and Carra for helping us deepen our understanding of the relationship between people, plants, culture, and place.

• "Listening to Plants" (2024) – An award-winning short documentary filmed at the Cherokee Garden and recipient of First Place at the Atlanta Short Film Festival:
https://vimeo.com/1028254608

• Barn Raiser Media Article:
Georgia Garden Connects Cherokee Nation to Its Roots
https://barnraisingmedia.com/georgia-garden-connects-cherokee-nation-to-its-roots/

• Inside Climate News Article: The Story Behind Georgia's State Flower and Cherokee History https://insideclimatenews.org/news/16042026/georgia-state-flower-cherokee-rose-indigenous-myth/

• Tony Harris's Blog: https://mycherokeegarden.com/

05/26/2026

Special thanks to Michael Cowan and the GNPS members who joined us for the Kennesaw Mountain Native Plant Ramble in May. Enjoy a few of the plants that were discussed.

05/25/2026

In May, our very own Charlie Monroe — GNPS member and Cobb County Natural Resources Manager — shared how Cobb County is incorporating native plants into parks and public landscapes throughout the community.

Thank you, Charlie, for all that you do to support native plants, habitat restoration, and environmental stewardship!

05/18/2026

Did you miss our recent Exploring Georgia’s Native Plants webinar featuring The Habitat-Friendly HOA Yard with Laura Markson, founder of Nurture Native Nature? No worries—we recorded it just for you!

Laura shared wonderful insights and practical advice on creating a beautiful, habitat-friendly HOA yard while transforming suburban landscapes into thriving ecosystems for birds, pollinators, and other wildlife.

Exploring Georgia’s Native Plants webinar featuring The Habitat-Friendly HOA Yard with Laura Markson, founder of Nurture Native Nature!Learn how to create a ...