Native plants can contribute significantly to the spirit of a garden, but just including them isn’t enough. For best results gardeners should approach a site with no pre-conceived notions, to observe first – to determine the genius loci, or the spirit of the space – before sketching a plan or lifting a spade. Tuning in to the genius loci requires an understanding of the site’s existing and historical conditions, its context within the larger community, and what the site congers up for you personally. In this seminar designed for experienced gardeners and professionals, Claire Sawyers will address her philosophy on native plants and how to plant them in “believable” combinations, referencing some of the public discourse on these topics. She will showcase some of her favorite native plants for East Coast gardens and suggest ways of using them in concert with other indigenous materials to create and accentuate the garden as place, making it feel “authentic,” and connected to the broader landscape.