Tips and Tricks from a Wild Gardener
In-person program presented by Marty Arnold, Author, former Wild Ones River City President.
Recap by Sue Cassidy, Communication Co-Chair
April 20 was the Wild Ones’ first in-person meeting of 2026. Marty Arnold’s presentation shared one gardener’s 50-year journey from traditional landscaping to native plants and, eventually, full-on habitat restoration—sparked by getting involved with Wild Ones. Using her once-neglected property in Grand Rapids as an example, she showed how a yard can evolve into a space that truly supports wildlife.
She broke it down into three simple zones: a neighbor-friendly “public” garden, a personal space to relax and enjoy, and a more natural area where wildlife comes first. Along the way, she shared practical, real-life tips—from figuring out what historically grew on your land to keeping track of plants and dealing with deer and invasive species. A big theme was making native gardens feel intentional and approachable so they don’t clash with neighborhood expectations. Marty also emphasized that inspiring others matters just as much as planting the garden itself. In the end, it was all about small changes adding up to something much bigger for the environment.
Graphics courtesy of Marty Arnold