March 2022
presented by Erin Garrett
You may have heard about the benefits of planting native plants in your home landscape – but what about in that shady spot in your yard? Are there native plants well suited to a shade garden? Learn the ecological benefits of planting natives underneath trees and explore your options when it comes to choosing shade tolerant native plants.
Erin Garrett is the Natural Resources, Environment, and Energy Extension Educator for University of Illinois Extension in the southernmost five counties in Illinois – Alexander, Johnson, Massac, Pulaski, and Union counties. In this role, Erin develops and delivers high impact programming to local and statewide audiences to help them develop an appreciation for natural resources and to empower them to make small changes to positively impact the environment. Erin earned her master’s degree in Plant Biology from Southern Illinois University in 2017, where her research focused on the interactions of an invasive legume with native forbs, grasses, and legumes. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies from the College of Saint Benedict in 2015.