Meet Author Marvin Cook of the Recently Published Children’s Book, "They all called him PINKY"

A children's book for ages 8 and up or parents who want to read it to their younger children.

The story is inspired by Pinky, a rare visitor who arrived with a hurricane and lived for five years at St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge.

Read Donna Legare's review here.

Shop small this holiday season!

Saturday December 7th there will be an outdoor handmade market featuring local artists and makers right next door to the nursery. Stop by and see if there is anything for those special people on your Christmas list!

Visit our peaceful hollow in the woods for a stroll through our Christmas tree forest; the balsam fragrance and beauty of our Fraser Fir trees are certain to stir up the holiday spirit. Enjoy live bluegrass music while the staff share homemade baked goods and organic hot apple cider.

Don’t forget to peek in the Wren’s Nest Christmas Shop for wonderful nature ornaments and gifts for gardeners and bird watchers.

Birdfeeders are on sale the weekend after Thanksgiving. Starting Friday the 29th until Sunday December 1st, all feeders are 15% off. We look forward to seeing you this holiday season!

After Thanksgiving, we will be open on Sundays through Christmas Day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Regular hours: Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

There is no cost or registration required; we encourage all ages to make arrangements. Our one rule is to use only native plants. Drop off arrangements at the nursery that Saturday morning by 9:30 a.m. and people will have until 4:00 p.m. to vote on the best arrangement. The first place prize is a $25 gift certificate to Native Nurseries, along with a mystery prize second place. The winners of our contest will be contacted the following Tuesday. There are no parameters regarding shape, size, or vessel. Any nursery visitor can cast their vote in the ballot box.

Co-founder Jody Walthall will go over the basics of tree characteristics, terminology and how to identify them in the field. The first half of the talk will be indoors, then you will join Jody as he leads a walk around the nursery to help you practice what you’ve learned. Feel free to bring a sample from your own yard to have identified.

REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED via PHONE ORDER
There is a $5.00 fee; your payment holds your spot in the class. Please call (850) 386-8882 to pre-register. Class size is limited to 25 people. No refunds on same day cancellations.

PARKING: Please use driveway next door to the nursery with 'Workshop Parking' sign seen from Centerville Rd.

Discover the joy of growing your own fresh and aromatic herbs in the comfort of your own garden with Caroline Manuel! She will teach you how to grow culinary herbs in a variety of ways, such as in containers or garden beds. She will also discuss harvesting, maintenance, companion planting, and share some of her favorite recipes.

REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED via PHONE ORDER
There is a $5.00 fee; your payment holds your spot in the class. Please call (850) 386-8882 to pre-register. Class size is limited to 25 people. No refunds on same day cancellations.

PARKING: Please use driveway next door to the nursery with 'Workshop Parking' sign seen from Centerville Rd.

Learn everything there is to know about increasing soil fertility to grow healthy, nutrient dense fruits and vegetables. Sundiata Ameh-El of Compost Community will walk you through the basics of soil composition, microbiology and how to build your soils to make them perfect habitats for microorganisms that are responsible for healthy soil.

REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED via PHONE ORDER
There is a $5.00 fee; your payment holds your spot in the class. Please call (850) 386-8882 to pre-register. Class size is limited to 25 people. No refunds on same day cancellations.

PARKING: Please use driveway next door to the nursery with 'Workshop Parking' sign seen from Centerville Rd.

During this workshop, Jade Reindl will cover a variety of topics related to plants and their relationship with insects. She’ll share identification tips for common plant pests, as well as beneficial insects and how you can attract them. She will also discuss what insects to avoid and environmentally friendly ways to treat them should they become detrimental to your plant’s growth. This workshop will encompass both houseplants and plants outdoors.

REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED via PHONE ORDER
There is a $5.00 fee; your payment holds your spot in the class. Please call (850) 386-8882 to pre-register. Class size is limited to 25 people. No refunds on same day cancellations.

PARKING: Please use driveway next door to the nursery with 'Workshop Parking' sign seen from Centerville Rd.

With a focus on environmental and organic practices in the fall and winter garden, co-owner Joe Walthall will cover soil preparation, watering, fertilization, pest control and when and what to plant. The workshop will conclude with a demonstration in our vegetable garden next door to the nursery. Fall is the ideal season to start for beginners or experienced gardeners who are new to Tallahassee. There are fewer weeds, mosquitos and other pests and less disease to battle in the fall and winter garden!

REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED via PHONE ORDER
There is a $5.00 fee; your payment holds your spot in the class. Please call (850) 386-8882 to pre-register. Class size is limited to 25 people. No refunds on same day cancellations.

PARKING: Please use driveway next door to the nursery with 'Workshop Parking' sign seen from Centerville Rd.

E. O. Wilson described invertebrates as “the little things that run the world.” Believe it or not, we have approximately 12,500 insects and 750 spider species in Florida! Join insect enthusiasts, Benjamin Gunther and Louie Sandstrum, to explore why insects and other “bugs” are so important to our ecosystems. A presentation inside will be followed by close-up examination of some live specimens and a “bug” hunt expedition on nursery grounds. While this is mainly geared towards school-age children –families, adults, naturalists and photographers are also welcome and will enjoy this experience.

REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED via PHONE ORDER
There is a $5.00 fee; your payment holds your spot in the class. Please call (850) 386-8882 to pre-register. Class size is limited to 25 people. No refunds on same day cancellations.

PARKING: Please use driveway next door to the nursery with 'Workshop Parking' sign seen from Centerville Rd.

Learn about the natural history of butterflies and moths and how to successfully raise caterpillars into butterflies with Caroline Manuel. After the slide show, tour the Native Nurseries butterfly garden. We should have caterpillars for folks to take home and raise. This is the perfect workshop for parents and teachers.

REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED via PHONE ORDER
There is a $5.00 fee; your payment holds your spot in the class. Please call (850) 386-8882 to pre-register. Class size is limited to 25 people. No refunds on same day cancellations.

PARKING: Please use driveway next door to the nursery with 'Workshop Parking' sign seen from Centerville Rd.

As the monarch population continues its alarming decline in the panhandle, we are in a great location to positively impact its survival and to observe and enjoy this magical species. Louie will discuss the unique biology, life cycle and migration of the monarch butterfly and the native North Florida milkweeds it relies upon. He will also discuss the best wildflowers to plant in your yard to support monarchs.

REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED via PHONE ORDER
There is a $5.00 fee; your payment holds your spot in the class. Please call (850) 386-8882 to pre-register. Class size is limited to 25 people. No refunds on same day cancellations.

PARKING: Please use driveway next door to the nursery with 'Workshop Parking' sign seen from Centerville Rd.

Joe Walthall will share tips, tricks, and best practices when it comes to fermenting kimchi, sauerkraut and pickles through a demonstration-based lesson. You’ll get a chance to watch the process firsthand, enjoy some samples and take home several recipes to try yourself.

REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED via PHONE ORDER
There is a $5.00 fee; your payment holds your spot in the class. Please call (850) 386-8882 to pre-register. No refunds on same day cancellations.

PARKING: Please use driveway next door to the nursery with 'Workshop Parking' sign seen from Centerville Rd.

Whether you are a beginner or are looking for new ideas, this workshop is for those who would like to start growing cut flowers in their own backyard. Karen of Love Blooms, will discuss her favorite varieties and guide you through her growing process including how to start seeds, location and soil requirements of a good cut flower patch, and how to cut and condition flowers to prolong their vase life.

REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED via PHONE ORDER
There is a $5.00 fee; your payment holds your spot in the class. Please call (850) 386-8882 to pre-register. Class size is limited to 25 people. No refunds on same day cancellations.

PARKING: Please use driveway next door to the nursery with 'Workshop Parking' sign seen from Centerville Rd. 

When thinking about attracting pollinators to the garden, wasps may not be the first insect that comes to mind. However, wasps are important contributors to garden ecology – as pollinators of native plants, and as beneficial insects preying on other insects that damage crops and plants. Ben will provide a detailed look at these intriguing beneficial insects and their vital role promoting healthy garden ecosystems.

REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED via PHONE ORDER
There is a $5.00 fee; your payment holds your spot in the class. Please call (850) 386-8882 to pre-register. Class size is limited to 25 people. No refunds on same day cancellations.

PARKING: Please use driveway next door to the nursery with 'Workshop Parking' sign seen from Centerville Rd. 

THIS WORKSHOP HAS BEEN CANCELLED.

Are the bugs and weeds taking over your yard? Join our Leon County Horticultural agent, Mark Tancig, to learn when and how to safely use pesticides and herbicides, and what cultural practices can prevent bug and weed problems in the first place. 

REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED via PHONE ORDER
There is a $5.00 fee; your payment holds your spot in the class. Please call (850) 386-8882 to pre-register. Class size is limited to 25 people. No refunds on same day cancellations.

PARKING: Please use driveway next door to the nursery with 'Workshop Parking' sign seen from Centerville Rd.

Chase Brestle will cover a variety of topics related to the feeding and nesting habits of birds that frequent our yards in summer. He will discuss hummingbirds, how to outfox squirrels, nesting birds, birdbaths, planting for birds and the seasonal rhythms of bird appearances in our yards.

REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED via PHONE ORDER
There is a $5.00 fee; your payment holds your spot in the class. Please call (850) 386-8882 to pre-register. No refunds on same day cancellations.

PARKING: Please use driveway next door to the nursery with 'Workshop Parking' sign seen from Centerville Rd.

The simple addition of houseplants to a room can instantly improve the aesthetics, while also improving air quality. Growing and caring for houseplants can be easy if you choose the right plant and know how to care for it. Join Rosey Melucci as they share their favorite, easiest-to-grow houseplants, how to care for them and how to avoid common mistakes. Let us help you make your house a home with beautiful, healthy houseplants!

REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED via PHONE ORDER
There is a $5.00 fee; your payment holds your spot in the class. Please call (850) 386-8882 to pre-register. Class size is limited to 25 people. No refunds on same day cancellations.

PARKING: Please use driveway next door to the nursery with 'Workshop Parking' sign seen from Centerville Rd. 

It may be hot, but it's not too late to start a butterfly garden to bring color to your yard for summer and fall. Learn to create a simple and functional butterfly garden that attracts butterflies for pollination and egg laying. This workshop will include a tour of the Native Nurseries butterfly garden.

REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED via PHONE ORDER
There is a $5.00 fee; your payment holds your spot in the class. Please call (850) 386-8882 to pre-register. No refunds on same day cancellations.

PARKING: Please use driveway next door to the nursery with 'Workshop Parking' sign seen from Centerville Rd.

During this workshop, Joe Walthall will share his seed starting techniques including: which seeds to plant and when, how to prepare the soil and what are the best tools and supplies to be successful. Starting your own plants from seed is fun, fascinating and a great way to save money on plants for your garden.

REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED via PHONE ORDER
There is a $5.00 fee; your payment holds your spot in the class. Please call (850) 386-8882 to pre-register. No refunds on same day cancellations.

PARKING: Please use driveway next door to the nursery with 'Workshop Parking' sign seen from Centerville Rd.

Whether you have a spacious backyard or a stoop for a few containers, you can enjoy beautiful, easy-to-grow plants at home that have beneficial properties for wellness. In this class, Caroline Manuel will introduce you to her favorite medicinal herbs along with ways to properly prepare and use them.

REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED via PHONE ORDER

There is a $5.00 fee; your payment holds your spot in the class. Please call (850) 386-8882 to pre-register. No refunds on same day cancellations. No refunds on same day cancellations.

PARKING: Please use driveway next door to the nursery with 'Workshop Parking' sign seen from Centerville Rd.

Your yard matters! Manage it to help protect Florida’s environment by using the Nine Principles of Florida-Friendly Landscaping. Mark Tancig, UF/IFAS-Leon County Extension Agent, will share his goals for the program and guide you through the steps you can take to create a more sustainable yard using the Florida Friendly principles. 

REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED via PHONE ORDER
There is a $5.00 fee; your payment holds your spot in the class. Please call (850) 386-8882 to pre-register. No refunds on same day cancellations.

PARKING: Please use driveway next door to the nursery with 'Workshop Parking' sign seen from Centerville Rd.

Learn how to convert a traditional landscape to one that has ecological function, using primarily native plants. Maintenance considerations will also be discussed.

REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED via PHONE ORDER

There is a $5.00 fee; your payment holds your spot in the class. Please call (850) 386-8882 to pre-register. No refunds on same day cancellations.

PARKING: Please use driveway next door to the nursery with 'Workshop Parking' sign seen from Centerville Rd.

Many people are familiar with the importance of butterflies as pollinators but what happens when the night shift takes over? Staff member Caroline Manuel will provide a look into the amazing nocturnal world of moths, why they are so important ecologically, and what we can do to make a place for them in our hearts and yards.

REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED via PHONE ORDER
There is a $5.00 fee; your payment holds your spot in the class. Please call (850) 386-8882 to pre-register. Class size is limited to 25 people. No refunds on same day cancellations.

PARKING: Please use driveway next door to the nursery with 'Workshop Parking' sign seen from Centerville Rd. 

Is your landscape declining due to shade? Why not redesign your shady spots and transform them into lush fern beds and cool garden nooks? We have many native wildflowers, trees and shrubs that perform well and even bloom in the shade. Jody Walthall, will go over these plants as well as designing, planting and maintaining a shady garden. 

REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED via PHONE ORDER
There is a $5.00 fee; your payment holds your spot in the class. Please call (850) 386-8882 to pre-register. Class size is limited to 25 people. No refunds on same day cancellations.

PARKING: Please use driveway next door to the nursery with 'Workshop Parking' sign seen from Centerville Rd. 

Explore the diverse world of native pollinators in your yard with native plants! Join Elizabeth as she shares how to attract a variety of beneficial bees to your garden with easy-to-grow native wildflowers.

REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED via PHONE ORDER
There is a $5.00 fee; your payment holds your spot in the class. Please call (850) 386-8882 to pre-register. Class size is limited to 25 people. No refunds on same day cancellations.

PARKING: Please use driveway next door to the nursery with 'Workshop Parking' sign seen from Centerville Rd.

Grow colorful flowers on your patio, balcony or doorstep. Caroline Manuel will teach you how to create a beautiful container garden that will last through summer. This is a hands-on class. Bring your own container to pot up (5g or less) or purchase one here along with the plants you want to use during the workshop. We’ll provide the potting soil.

REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED via PHONE ORDER
There is a $15.00 fee; your payment holds your spot in the class. Please call (850) 386-8882 to pre-register. Class size is limited to 15 people. No refunds on same day cancellations.

PARKING: Please use driveway next door to the nursery with 'Workshop Parking' sign seen from Centerville Rd.

The tour begins at Native Nurseries, where we will form carpools. Come early, at 8:45, if you would like to see Native Nurseries’ Secret Garden, where the mountain laurel should be in full bloom. We will divide into two groups. One group will visit the yard of Ann and Don Morrow, which provides an excellent example of how to create and manage a healthy urban forest. They have seen 88 species of birds in their yard and have heard or seen another 34 species fly over the property.

The other group will go to the home of the retired co-founders of Native Nurseries, Donna Legare and Jody Walthall, to see how their yard has changed over 30 years of planting native plants. Their typical in-town suburban home featured 100% non-native landscape plants other than the large trees when purchased in the early 1990s. They will discuss how to manage a mostly native yard for wildlife, while making it attractive to neighbors as well.

The two groups will then switch yards so that everyone will tour both yards. The two groups will then reconvene as one group at the home of Jim Stevenson and Tara Tanaka, which features a 45-acre swamp with an active wood stork rookery – so bring your binoculars. They have managed the property through the planting of a diversity of native trees and shrubs. Their backyard is designed to enhance the view of the swamp for wildlife observations while providing food and cover for birds and other wildlife. A light snack will be served at Jim and Tara’s as we regroup. We should return to Native Nurseries by 12:30pm.

Group size is limited, and reservations are required. Please call or text Donna Legare at 850 386-1148. Payment needs to be made by check (made out to Birdsong Nature Center) or cash and mailed or dropped off at Native Nurseries, 1661 Centerville Rd., Tallahassee, FL  32308. No refunds on same day cancellations.

$15 All funds support Birdsong Nature Center’s Butterfly/Pollinator Garden

Ruby-throated hummingbirds return from Central America around mid-March. Chase Brestle of Native Nurseries will explore the fascinating natural history of hummingbirds and teach you how to attract them to your yard.

REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED via PHONE ORDER
There is a $5.00 fee; your payment holds your spot in the class. Please call (850) 386-8882 to pre-register. Class size is limited to 25 people. No refunds on same day cancellations.

PARKING: Please use driveway next door to the nursery with 'Workshop Parking' sign seen from Centerville Rd. 

Join Elizabeth Georges and Caroline Manuel in learning how to grow and enjoy herbs. Caroline will discuss how to incorporate them into your landscape and Elizabeth will share how to use some of her favorite herbs in cooking.

REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED via PHONE ORDER
There is a $10.00 fee; your payment holds your spot in the class. Please call (850) 386-8882 to pre-register. Class size is limited to 25 people. No refunds on same day cancellations.

PARKING: Please use driveway next door to the nursery with 'Workshop Parking' sign seen from Centerville Rd.