Native Nurseries Tallahassee reports back on Cullowhee

Lilly Anderson-Messec of Native Nurseries in Tallahassee looks at Turk's-Cap Lilies -- her first time seeing these magnificent flowers in bloom.

A report from Lilly Anderson-Messec, Native Nurseries of Tallahassee, who attended the 2013 Cullowhee Native Plant Conference — a very special annual event held at Western Carolina University in Cullowhee.

Gorgeous Turk's-Cap Lily (Lilium superbum) flowers. "The largest and most spectacular of the native Lilies; up to 40 flowers have been recorded on a single plant. The recurved sepals and petals, which presumably resemble a type of cap worn by early Turks, and the showy extruded stamens, are distinctive features. Indians used the bulbs for soup." - info from our friends at the Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center.

Turk’s-Cap Lilies! When FANN asked me to describe my experience at Cullowhee, my first thought was of the plants. I had never been to the Appalachian area as an adult, and getting to see those plants and experience the landscape was an utter delight. Discovering Turk’s-Cap Lilies in Bloom for the first time filled me with such wonderment, and reminded me how lucky I am to be doing work that truly inspires me.

Famed entomologist and author Doug Tallamy at left with Lilly Anderson-Messec, Native Nurseries of Tallahassee.

Of course, seeing Doug Tallamy speak and having the pleasure of meeting him was a real highlight of Cullowhee. I am a true Doug Tallamy fangirl! His book, Bringing Nature Home, really consolidated all of the scattered arguments for planting native and pinpointed the most important one – native plants are the foundation of a complicated food web that we rely on to support the ecosystem that supports us. He also pinpointed the importance of native insects, and how we need to begin to view our yards as habitat, not merely decoration. These are especially important concepts I want to pass on to our customers at the nursery. We all know this, but he really puts it together so clearly.

I was also inspired by a workshop on a North Carolina nonprofit called Muddy Sneakers. They work with public schools in the area to bring 5th grade students onto nearby protected lands, with the goal of introducing them to the wonders of the natural world by teaching science curriculum using experiential methods. They strive to create a life-long love of nature in children and to do this in a way that enhances academic achievement, inspires the joy of living, and creates an understanding of the interconnectedness of all things. I can’t understate the importance of connecting kids to nature at a young age. They are our future stewards! I hope Florida can establish a similar educational initiative.

Here at the nursery I’m working to create a children and nature series of workshops. The first of which will be a We Love Bugs! workshop in spring for kids and their parents to explore, learn about and appreciate the bugs around us.

Cullowhee was a true inspiration to me, and I’m looking forward to future conferences!

Readers: for more great information on Doug Tallamy’s work, see:
FANN article from Real Florida Gardeners
FNPS blog post

Posted on October 22, 2013 by FANN

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Native Nurseries Tallahassee reports back on Cullowhee