Lake County Master Gardeners Offer Program on Adding Native Plants to Existing Gardens

In Crown Point, the Lake County Master Gardeners present a free program on “Creating Curb Appeal with Native Plants in Existing Gardens” with Chris Baran, Saturday, July 12, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. The program will take place at Purdue Cooperative Extension – Lake County on N. Main Street, Crown Point (building adjacent to Lake County Government Center). “Looking to refresh your landscape without starting from scratch? Adding native plants to existing garden beds is a simple way to boost curb appeal while supporting pollinators and improving soil health. Native species like coneflowers, black-eyed Susans, and ornamental grasses bring vibrant color, texture, and year-round interest. Because they’re adapted to local conditions, they require less water and maintenance – making your garden both beautiful and resilient,” a news release said. Leading the discussion will be Chris Baran, the founder and principal designer of Resilient Design LLC, a Chicago-based firm focused on sustainable and naturalistic landscapes. With a background in horticulture, Chris specializes in integrating native plants into existing gardens to enhance curb appeal, support biodiversity, and create resilient outdoor spaces, the Lake County Master Gardeners said. Visit the Lake County Master Gardeners website for more information and a link to register for the program.