Sedona AZ (April 1, 2015) – Chris Anderson was announced as the recipient of the Norman B. Herkenham award at the Keep Sedona Beautiful 36th annual Native Plant Workshop Saturday, March 28.
Anderson, Garden Center Lead at the Sedona ProBuild Garden Center, is one of the best sources for native and ornamental plants, gardening supplies and rainwater harvesting tanks in the area, said Nancy Spinelli, Native Plant Workshop co-chair.
“Chris, a native of Ohio, has been gardening in the Sedona area since 2005 and practicing Permaculture throughout his career. He worked on organic farms and nature centers in West Virginia, Vermont and New York and from 1999 to 2002 coordinated the Rural Action Environmental Learning Program geared to school children in the Appalachian area of Ohio,” Spinelli added.
Anderson’s recommendation to anyone interested in cultivating native plants is to ask a basic question: What would nature plant here? First, a reading of the landscape and the terrain should be done, followed by checking water flow, sunny and shady conditions, potential for wind and soil type. Start small and build out from there.
“The right place in the right climate coupled with the right plant and a root system that retains moisture are fundamental to success,” he said.
The Herkenham award recognizes individuals, businesses, or organizations that further the education and implantation of native plant landscaping. Originally created by one of the founders of Keep Sedona Beautiful, the late Maleese Black, the Native Plant Workshop was run by Norm Herkenham for some 20 years. He worked for the National Park Service and with the Friends of the Forest. His contributions to both earned him the title “Father of the Sedona Trail System”.
Some 120 attendees participated in the day-long workshop which has as its overall goal to fulfill Keep Sedona Beautiful’s mission to protect and sustain the unique scenic beauty and natural environment of the greater Sedona area. Workshop topics ranged from managing invasive species to designing landscapes using water-saving features and drought-resistant plants as well as using native plants to create a transition from true native areas in harmony with the area climate and wildlife.
Keep Sedona Beautiful, Inc. is a nonprofit organization that, by acting through the stewardship of its members and volunteers, is committed to protecting and sustaining the unique scenic beauty and natural environment of the Greater Sedona Area. For more information about Keep Sedona Beautiful, please call 928.282.4938, or visit http://www.keepsedonabeautiful.org/.