Succession Planting

Even in small garden spaces, you can boost diversity and seasonal interest through succession planting. Succession planting is the practice of designing a garden so that as one plant finishes its peak growth or bloom cycle, another is ready to step into the spotlight. By thoughtfully timing and layering your plants, you ensure continuous color, texture, and ecological benefits throughout the year rather than a single, fleeting burst of spring blooms. Designed for gardeners of all levels, this class focuses on how to build these layered, ecologically rich plantings using native species. In this class, you will come away with: A clear understanding of succession planting and how it works in home gardens. The growth habits, site preferences, and key characteristics of native plants. How native plants can be combined to create layered garden design. Succession planting strategies for increasing biodiversity in your garden spaces. This class includes a guided walk through the gardens with Leah. Take home a ready-to-use plant groupings list and a simple approach to designing more diverse, resilient garden beds. Register now to learn how to keep your garden evolving beautifully through every season. This program takes place in-person at Mt. Cuba Center Saturday, October 31, 2026. 🥬 Certificate of Attendance for Continuing Education Units (CEUs) available About the Instructor: Leah Blanton is a planting designer and horticulturist, using her artistic eye and plant knowledge to create functional urban landscapes for the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, where she designs a diverse range of public horticulture projects in Philadelphia. She co-owns an ecological garden design company and earned her certificate of Sustainable Garden Design from the New York Botanical Garden. REGISTER NOW: General Public Individual+ & Dual+ Members Supporter, Advocate & Conservator Members