Amanda Wray is a Baltimore-based native plant educator, garden designer, illustrator and creative thinker.
She seeks to foster community through ecological gardening practices to help nature rebuild, and help people reconnect with nature through action + observation + sharing + introspection.
Her journey with native plants began on the West Coast of the U.S., working for a company whose mission was replacing lawns in drought-stricken areas in the Southern California.
Since coming to the Mid-Atlantic area in 2017, she has immersed herself in learning native plants of the Piedmont Ecoregion, along with amazing people that committed conservation who are transforming our local ecology for the better.
Amanda is available for public speaking on the topic of native plants and garden design with native plants.
Getting Started with Native Plants (30-90 mins) This informative talk is geared for people new to native plants will cover basics about what native plants are, why they are important, how to incorporate native plants into your garden, the impacts of lawns and how to know which plants are harmful and which are beneficial for our ecosystems.
Garden Design with Native Plants (60-90 mins) This engaging talk can be done as a stand-alone, or as a longer talk with time for participatory learning session at the end. Topics covered include why native plants are important, how to assess and prepare your garden, design considerations and sample designs, plant lists, where to purchase plants and resources.
If you are someone you know is ready to start a native garden, but would like to know where to start, inquire below about a 60-90 min property walk (within a 30 mile radius of Towson, MD). During this walk I will make suggestions for invasive plant ID and removal, as well as identifying any native plants present. Areas that may be reshaped to retain or reroute water may be discussed, as well as recommendations for native plants, shrubs or trees. More in depth advice about planting, plant sourcing, low-cost ways to add plants to your garden, and plant lists is also available.
A shorter 20 minute introductory walk may be suitable as well, and can be done for free for members of Wild Ones Greater Baltimore, or for residents that may have a financial hardship.
Graphic Designer & Illustrator, Inspirational Garden Signs (contact for bulk purchase)