
What we’re about
## Licking County and Central Ohio Garden Enthusiasts: Growing Community Through Local Gardening
NEW GROUP!
We're just getting started and looking for our first members to help this community grow from the ground up!
We're a relaxed community of gardening enthusiasts in Licking County and Central Ohio who share a passion for native plants, pollinators, sustainable practices, and Ohio's natural beauty.
*What to expect:*
• Regular posts about local gardening events, plant sales, workshops, and nature programs
• Opportunities to connect with fellow gardeners in our rural community
• A platform to share gardening tips, plant suggestions, and local resources
• Occasional informal meetups at community gardens, arboretums, and nature centers
*A personal note from the organizer:*
As a recent transplant to the area, I'm starting this group to put down roots in more ways than one! Gardening has brought me joy, better health, connection with nature, and a sense of purpose - benefits I hope to share with neighbors who feel the same way.
*This group is perfect for anyone interested in:*
• Learning about Ohio native plants and supporting pollinators
• Discovering local gardening resources and events you might otherwise miss
• Connecting with neighbors who share your gardening interests
• Building a more resilient, nature-friendly community in our rural area
Whether you're an experienced gardener or just starting out, join us to stay informed about local gardening happenings and connect with like-minded enthusiasts in Licking County and beyond!
No membership fees or participation requirements - simply join, stay informed, and participate when you can.
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Inviting Monarchs to your yard - Prairie Tour at Dawes ArboretumRed Barn Reserve at The Dawes Arboretum, Newark , OH
Hosted by Pollinator Pathway of Licking County
MEADOWS FOR MONARCHS
Prairie Tour
Wednesday, July 23, 20256-7 p.m.
Red Barn Reserve at The Dawes Arboretum
7087 Davis Drive | Heath, OhioWant to learn about making a mini wildflower meadow or “pocket prairie” for butterflies and other pollinators?
Join restoration specialists at The Dawes Arboretum to explore prairies at various stages of establishment.
Compare how habitats look 1 year, 2 years, and many years after planting, and gain valuable insights into their development over time.
This tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the prairie ecosystems firsthand and learn prairie establishment and management best practices.
The Meadows for Monarchs Project helps landowners convert ordinary grass into extraordinary habitat for monarchs and other pollinators.
Free, no entry to Dawes main gate needed - this event is at the Red Barn area at 7087 Davis Drive. Do not go to the main gate.
July 23, 2025; 6-7 p.m.
This is the fourth and final session in the "Inviting Monarchs to Your Yard" series as part of the Meadows for Monarchs project will be happening in-person at Dawes Arboretum's Red Barn Reserve on Wednesday, July 23rd at 6pm!
Sign up here: https://53050.blackbaudhosting.com/53050/Prairie-Site-Visit-Inviting-Monarchs-to-Your-Yard
Join our Science & Conservation team at Dawes as we visit Monarch habitat in action! Learn about the different stages of prairie plantings and best management practices from our experienced staff. Get to see first-hand how your prairie will progress through the years by touring our own restored prairie areas. You do not have to have attended the virtual information sessions to attend this program, but it is encouraged! Please reach out to learning@dawesarb.org to receive links to the information session recordings. Additionally, attached to this email is a document outlining the information that was shared during the virtual sessions.
Native Plants of Ohio. Meadowscaping. Wildflowers.
You don’t have to be in the program to attend. If you want to join the program and get native seed mix, Click here to read more
- Workshop - Summer Sip: Botanical Mocktails & Probiotic Sodas $35Centofanti Art Gallery, Hebron , OH
Hosted by Finch & Fen Permaculture Gardens
🍹 Summer Sip: Herbal Mocktails & Probiotic Beverages
🗓 Sunday, July 27th
📍 Centofanti Fine Art Gallery – 118 E Main St, Hebron, OH
🕓 2–4 PM | 💵 $35/person or $60/couple⸻
In this hands-on workshop, we’ll explore refreshing ways to hydrate and support your gut and nervous system—using herbs, fruits, shrubs, fermented drinks, and seasonal infusions.
You’ll learn how to:
🌿 Craft herbal mocktails with vibrant flavors
🍋 Make your own infused honey syrups and oxymels
🫙 Brew simple probiotic sodas + fermented lemonade
🥂 Build your own summer sips bar at homePerfect for gardeners, foodies, herbal-curious folks, and anyone looking to beat the heat while nourishing their body.
⸻
Spaces are limited—snag your spot early!
📝 Sign up at the Hebron Farmer’s Market on July 10 (4–7 PM) at the Village Center (Main & S. High, Hebron, OH)
🔗 Or register online: https://www.finchandfen.com/herb-shop/p/summer-sip⸻
Workshop Theme: Recipes Rooted in Seasonal Wellness
⏳ Length: 2 hours
📍 Location: Centofanti Art Gallery, 118 E Main St, Hebron OH 43025⸻
Come cool off and sip the season at our
Botanical Mocktails & Probiotic Soda Workshop!
We’ll explore the bubbly, herbal world of seasonal drinks—from fizzy ferments to refreshing mixers that nourish body and spirit. Perfect for herbal beginners, fermentation-curious folks, and anyone looking to create beautiful, booze-free beverages for summer gatherings.
(But you can totally add the booze if you want!)⸻
You’ll learn:
🧉 How to make probiotic sodas like wildflower kvass, fruit & ginger bug sodas, and herbal lacto-ferments
🛠 Basics of ferment safety and troubleshooting
🌱 How to infuse herbs into mocktail syrups, shrub bases, and seasonal switchels
🌼 Favorite combinations for mood, digestion, and summer energy⸻
In class you will:
✨ Make a Ginger Bug Starter – Learn how to cultivate your own natural soda culture using just ginger, sugar, and water
🧪 Create a Small-Batch Herbal Soda – Mix fruit, herbs, and your ginger bug to start a wild-fermented soda to take home and finish fermenting
🎨 Experiment with Garnishes – Try garden-fresh garnishes, floral ice cubes, and rim salts to add flair to your herbal beverages
🍹 Sample & Sip – Enjoy a tasting flight of fermented sodas, mocktail blends, and cooling herbal infusions⸻
Each participant will go home with:
✅ A bubbling ginger bug starter jar
✅ A fermenting herbal soda or shrub
✅ A printed recipe & inspiration zine
✅ The skills to confidently create probiotic and herbal drinks at home⸻
💵 $35 per person or $60 per couple
🎟 Register early to reserve your space - 🌱 Free Veg Plants of the Month at Newark Farmer’s Market 🌱 Marigolds/BeetsThe Canal Market District, Newark, OH
# Free Plants & Gardening Advice at Canal Market District Farmers Market
The Licking County Master Gardener Volunteers will be offering a free plant and expert gardening advice at the Canal Market District Farmers Market in downtown Newark.
## Event Details
- Location: 36 E. Canal Street, Newark, Ohio
- Dates: First and third Fridays, May through October
- Hours: 4:00-7:00 PM
## Special Upcoming Event
Friday, August 1: Free Brocade mix marigolds and Red acre beet plants while supplies last!All plants come with complete planting and care instructions. Our Master Gardeners will be on hand to answer all your gardening questions.
No registration required - simply stop by the MGV table anytime during market hours to receive your free plant.
Discover the many health benefits of gardening: OSU Health Benefits of Gardening