Native Plants and Funk Heritage Center Xeriscape Landscape program

Dr. Joseph Kitchens, the first executive director of the Funk Heritage Center, worked with members of the Upper Etowah River Alliance, Cherokee Master Gardener and museum volunteers to surround the landscape of the Center with native plants. The Xeriscape includes plants that provide a water efficient landscape and are low maintenance. They are are drought tolerant reducing the need for irrigation. A grant from the Georgia Master Gardener Association provided funds to purchase plant identification markers used in the landscape.  Dr. Kitchens said, "Plants native to Georgia are part of our heritage. This is a place where visitors can learn about them and understand how important they were to the Native Americans and early settlers. The natural walking trail may be used to educate children and adults and it adds another interesting venue to our museum."

Each spring, several varieties of Trilliums are in bloom. Visitors may also see Wild Ginger, Foamflowers, Solomon's Seal, and Rue Anemone. Native Oakleaf Hydrangeas bloom in June, and many types of trees are also located on the Trail. The lady slipper plant (Cypripedium acaule) pictured at the right is a protected plant species and it requires authorization to take, possess, exchange, transport, or sell. It also blooms in the spring and likes living in the shade. This is an example of the unusual native plants in our native garden.