Nothing evokes serenity and “naturalizes†a landscape like a glade of ferns. They are easy to establish and provide dependable season-long greenery. This workshop will get you started in appreciating and identifying common native ferns and learning the right ones for different soil and light conditions. We’ll begin with a classroom program about fern natural history, keys for identifying the common natives, and how to integrate ferns into landscapes with different light, soil, and vegetative surroundings. From there the class will explore a nearby preserve to see a variety of ferns in the wild. Finally, those interested may follow the instructor to his property nearby to see how native ferns add diversity and aesthetic quality to a natural landscape. Cosponsored by the New England Wild Flower Society with Westport River Watershed Alliance and the Connecticut College Arboretum, the program takes place Saturday, July 10, from 10 – 2. You may register at www.newfs.org, and the participation fee is $38 for members of the cosponsoring organizations, and $44 for nonmembers. Garry Plunkett will lead the class, and directions will be sent.
