This Berkshire Botanical Garden morning class on Saturday, March 16 from 10 – 12 is for the gardener/naturalist and bird lover. Understand the unique relationship of our avian friends with plants, and how to provide birds with all they need to make the garden a welcoming home. Learn about the variety of song birds, their requirements for survival and the plants that attract them to the landscape, as well as the importance of structural elements in the garden to attract these welcomed guests. The ecological perspective in this lecture will help gardeners better understand essential plant/animal relationships. In the afternoon, from 12:30 – 2:30, learn about the many uses of plants growing in the fields and forests of New England. This lecture will look at the fascinating history of plants in North America from a human perspective and explore their role in the survival and development of society, as well as their importance today. The instructor will discuss some of the major figures in plant discovery and how plants were used for food, shelter, medicine, clothing, hunting and religious ceremonies.
Drew Monthie is a horticulturalist, garden designer and ecologist working in upstate New York. He is committed to teaching about the importance of using native plants to provide beauty and preserve biodiversity in yards and gardens. The morning class costs $25 for BBG members, $30 for nonmembers, and the afternoon session is separately priced at $25/$30. However, if you enroll for both, you will receive a 20% discount. Visit www.berkshirebotanical.org for details.
