Woody plants are a low maintenance option for the home landscape. These great plants are gaining in popularity as gardeners learn how to use them to their best advantage. Consider how these plants extend the garden season until late fall. This Berkshire Botanical Garden program on Wednesday, January 14 from 10 – noon will cover ornamental aspects, varieties, cultural requirements and siting these beauties in the garden.

Elisabeth Cary is the Director of Education at the Berkshire Botanical Garden and has been gardening for over 25 years. She specializes in perennial, vegetable and mixed-border gardens. BBG members $90, nonmembers $100. Register at http://www.berkshirebotanical.org/event/passion-for-plants-study-group-woods-on-fire-ornamental-shrubs-and-trees-for-a-fiery-fall-display/?instance_id=3192.  Pictured: Staghorn sumac from www.i.telegraph.co.uk.