August 29, 2018 - Boston Flora

Saturday, September 29, 8:30 am – 3:30 pm – Inspiration for Next Year’s Garden

August 29, 2018 by Boston Flora

Each winter when the Massachusetts Master Gardeners Association Symposium Committee meets to come up with a “wish list” for our next event, we start with feedback from previous participants. (If you attended in 2017, thank you for your thoughtful suggestions!) In keeping with our theme, Inspiration for Next Year’s Garden, we prioritize speakers whose topics not only challenge and elevate our thinking as gardeners, but also offer advice that is both practical and realistic. We hope 2018’s inspiration become your 2019 garden reality. The Symposium will take place Saturday, September 29, from 8:30 – 3:30 at Westford Academy in Westford, Massachusetts.

Featured speakers include Joseph Tychonievich, author of Rock Gardening: Reimagining a Classic Style. Learn the basic principles of creating a rock garden, as well as knowing some of the most beautiful and easy to grow plants.
Peter J. Hatch, Director of Gardens and Grounds Emeritus, Thomas Jefferson Foundation, will speak on the third US President’s unique approach to gardening and how it inspired both a vegetable-centric culinary revolution and today’s garden-to-table movement. Then, Kelly D. Norris, Director of Horticulture and Education, Des Moines Botanical Garden, will teach us about stylish plant alternatives that can help you create a more fulfilling connection between you and your garden. Finally, Jessica Walliser, author of the bestseller Good Bug, Bad Bug, will discuss how to attract beneficial insects to your property, helping to preserve the garden’s natural balance.

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Tuesday, September 11, 8:30 am – 1:00 pm – Emerald Ash Borer Field Day

August 29, 2018 by Boston Flora

Join Tawny Simisky, UMass Extension Entomologist, Rick Harper, UMass Extension Associate Professor, Ken Gooch and Nicole Keleher, MA Department of Conservation and Recreation Forest Health Program, Phil Lewis, USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service PPQ, and Mollie Freilicher, MA Department of Conservation and Recreation Urban and Community Forestry Program, for a field day devoted to the invasive emerald ash borer (EAB). The morning will begin with a classroom-style overview of ash tree and EAB identification and status, as well as insect monitoring and management options. The remainder of the program will include on-site visitation of the Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary to view ash trees and EAB infestations. Trapping demonstrations and tips to carry out community tree inventories to detect and manage ash trees will also occur. This training is designed for arborists, tree wardens/urban foresters, municipal officials, landscapers, land managers, landowners and tree enthusiasts.

Co-sponsored by UMass Extension, the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation, and Mass Audubon. Preregistration required – space is limited to 60 participants; cost is a reduced $25 per person, thanks to funding support provided by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation and meeting space provided by Mass Audubon. Lunch will be on your own but morning coffee and snacks will be provided. The event takes place at Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary, 127 Combs Road in Easthampton on Tuesday, September 11 from 8:30 – 1. Print registration form at https://ag.umass.edu/landscape/events/emerald-ash-borer-field-day

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