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.
Register online ($90, deadline 9/22) at http://massmastergardeners.org/2018-symposium/
