Daily Archives: January 28, 2019


Saturday, February 9, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm – Understanding and Managing Soils

Healthy soil is the basis of healthy plant communities and is necessary for plants to thrive. Join the Ecological Landscape Alliance on February 9 at Nasami Farm, 128 North Street in Whately for this in-depth, full-day workshop to learn how to manage healthy soil.

This intensive class explores the biotic and abiotic components that create native soils and explains how these factors inform local flora. The class takes a closer look at soil structure and soil biology in miniature lab experiments.

Alexis Doshas is a graduate of the Environmental Studies Department at Antioch University New England with a concentration in Conservation Biology. She ran a small organic gardening business for over a decade and worked with Safe Harbor Environmental Services as a restoration associate. She is a field researcher in a long-term NSF-funded study on the effects and mitigation of chronic atmospheric deposition of Nitrogen on heathland communities of Cape Cod, MA. Currently, Alexis is the Propagator and Facilities Coordinator at New England Wild Flower Society’s Nasami Farm, where their mission is to conserve and promote the region’s native plants to ensure healthy, biologically diverse landscapes. Alexis’ interests include landscape ecology, soil ecology, nutrient processes, field research, sustainable agriculture, forest medicinal plants, and climate change. Her professional and personal goal is to serve the processes that contribute to a balanced ecosystem, both in the scientific and social disciplines.

Fee: $92 (ELA Member)/$109 (Nonmember). Register at https://www.ecolandscaping.org/event/class-understanding-and-managing-soils/

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Saturday, February 16, 10:30 am – 12:00 noon – Potpourri: Rotten Pots with a Loving Message

Potpourri, French for rotten pot, is a fragrant, often beautiful, mix of scented plant material with a long and fascinating history. The Tower Hill Botanic Garden class begins at 10:30 am on February 16 in Tower Hill’s library with a display of books, old and new, on potpourri and stillroom techniques plus a short history of fragrance and the art of using it in the home. Then we will move to the classroom to learn the basics of potpourri making. Each attendee will create a quart of potpourri based on the Language of Flowers to take home and enjoy. It’s Valentine season, what better time to create a beautiful, fragrant blend of rose petals and other sweet smelling herbs that breaths a message of Love? Recipe sheets included. This class is suitable for adults and for families with children 10 years and older. All fragrances used are natural, essential oils. All materials included. $40 for THBG members, $54 for nonmembers. Register at www.towerhillbg.org.

Betsy Williams teaches, lectures and writes about living with herbs and flowers. A gardener and herb grower since 1972, Betsy trained as a florist in Boston and England. She combines her floral and gardening skills with an extensive knowledge of history, plant lore and seasonal celebrations. Betsy is the author of several books on the uses and stories of herbs and flowers. She has appeared on the Discovery Channel and greater Boston cable sites about living with herbs and flowers. A gardener and herb grower since 1972, Betsy trained as a florist in Boston and England. She combines her floral and gardening skills with an extensive knowledge of history, plant lore and seasonal celebrations. Betsy is the author of several books on the uses and stories of herbs and flowers. She has appeared on the Discovery Channel and greater Boston cable stations as well as local and national radio talk shows. Betsy lectures and teaches locally and nationally.

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