Presented by Massachusetts Horticultural Society & the Perennial Plant Association, the regional PPA symposium on August 27 from 9 – 3 at The Gardens at Elm Bank is open to all levels of gardeners and professionals. This year’s symposium includes four presentations led by some of the perennial industry’s best. Pre-registration required by visiting www.masshort.org. Early Bird: $99. After August 18: $125
Presenters Mike & Angelina Chute (they have spoken to The Garden Club of the Back Bay) will speak on Selecting Sustainable Roses. Sustainable roses are sturdy, attractive plants that can hold their own in a pesticide-free landscape. This program features modern, recently-introduced varieties as well as old favorites that are disease-resistant, winter hardy, easy to grow and bloom all season. Selecting Sustainable Roses delves into the core of sustainability, explains the different grades and types of roses, their growth habits and how to select the best varieties for your garden. We use the experience gained in our own sustainable rose garden as a practical model to share tips on sustainable and basic rose gardening. Be amazed at the wide choices of color, size, and fragrance that are available and will fit into any New England garden.
Stephanie Cohen, author, gardener and Perennial Diva, entitles her talk Cutting Edge Perennials: No Bandages Provided! The Diva loves new plants and will show you new in non-natives and natives. The word “new” does not necessarily mean better. It should just mean different flower size, color of flower or leaf, immunity to pests and diseases, and even lower maintenance. Some good plants slip through the cracks and others are worthy candidates for the compost pile. Be prepared as the Diva does not mince words and the dirt will fly during this presentation
Executive Director of the Morris Arboretum William Cullina’s lecture is Beyond Black-eyed Susans and Border Phlox: Exceptional Native Perennials for Creative Gardening. Though gardening with native plants has truly come of age in this country, the nursery industry has barely begun to tap the amazing diversity within our flora. You don’t need to travel to Tibet to find plants that will thrill the eye and feed the soul. In this program, Bill Cullina will profile some of the outstanding native perennials yet to be discovered by the gardening public.
Finally, Dan Jaffe, photographer and landscape consultant, will offer For Us and Them, Perennial Edible Plants for Pollinators and Ourselves.
