Daily Archives: June 14, 2021


Thursday, June 24, 10:00 am – 12:00 noon – Managing Yards for Plant Biodiversity, Online

Suburban yards can support remarkably high plant biodiversity. How homeowners manage their yards largely determines the plant composition of these expanding ecosystems. In this free Native Plant Trust online talk on June 24 at 10 am, Woodwell Climate Research Center ecologist Christopher Neill and conservation biologist Desiree Narango describe findings from a one-of-a-kind, nationwide research project that examined the flora, soils, microclimates, insects, and birds in suburban yards in six metropolitan regions across the United States, including Boston. Neill will address how suburbanization does or does not homogenize residential landscapes compared with the natural areas that surround these cities. He will connect this new research to ways that homeowners can modify their yards to support native plants and wildlife, and how Native Plant Trust and Woodwell Climate Research Center’s new collaboration shares the research with a broader audience. Register at http://www.nativeplanttrust.org/events/managing-yards-plant-biodiversity/


Sunday, June 20, 10:30 am – 12:00 noon – Caring for Rhododendrons and Azaleas

This Tower Hill Botanic Garden live course on June 20 at 10:30 am will teach you how to select, site, plant and care for rhododendrons and azaleas so that they perform well, are a pleasure to view and add 3 season interest to your landscape. The course will begin with an illustrated presentation on the huge diversity of hardy plants in this genus, of which people are mostly unaware. Tips will be given on how to select plants that will perform well for you. You will learn where and how they should be planted, and how to care for them after planting. The relatively few problems they are subject to, and how to address them, will be covered. Live plant material will be provided for hands-on viewing of some of the diversity discussed. Each person will leave with a potted native azalea.

Joseph Bruso is a hybridizer, propagator and grower of rhododendron species and unusual hybrids, with a focus on attractive foliage as well as flowers. Joe maintains a 3 acre woodland display garden in Hopkinton, MA containing all the hardy species, including the natives, and many hybrids of own creation. Joe is the current President of the Mass Chapter American Rhododendron Society.

$40 Member Adult; $55 AdultĀ (Registration includes admission to the Garden) Register at www.towerhillbg.org

  1. All participants will be given a plant to take home.
  2. Please note, there is currently construction happening at Tower Hill, which may result in altered or obstructed walkways, parking lots, or parking spaces, in addition to some noise.