This Landscape Institute of Boston Architectural College summer course, to be held Thursdays, July 11 – August 1 from 9:30 – 4, kicks off with an orientation at the Doyle Center (below) in Leominister, Massachusetts, and concentrates four full days on different landscape locations from Central Massachusetts to the North Shore. Classes will explore the relationship of geology and soils to plants and hydrology. Alluvial, glacial, and seacoast processes will be examined to analyze prevailing ecological factors such as site drainage, ecology, specific site soil potentials and restrictions. Techniques to observe microclimate factors and their effect on site design and maintenance will be discussed. Using the power of observation, you will infer soil development, site hydrology and nutrient flow. Students will be able to outline potential sustainable planting plans and maintenance recommendations using native plants and controlling invasive plants by the end of this hands-on course investigation. Individual transportation or ability to carpool will be necessary to complete the course. The instructor is Marty Michener, and the audit price is $730. Register at www.the-bac.edu/LI.
