Boston Flora

Tag: Charlie Nardozzi

  • Thursday, April 27 – Sunday, April 30 – Colonial Williamsburg 76th Annual Garden Symposium, Digging the Garden: Horticulture, History & Archaeology, Live and Online

    Colonial Williamsburg invites you to its 76th Annual Garden Symposium, Digging the Garden: Horticulture, History, & Archaeology, with Virtual and In-Person options, April 27 – 30, 2023.

    To gardeners and horticulturists soil is a fundamental element which influences the survival of a plant in the future. To archaeologists, soil is the very thing that holds the remains of the past. Digging in the soil is key both to gardening and to archaeology, which converge for Colonial Williamsburg’s 76th Annual Garden Symposium.

    Over the last several years, our archaeologists have dug up exciting discoveries at the site of Custis Square, home to John Custis IV (1678-1746), known by his contemporaries as a curious gardener whose ornamental garden was unparalleled in the American Colonies. This dig has expanded our understanding of not only the land, but the people, enslaved and free, who cultivated it.

    According to Thomas Jefferson, “No occupation is so delightful to me as the culture of the earth, and no culture comparable to that of the garden.” Here at Colonial Williamsburg our talented landscape staff strive to nurture this relationship as they work to balance historical practices within the needs of the contemporary environment.

    This year’s Garden Symposium will feature an opening Keynote on Thursday evening by English garden designer Lady Xa Tollemache, Gold and Silver winner at London’s Chelsea Flower Show, and creator of gardens at England’s stateliest houses. Author, renowned garden historian, and historic landscape consultant Mark Laird also joins us Thursday evening to discuss Virginia’s own Royal Governor Lord Botetourt and his English gardener Thomas Wright’s work at Botetourt’s Stoke Gifford.

    On Friday morning, we begin our focus from both an historical and ground up perspective with Colonial Williamsburg’s Director of Archaeology Jack Gary as he considers John Custis IV, the man and gardener, and the ongoing archaeological dig which provides the historic backdrop for this year’s symposium. Nationally recognized writer, speaker, radio and television personality Charlie Nardozzi continues the conversation, speaking on the necessity of soil for the modern gardener.

    Saturday morning, we are joined by Daria McKelvey (American Horticultural Society’s Emerging Horticultural Professional Award Winner and Supervisor, Kemper Centerfor Home Gardening at Missouri Botanical) who will highlight how to combat pests and disease in your garden. Author, speaker, garden and design consultant and Gold Medal Award Winner—Massachusetts Horticultural Society Kerry Mendez speaks to Inspired Garden Design and lessons learned. Finally, our renowned gardening experts join Colonial Williamsburg’s Director of Landscape Joanne Chapman on the stage for our Ask the Gardener Panel.

    Join notable horticulturists, archaeologists, historians, and guest experts as we examine best practices through an historical lens, using the past to inform the present and future, and take part in hands-on workshops and tours where you too can dig deep in our historic and iconic gardens. For registration links to both the in-person and virtual options, visit HERE.

  • Thursday, February 24 – Sunday, February 27 – 40th Annual Connecticut Flower & Garden Show: Rhythm & Blooms

    Spring 2022 will arrive early in Southern New England when the “40th Annual Connecticut Flower & Garden Show” blossoms from Thursday, February 24 through Sunday, February 27 to the Connecticut Convention Center, 100 Columbus Blvd. in Hartford, Conn. Hours: Thursday, Feb. 24 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Friday, Feb. 25 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday, Feb. 26 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; and Sunday, Feb. 27 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

    The prestigious yearly event will be New England’s only 2022 major flower exhibition and show, covering almost two acres, offering ideas for house, apartment, and condo dwellers. “Rhythm & Blooms” is the theme of this year’s show that features expansive live gardens, a nonstop schedule of seminars and demonstrations, the Federated Garden Clubs of Connecticut’s annual Standard Flower Show, and hundreds of vendors displaying and selling all types of items.

    As soon as attendees step into the Exhibition Hall, they are welcomed by more than a dozen live gardens in full bloom by professional landscape designers and nonprofit organizations, including naturalistic, low maintenance, native, containers, vegetables, organic, herb, and pollinator gardens.

    Over 70 hours of seminars and demonstrations will be presented by horticulturalists, landscapers, and industry professionals, and are free with admission. Every day, Mar Jennings, America’s Top Lifestyle Expert and a 10-time Emmy-nominated and Telly Award-winning TV host and best-selling author, tells How to Best Increase Your Home’s Value. An impressive roster of expert speakers includes Bob Buettner, Karen Bussolini, Pamm Cooper, Jeffrey Eleveld, Len Giddix, Dr. Nick Goltz, Trish Manfredi, Laurie Masciandaro, Thomas Mickey, Charlie Nardozzi, Dawn Pettinelli, Jen Plasky of Sam Bridge Nursery & Greenhouses in Greenwich; Paul Split, Rob Townsend ;George Trecina, and Steve Walowski. [Full list and schedule of events at www.CTFlowerShow.com]

    The Federated Garden Clubs of Connecticut’s annual Standard Flower Show features over 12,000 square feet of beautiful design, horticulture, botanical arts, and photography competition with entries from members across the state – all themed “Rhythm & Blooms”.

    Always popular are the hundreds of booths of displays, activities, shopping: artisans, handcrafted gifts, fresh flowers, plants, garden ornaments, metalwork sculptures, herbs, bulbs, seeds, fertilizers, soils, gardening books, patio furniture, lawn and garden tools, equipment and more. Bring 1/2 cup of soil for free testing at the UConn Co-op booth.

    Discounted online tickets are $16 for Adults and Seniors are on sale now at www.CTFlowerShow.com.

    General admission at the door: $20 Adults & Seniors; $5 Children 5-12; Free for Children Under Age 5.

  • Tuesday, May 18, 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm – No-Dig Gardening and Raised Beds, Online

    Charlie Nardozzi will speak online on May 18 at 7 pm on No-Dig Gardening and Raised beds. Here is what he says about the session:

    Based on my latest book, I’ll talk about what is No-Dig Gardening and the benefits for you and your garden, including less work, healthier soil and plants and a way to sequester carbon. I’ll talk about different ways to build a no-dig bed, various planting techniques including polyculture, how to maintain and troubleshoot the bed for weeds and pests and ways to keep your soil protected and healthy year round. I’ll discuss raised beds and the various materials you can use to make raised beds for no-dig gardening. I’ll also expand on no-dig gardening by talking about variations such as straw bale gardening, hugelkultur and keyhole gardening.

    $13 for Mass Hort members, $22 for general admission. Full biographical details on Charlie, plus registration link, may be found at www.masshort.org.

  • Thursday, May 3, 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm – Foodscaping

    More and more gardeners are wanting to grow some of their own vegetables, herbs and berries but don’t have room or want to sacrifice their flowers, trees or shrubs. The solution is edible landscaping or Foodscaping. Foodscaping is selecting attractive edibles that will enhance the beauty of your landscape while yielding delicious food. On Thursday, May 3 at 7 pm in the Parkman Room of the Education Building at the Gardens at Elm Bank, garden writer Charlie Nardozzi will talk about some basic garden design techniques, unusual places to grow edibles in your yard, good edible substitutes for common ornamentals and my favorite vegetables, herbs and berries for creating an edible landscape. His book, Foodscaping, will be available for sale and signing.

    Charlie Nardozzi is a nationally recognized garden writer, speaker, radio, and television personality. He has worked for more than 25 years bringing expert gardening information to home gardeners through radio, television, talks, tours, on-line, and the printed page. Charlie delights in making gardening information simple, easy, fun and accessible to everyone. Learn more about Charlie at www.GardeningWithCharlie.com.

    This Massachusetts Horticultural Society evening is $12 for Mass Hort members, $20 for non members. Sign up at http://www.masshort.org/eventdetail/657/foodscaping?filter_reset=1

    Image result for Foodscaping Nardozzi

  • Thursday, April 27, 7:00 pm – Preparing the Garden for Spring and Summer

    Spring is a busy time of year and often essential chores get lost in the craziness. In this Massachusetts Horticultural Society talk on Thursday, April 27 at 7 pm, Charlie Nardozzi will walk us through, step by step, plant by plant, the various gardening chores that should be done and how to do them. From pruning to dividing, planting to lawn care, Charlie will make sure you have a list of tasks to take home. His latest book, New England Month by Month Gardening, released in 2016, will be on hand for sales and signing.

    Charlie Nardozzi is a nationally recognized garden writer, speaker, radio, and television personality. He has worked for more than 25 years bringing expert gardening information to home gardeners through radio, television, talks, tours, on-line, and the printed page. Charlie delights in making gardening information simple, easy, fun and accessible to everyone. Learn more about Charlie at www.GardeningWithCharlie.com.

    Mass Hort Member Cost: $12; Non Member Cost $20. Register online at www.masshort.org.

  • Friday, April 23, 7:00 pm – Saturday, April 24, 4:00 pm – 7th Annual Great Gardens and Landscaping Symposium

    Reservations are steadily coming in for this premier symposium scheduled for April 23 & 24, 2010 at The Equinox Resort (www.equinoxresort.com). For all of you who attended that 2008 symposium, you will be blown away by the resort’s new look. It has undergone a $20-million restoration including new luxury amenities, accommodations, dining options and lounges. This four-star resort, providing world class service, has a unique blend of New England charm and contemporary luxury. The 13,000 square foot Spa puts the property over the top!

    Now insert the Seventh Annual Great Gardens and Landscaping Symposium into this setting and you’ve got one magnificent time. The programming kicks off on Friday evening, April 23 at 7:00 p.m. and runs through Saturday at 4:00 p.m. Overnight and day-only rates are available. Here is the extraordinary speaker line-up:

    Julie Moir Messervy is an internationally known landscape designer, speaker, and writer. With over three decades of experience, five books, and numerous high-profile lectures, Julie has emerged as an innovative leader in landscape and garden design theory and practice. Her newest book, The Toronto Music Garden: Inspired by Bach was just released. It’s an in-depth guide to the conception and creation of Julie’s award-winning three-acre public garden, designed in collaboration with eminent cellist Yo-Yo Ma.  Home Outside: Creating the Landscape You Love was released in 2009. She has lectured at distinguished venues such as the Smithsonian Institution, the National Geographic Society and the Getty Museum. Her imaginative landscape design work has delighted clients including the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, Marshall Field’s, Fidelity Investments, the Massachusetts Horticultural Society, and the Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University. In 1999, Julie completed the award-winning Toronto Music Garden, a collaboration with renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma and the City of Toronto to create a three-acre public park based on the “First Suite for Unaccompanied Cello” by J.S. Bach. In 2005, the Toronto Music Garden received a Leonardo Da Vinci award for innovation and creativity(See picture below).  For more about Julie, visit her web site at http://www.juliemoirmesservy.com/. Julie will be presenting two talks at the Seventh Annual Great Gardens and Landscaping Symposium:

    Home Outside: Creating the Landscape You Love. In this inspiring lecture, Julie demystifies the art and practice of landscape design for homeowners and professionals alike. Using beautiful images, together with helpful tips, case studies, befores and afters, diagrams, and plans, she walks you through the process of turning any property into the “home outside” you’ve always dreamed of. Julie highlights many of the ideas introduced in her book, Home Outside: Creating the Landscape You Love, illustrating that good landscape design does not have to be overwhelming or expensive.

    Gardening for Your Soul. Contemplate the transcendent power of landscape as seen through Julie’s eyes, an award-winning landscape designer and author. Julie explores the deeply personal process of designing a beautiful landscape and reveals how spirituality can inform garden design and the landscapes we create on the earth.

    Heather Poire from Proven Winners will speak on creating colorful spring containers and how to refresh tired looking containers for season long beauty. Heather has worked at Pleasant View Gardens (in New Hampshire), one of the founders of Proven Winners North America, for six years and currently works as a regional sales manager. Her expertise is broad, with a specialty in Proven Winners annuals and perennials. Heather graduated from the University of New Hampshire with a degree in Horticulture. She has been an avid gardener since 1997. Heather visits independent garden centers around the Northeast providing guidance, consulting, and garden inspiration.

    Charlie Nardozzi from the National Gardening Association will share his expertise about kitchen and vegetable gardening in his charming, easy to understand style. His talk is titled Edible Landscaping. Charlie has gardened for over 20 years, written articles for many magazines, and has authored several books including Vegetable Gardening for Dummies to be released soon. He presently is the senior horticulturist and spokesperson for the National Gardening Association. In 2005 he was the host of PBS’s Garden Smart, reaching more than 60 million households. He has also been a gardening expert on many nationally syndicated television shows, such as HGTV’s Today at Home and Way to Grow, Discovery Channel’s Home Matters, and DIY’s Ask DIY. He currently co-hosts In The Garden on a local CBS-affiliate television station in Vermont, does a weekly call-in radio show on WJOY-1230AM, and is a commentator on Vermont Public Radio.

    Joe Kunkel is the Executive Director of the Massachusetts Horticultural Society (http://www.masshort.org/) in Wellesley, Massachusetts. Joe served as the president of the Perennial Plant Association in 2005 and also owned his own nursery, Akin’ Back Farm in Lagrange, Kentucky for fifteen years. This successful nursery sold herbs and perennials and featured 18 display gardens. In 2000, he met Adrian Bloom, the head of Blooms of Bressingham. Already considered one of Great Britain’s best-known plantsmen, Bloom was becoming known in the U.S. for his stint as host of the PBS series Victory Garden, as well as being the author of numerous books on gardens and contributions to horticulture. Working with Bloom, Joe helped build five demonstration gardens around the U.S., including spectacular ones in Ohio, New York, Kentucky and California. Each garden had the common elements of promoting horticulture and utilizing donated plants and volunteer labor. The fifth Adrian Bloom project was the one that brought Joe back to his native Massachusetts. Mass Hort saw the potential for a ‘wow’ kind of garden as a counterpoint to the adjoining, formal Italianate Garden at Elm Bank. Then in March of 2008, Joe oversaw the nearly 5-acre Garden on the Greenway project in Boston. Joe helped turn a sea of mud and construction scrap into a world-class urban oasis of greenery and color. Joe’s brilliance, passion for helping others, and leadership are inspirational. Joe will speak on top performing perennials and annuals that in the New England Trial Garden located at Elm Bank’s 36-acre hands-on horticulture center. Breeding companies from all over the world contribute the newest and best varieties of annuals to the New England Trial Garden  for viewing by amateur and professional gardeners. This garden also tests new and unreleased varieties competing for All-America Selections awards, displays previous winners, and grows hundreds of cultivars submitted for evaluation by commercial plant breeders.

    Kerry Ann Mendez’s talk, Make Me Beautiful…PLEASE is all about what your gardens are trying to tell you to make them more beautiful and lower maintenance. You would be surprised at the wisdom they want to share with you. Allow her to interpret for them. The lecture’s in-depth handout is filled with tips and tricks. You’ll be waving your garden hoe and magically turning your gardens into a wonderland.Kerry’s first garden book, The Ultimate Flower Gardener’s Top Ten Lists, will be released in March, 2010.

    For more about the speakers, agenda and topics, visit www.pyours.com/Symposium2010.html.

    The Equinox Resort was eager to have the symposium back and put together amazing packages. The one night package (Friday night) includes one night’s accommodation, the Friday evening lecture, full breakfast buffet, lunch, five lectures on Saturday, refreshment break, handouts, garden gift, and all taxes and gratuities. A single is $266.38 and a double is $384.26 ($192.13 per person). The two night package includes all of the above plus Saturday night’s accommodations, Sunday breakfast buffet, and all taxes and gratuities. A single two night package is $441.08 and a double is $585.15 ($292.58 per person).

    The day only rate for all Saturday’s program includes five garden lectures, coffee at registration, refreshment break, lunch, handouts and a garden gift is only $98 per person. Day only participants may attend the Friday 7:00 pm lecture at no charge. For overnight packages, please call The Equinox Resort at (877) 854-7625 Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Day only participants register through me, Perennially Yours by using the registration form at www.pyours.com/Symposiumregister.html or calling (518) 885-3471.