Boston Flora

Tag: container plants

  • Friday, May 13, 10:00 am – 12:00 noon – Hands-On Hydrangeas: Container Growing Workshop

    Of all the hydrangea species, H. macrophyllas are the best suited to container growing. This method is the surest way to obtain reliable blooming – even on Cape Cod!

    The blooming beauty of the H. macrophylla is especially appreciated when located nearby – like on your deck, patio, or porch. In groups, you can move them around to achieve varied flower displays and can adjust for changing sun and or shade conditions as the growing season progresses. Given reliable care, this species can remain in the same pot for several years. Many cultivars even prefer being “root constrained,” often flowering better than when planted in the ground.

    Best of all, container growing provides an effective “mobility factor” – a comparatively easy and efficient way to move and protect these cold-sensitive plants from winter. Curator of Hydrangeas, Mal Condon, and guest expert, Linda Coven (owner of Strictly Hydrangeas) are particularly fond of this growing method and have developed superior ways to enhance the growth and protection attributes through the “Pot-N-Pot” and “Bag-N-Pot” growing techniques that they will share in detail. In the hands-on portion of this workshop, participants will get to create their own container arrangement with provided materials, including a grow bag, hydrangea, companion plants, and soil mix all provided in the class. NOTE:  participants should bring their own decorative pots in which to plant.

    In addition to creating a container planting to take home, this May 13 Heritage Museums & Gardens in-person workshop includes time for questions and a hand-out of information for your reference. Advance registration is required and spots are extremely limited. Don’t miss this important “how-to” workshop – register today!

    Please note:  this program will take place outdoors, and involves hands-on garden work – be sure to dress accordingly (in layers) and bring two pairs of gloves. In the event of severe inclement weather, this course will be rescheduled to the following day, Saturday, May 14, from 10 am-noon.

    Program fees fund Heritage’s mission to inspire people of all ages to explore, discover, and learn together. Thank you for your support. Program Registration Fee: $68 Members, $75 Non-Members Register HERE. Registration for this class will open at 6:45 am on April 27.

  • Wednesday, April 7, 12:00 noon – 1:00 pm – Proper Planting Practices: Are We Landscaping in a Deficit Model? Online

    In the Nursery and Landscape Industry, there is an overabundance of clouded misinformation that is passed down to the general public on how to design and maintain their landscape. From every direction, inaccurate or antiquated information flows. From big box stores and local Mom and Pop nurseries to examples, images, and text on the internet.

    There are visual examples that exist everywhere of ill-managed landscapes in both commercial properties and private residences.

    There are significant differences in training and quality between companies that offer services based on best practices. So how do we improve our company standards or how do you, as a consumer, know if you’re getting the best quality for your money?

    In this free online Ecological Landscape Alliance presentation on April 7 at noon, Richard McCoy will provide information on current techniques of proper planting, how to correct unseen issues that are borne in the landscape nursery, the importance of the plant root collar, plant placement by matching site conditions to a plant’s cultural needs, and how these efforts add value vs. “cheap’ alternatives.

    Discussion points:
    • Are We Landscaping in a Deficit Model?
    • The Root (collar) of the problem
    • Right Plant – Right Place
    • Proper Planting B&B and Container plants
    • Value vs. Cheap – You get what you pay for

    Richard McCoy has over 30-years’ experience in the green industry. He is the visionary behind Richard A. McCoy Horticultural Services Inc., which he established in 1993. Since transitioning from conventional to organic and ecological methods in 2005, McCoy Horticultural has been offering environmentally and sustainably responsible, fine-gardening ecological design, green infrastructure installations, maintenance, and organic lawn care.

    Richard’s work includes Stony Wood Garden, a 3.5-acre private woodland garden in Princeton, NJ, that has been recognized by The Smithsonian Institute’s Archives of American Gardens.

    Richard is an advisor and practitioner council member for The Organic Landscape Association, a nationally recognized organization. Additionally, Richard is a member of Rutgers University’s Organic Land Care Working Group. He holds a Certificate of Organic Land Care through the Rutgers Organic Land Care Program, is a certified Natural Turf and Landscape Manager, is an organic Lawn Care Accredited Professional, and a NOFA (Northeast Organic Farming Association) Accredited Organic Land Care Professional.

    Register at www.ecolandscaping.org

  • Saturday, June 11, 10:30 am – 12:00 noon – Urban Gardening Series: Container Gardening

    Find out how to create beautiful container gardens using native perennials, trees, and shrubs, at a New England Wild Flower Society and Cambridge Conservation Committee Program on Saturday, June 11 at 10:30 am. We’ll explore materials, types of containers, maintenance, and plant selections that offer a full season of interest and wildlife value.

    This class, to be held at the Cambridge Public Library, 449 Broadway in Cambridge, is part of the Urban Gardening Series, a set of classes designed to help city dwellers grow healthy, sustainable, and beautiful urban gardens. Led by Anna Fialkov, this free class takes place in and around the Cambridge Public Main Library.  For more information visit http://www.newfs.org/learn/our-programs/urban-gardening-series-container-gardening