As horticulturists and landscape designers, we need a strong foundation in the cultural history and theory of landscape to fully understand our work in the garden. In this four part online Native Plant Trust course, we will explore Eastern and Western garden design, including long-practiced principles that encourage sustainable and ecological approaches in the landscape design field. This history survey on Tuesdays, January 23 – 30 and February 6 – 13 from 6 – 8:30, will include visual presentations, readings, projects, and discussion. Staci Jasin instructs. $150 for NPT members, $180 for nonmembers. Register at https://www.nativeplanttrust.org/events/history-and-principles-landscape-design/
Many people consider reducing lawns, converting hayfields, cleaning out weed patches, and otherwise transforming landscapes into pollinator gardens or meadows with native plants. Site preparation is critical, but it is often overlooked in the quest for a finished appearance. This American Horticultural Society online primer on December 7 at 1 pm covers planning, timelines, and online sources of site information. You will also learn some tips on how to do critical chores, including a comparison of weed removal methods. $30 for AHS members, $36 for nonmembers. Kathy Connolly is the instructor, and you may register online at https://ahsgardening.org/lifelong-learning/site-preparation-for-landscape-transformation/
In the fragmented ecosystems where we live and work, the importance of diversity in our landscapes cannot be over emphasized. Diversity of native plants, insects, mammals, birds, amphibians… they all play a crucial role in sustaining a healthy environment.
When we encourage a diversity of native plants in the landscape, we provide just one component of a successful habitat. We all learned the components of sustainable habitats when we were in elementary school – all creatures need food, shelter, and water.
But what does this mean in a landscape? We need diversity of food: native plants that supply food for insects that in turn become food for other insects, birds, and animals large and small. We must have plant diversity to feed a diversity of creatures, but we also need structural diversity. Places for butterflies to hide at night and moths to hide during the day. Places for all sorts of creatures to shelter from weather, both summer and winter. Places for cover and nesting sites. We need diversity of form: trees, shrubs, evergreens, and groundcovers; leaf litter, brush piles, rock piles and fallen logs. We also need water – streams, ponds, bird baths, and mud puddles. Incorporating all these elements into the landscape does not require a large space, but it does require creative vision.
Dr. Randi Eckel has been studying native plants for over 30 years, and founded the mail-order native plant nursery Toadshade Wildflower Farm in 1996 to further public awareness and availability of native plants. A life-long naturalist, lover of nature, and confirmed plant and ecology nerd, Randi specializes in the interactions between plants and other living things. She is known for her lively and engaging lectures and workshops on growing and propagating native plants, and offers interesting, nuanced information on the complex issues facing native plants and native plant communities. This Ecological Landscape Alliance webinar will be held June 10 at noon, and is free, but registration is required at https://www.ecolandscaping.org/event/webinar-landscaping-with-purpose/
Join Courtney Allen, landscape historian and Director of Public Programs at Native Plant Trust, on February 20 at 1:30 pm at Garden in the Woods for a journey to discover the layers of our relationships to our surroundings. Together, we delve into why and how we define and understand place through the lenses of history, design, experience, and memory. This talk is a primer on how to “read” landscapes in our daily lives, and what those landscapes can reveal about us. $23 for NPT members, $27 for nonmembers. Register at http://www.nativeplanttrust.org/events/reading-landscapes-place-creation-and-reflection/
Join The Friends of Forest Hills Educational Trust on Thursday, July 12 from 6 – 9 pm (rain date Thursday, July 19) for a moving memorial ceremony inspired by Buddhist rituals. Inscribe a lantern with a personal message to friends or family and float it across Lake Hibiscus at sunset. Bring a family picnic. Enjoy Grand Master Tsuji’s Samurai Taiko drummers, gospel music by Ron Murphy, Irish music by guitar/fiddle duo The Whiskey Boys, and traditional Japanese dance by students of Showa Institute. Photo below by JM Lobert at www.flickeflu.com.
In this breathtaking ceremony of remembrance, visitors to this lush, Victorian landscape make paper lanterns and set them afloat on the peaceful waters of a small lake. This ritual is based on the traditional Japanese Bon Festival, a time when a door opens to the world of the ancestors, allowing us to send messages to the other side. People enjoy picnics on the grass and a multi-cultural program of music and dance. They decorate their lanterns with calligraphy and notes to those who have died. At sunset, a candle is lit in each lantern, and the glimmering lanterns are set afloat. Drifting and flickering with the wind, the lanterns symbolize the soul’s journey when life ends. Admission is free, with a $10 donation per lantern. Parking is $10, and people are encouraged to take the T. No lighting after dark, so bring a flashlight to assist your departure. For more information, log on to www.foresthillstrust.org.
Great scenery and exercise, who could want more? A brisk winter walk will help you stay healthy and connected to the Arnold Arboretum at a time when the landscape is pared down to its beautiful bones. The emphasis is on fitness, with a healthy dose of information on seasonal plants and points of interest.  Join an Arnold Arboretum docent for this free walk, starting at 1 pm on Sunday, January 24 and lasting approximately 45 minutes. Meet at the Hunnewell Visitor Center. No registration is necessary. After the tour, warm up with a cup of tea or hot chocolate in the Visitor Center. For more information or possible weather cancellations, please call 617-384-5209. For directions, log on to www.arboretum.harvard.edu.
Here is a two session course you’re really going to love. Kevin Bell, Director of Community and Cooperative Education at Norfolk County Agricultural High School, will speak on Tuesday, February 9 and Tuesday, February 23, from 6:30 – 8:30 at the Hunnewell Building at the Arnold Arboretum on a challenging topic for many of us. You’ve probably heard the phrase “math makes cents,â€and now you can put it to good use. This class will cover the basics of horticultural math with topics such as determining the amount of topsoil or mulch for an area, calculating fertilizer and lime applications, figuring how many plants to use in a garden bed or border, and using conversions in the industry. It makes no difference whether you are a hobby gardener or a landscape professional—this refresher math class will increase your productivity and accuracy in planning your gardens and lawns! Fee $45 Arnold Arboretum member, $55 nonmember. To register, log on to www.arboretum.harvard.edu.
The Garden Club Federation of Massachusetts presents a Horticulture Morning on Monday, November 16, beginning at 10 a.m. at The Espousal Center, 554 Lexington Street, North Waltham, Massachusetts (off Route I-95/128, Exit 27A Totten Pond Road). Cathy Felton, Current Native Plants Chairman and organic garden expert, will speak on Maintaining Your Landscape – Naturally, using native and dry condition plants in the garden. A donation of $5, payable at the door, is suggested. To call for information on cancellations due to snow or storm, call 781-391-0261. You may also contact Betsy Williams (betsy@betsywilliams.com) or Rita DeLollis (rdelollis@aol.com) for more information on Horticulture Mornings.
Join the Trustees of Reservations and the New England Wild Flower Society at Long Hill, in Beverly, Massachusetts, on Tuesday, October 13, from 6:30 – 8:30 pm, for this fascinating workshop with Laura Eisner. Too often the vertical space in the garden is overlooked and underutilized. Why not expand your garden palette and use colorful vines to fill these spaces? This class will explore some of the hardy vines available in the trade, including many native species that attract wildlife and provide texture to the landscape. Information on growing techniques, types of trellises to use, and sources for vines will be provided, as will handouts. Below is a picture of a Louisiana native wisteria. Pre-registration required. Phone 978-921-1944, or email needucation@ttor.org. Log on to www.thetrustees.org for directions.
The Friends of the Public Garden presents News of Brewer Fountain Plaza Renovation, Boston Common, on Tuesday, October 20, beginning at 6:00 pm at The Hampshire House, 84 Beacon Street in Boston. Come hear the plans to revitalize the landscape in this heavily used area of the park, making it a greener, more inviting gateway into the Common and a destination within the park, with a restored Brewer Fountain as its centerpiece. Also, hear about the plans to celebrate the Friends of the Public Garden’s 40th Anniversary in 2010. Reception follows. The event is free but please RSVP and make a reservation, as space is limited. Email by Thursday, October 15 at fopg@gis.net, or call 617-723-8144.
