Learn when and how to collect seeds from native perennials, identify reputable seed sources, and understand the best methods for sowing seeds at the right time. This virtual Massachusetts Horticultural Society online class on January 12 from 6 – 8 will also cover nurturing seedlings to ensure healthy growth and techniques for properly storing seeds for future planting. Just in time to start your plans for the coming spring! Register with https://www.masshort.org/upcoming-classes
Many gardeners know that a lot of native perennials grow well in shady sites. However, there are quite a few that also thrive in full sun. Instructor Duncan Himmelman will help participants discover a selection of sun-loving species that will delight the eyes, enhance any garden, and support an abundance of native wildlife on January 20 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. online. This webinar is offered by Berkshire Botanical Garden ($15 for members, $20 for nonmembers) and registration is required by visiting www.berkshirebotanical.org
Duncan Himmelman earned his doctorate at Cornell University and taught horticultural science at the college level for 24 years. He recently retired as the education manager at Mt. Cuba Center, a public garden in Delaware devoted to native plant advocacy. He continues to enjoy teaching, designing landscapes and promoting ecologically focused gardening practices.
Join Innisfree Gardens and renowned horticulturist and Innisfree trustee Brad Roeller as he presents his top native plant picks for Northeastern gardens. Drawing on over four decades of expertise, Brad will explain the value, versatility, and adaptability of his curated selections of native perennials that should be known and used more widely. He will also introduce the ecological and design principles essential to successfully integrating native species into our gardens. The first lunchtime lecture on March 22 will focus on shade loving native perennials, and the second on March 29 will focus on those that love sun. Detailed plant lists and Zoom links will be emailed to registrants prior to both virtual talks and Brad will answer questions at the end of each presentation. Lecture recordings will be shared afterwards with ticket holders.
Brad Roeller is retired but is actively involved in planning for and managing the Innisfree landscape. Brad offers a wealth of ideas and expertise to gardeners at every level. He held top horticultural positions at the Cary Institute of Ecosystems Studies, the New York Botanical Garden, and a storied private estate, has published widely, and has been teaching at NYBG and similar institutions for forty years. Reflecting his own interests, his research has focused on ecologically-driven and sustainable landscape practices, gardening in areas with high deer populations, and landscape plants for Northern gardens.
Tickets are $15 for each lecture or $25 for the series. Innisfree members receive a discount. Register HERE
Kick those petunias to the curb and create a show-stopping container garden using native plants! Become familiar with the species that thrive in containers and discover how to combine them. Learn about containers, soil mechanics, fertilizers, and proper care. Bring your own container and get creative. Plants are available for purchase, and potting soil is provided. This New England Wild Flower Society session will take place at Nasami Farm Nursery in Whately on Sunday, May 6 from 10 – 12, and is $26 for NEWFS members, $32 for nonmembers. Register online at http://www.newfs.org/learn/our-programs/container-gardening-with-native-perennials-at-nasami-farm
As part of the Massachusetts Horticultural Society’s Wednesdays at Elm Bank series, on Wednesday, May 18, they welcome Laura Eisener to speak on Native Perennials for Spectacular Borders. Laura is that rare horticulturalist – one whose passion for her subject is equaled by her communication skills. One thing she is especially keen on is the use of ‘nativars’ – cultivars of native plants – in the garden.
Resistant to disease and ignored by deer and rabbits, native plants deserve close attention from gardeners. Now, plant breeders are crossing natives to create new terrific new varieties. The perennial border is a great place to showcase these plants and Laura will show you how to incorporate them into your own garden. The fee for the program is $10 for Mass Hort members, $15 for non-members. For directions and more information log on to www.masshort.org. Photo from the excellent online journal www.thegardenerseden.com.
Forget the petunias and potato vines; create container plantings using native perennials adapted to our New England winters. Container plantings add accents to your outdoor spaces whether large or small. Learn which natives are ideal for containers and how to combine them effectively. First, explore design elements, container and plant selection, lighting requirements, temperature, growing media, irrigation, fertilization, over-wintering, and long-term maintenance. Then assemble and plant your own container under the instructor’s guidance.  BYOC–bring your own container. The class fee includes potting mix, fertilizer and mulch for your container. Plants will be available for sale at a discount to class participants that day. The workshop will be held simultaneously in two locations. Kate Pawling leads this New England Wild Flower Society hands on workshop at Nasami Farm in Whately, and Terry Morrow is in charge of the workshop at Garden in the Woods in Framingham, both on Saturday, June 12 from 10 – noon. The cost per person is $25 for NEWFS members and $30 for nonmembers. To register, log on to www.newfs.org.
