Weston Nurseries, 93 East Main Street (Route 135) in Hopkinton will present Beth Wilkinson, Editor of The Newton Conservators Newsletter, on Saturday, May 25, beginning at 10 am, in a lecture entitled Native Plants for Bio-Diversity: Your Garden Has a Job to Do! The event is free. Image from www.hilltowntreeandgarden.com. For directions, call 508-435-3414 or visit www.westonnurseries.com.
The New England Wildflower Society hosts an evening on Monday, February 4, beginning at 6:30 pm at Blithewold Mansion, Gardens & Arboretum (in the Mansion Living Room), 101 Ferry Road in Bristol, Rhode Island. By carefully choosing what trees, shrubs, and perennials to plant, we can have something of interest even in the coldest winter months! Wandflower, Galax urceolata, with its glossy foliage, and Ilex opaca, with its rich green American holly, are just a few of the plants that brighten the Garden throughout the year.
Don’t underestimate the charms of decorative bark, evergreen foliage, fruits, and dried leaves and flower stalks dusted with snow. Learn about some of the best native species, with an emphasis on fall and winter interest, and discuss their use in garden design to ensure that your garden framework works just as well in the off-season. $26 for NEWFS members, $32 for nonmembers. Register by calling 401-253-2707 or visit www.newfs.org.
The April meeting of The Garden Club of the Back Bay will be held Tuesday, April 5, beginning at 10 am at The College Club, 44 Commonwealth Avenue in Boston, and will feature Dori Smith of Gardens for Life speaking on Water Gardens: Beautiful Water-Saving, Wildlife-Friendly Gardens. Would you like to help protect our precious water resources, while at the same time creating lush, beautiful gardens that attract birds and butterflies? Rain gardens take advantage of our natural abundance of rainfall rather than wasting it as runoff – using water flowing from your roof, driveway, or lawn. These gardens are easy care, and can often solve problems such as erosion, icy walkways, or wet basements. Using inspirational PowerPoint slides, we will review design options, construction details, and appropriate native plants. Attendees are welcome to bring photos or descriptions of their own landscapes to use as case studies.
Trained in design and horticulture, with a certificate from Tower Hill Botanic Garden “New England School of Gardening” and an advanced certificate in native plants from New England Wildflower Society, Dori is a member of the NEWFS Educational Committee, and is accredited as an Organic Land Care Professional by Northeast Organic Farming Association. She has installed over 15 rain gardens in Boston’s western suburbs, and has published in the Massachusetts Audubon Society’s Sanctuary Magazine.
An optional lunch will follow the presentation. The lecture is free and open to the public, but reservations are essential. Lunch will cost an additional $20 for Garden Club members, $25 for guests, and reservations may be made by emailing info@bostonflora.com before Tuesday, March 29. Garden Club members will receive written notice of this meeting.
Native plants support a variety of design styles from naturalistic to traditional to contemporary. Using Garden in the Woods as a case study, discover the variety of design principles that create this dynamic garden. The naturalistic style unifies the gardens along the main Curtis Path, bringing visitors to habitat-based garden areas and exposing them to contemporary design principals in newer areas such as the Idea Garden. Learn how permaculture theory influences the Edible Garden as it continues to evolve. Then take a look beyond Garden in the Woods to explore how other public gardens are pushing the envelope with native plants. Kristin DeSouza leads this February 10 class, from 10 – 12, and the fee is $22 for NEWFS members, $26 for non-members. For more information log on to www.newfs.org. Photo courtesy of www.gardenvisit.com.
For gardeners of all levels, this program, taking place Saturday, October 9 from 9:30 am – 3:30 pm in the Hunnewell Building of the Arnold Arboretum in Jamaica Plain, provides a comprehensive foundation for garden design using regionally native plants. Carolyn Summers will present topics including wildlife benefits, sustainable design and maintenance, and strategies for “safe sex in the garden” to reduce the spread of non-native invasive plants. Participants will learn how to apply basic ecological and design principles in all their gardening endeavors.
Carolyn Summers is the author of the recently published Designing Gardens with the Flora of the American East and is an adjunct professor for continuing education at Westchester Community College. She provides technical assistance to the Native Plant Center, an affiliate of the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. Please bring your own lunch. A book sale and author signing will follow the class. This program is offered by the Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University, the New England Wild Flower Society, and the Wellesley College Friends of Horticulture. $60 for members of one of the affiliated sponsors, or $70 for non-members. You may register at www.wellesley.edu/WCFH.
The New England Wild Flower Society and the Trustees of Reservations team up on Saturday, September 25, from 9:30 – noon, for an instructive class and walk at Long Hill in Beverly, Massachusetts. Our plant choices now extend beyond color and form. We seek plants that won’t escape into the natural community and, at the same time, provide valuable nourishment and habitat for birds, mammals, and insects. Learn about ecologically sound substitutes for invasives such as burning bush, Norway maple (below), and yellow flag iris. Following the lecture, Andrew Keys and the Trustees Horticultural Staff will lead a walk through the 6-acre Sedgwick Gardens, identifying native trees and shrubs thriving within the ornamental gardens and along the woodland edge.$22 for members of NEWFS or the Trustees, and $26 for non-members. To register, log on to www.newfs.org.
Come to Ashfield, Massachusetts Tuesday, October 12 and Wednesday, October 13 for a two day intensive course in the foothills of the Berkshires. This course of study will explore Beaver Lodge, a residence designed by Marie Stella, who spoke to The Garden Club of the Back Bay in March, 2010. This handsome laboratory setting will offer information on the promotion of sustainability, innovative use of native plant materials, construction of rain gardens, green roofs, and vegetated walls. Rainwater harvesting and organic vegetable gardening will also be featured. A “petting zoo” of green materials will help familiarize you with the latest products available. Enjoy locavore gourmet meals and learn about Slow Food. Beaver Lodge is Platinum LEED certified, the highest level of achievement designated by the US Green Building Council in Washington, DC, and the only such home in western Massachusetts. Cost per person for the two day Tri-Refresher Workshop (Landscape Design, Gardening Studies School, and Environmental Studies) is $200 for eight hours of instruction. Room and Board: Per night including breakfast (12 persons can be accommodated dormitory style at Beaver Lodge), $75. Tuesday dinner and Wednesday lunch – organic local produce and products: $75. Note: One group can stay overnight Tuesday and the other on Wednesday. Total immersion is an integral part of the Beaver Lodge experience. A list of items to bring will be mailed to participants, as well as directions. To register, or for a copy of the complete schedule, contact Marie Stella, 719 Barnes Road, Shelburne Falls, MA by emailing marie@mariestellabeaverlodge.com. You may also check her website at www.mariestellabeaverlodge.com.
James Redding and Diane Guidebeck of Mahoney’s Garden Center in Falmouth will present at Highfield Hall, 56 Highfield Drive, Falmouth, on Thursday, July 1, beginning at 10 am. James, an expert in advising consumers on pests and pesticides and plant diseases and herbicides, will help you learn what’s eating your prize perennials, turning your grass brown in patches, and other maladies of Cape Cod summers. He will present natural, non-invasive and ecologically friendly methods to control pests and diseases so you are rewarded for your hard work with a healthy garden instead of spending time combating problems. Diane will talk about perennial plants native to the Northeast that require little maintenance, are Cape Cod hardy, and are adaptable to soil types, light conditions, and temperature change. $5 suggested donation. For directions, log on to www.highfieldhall.org.
Save your garden, save your planet at the D2E Green Living Festival at the Hynes Convention Center, Boylston Street, Boston, April 9, 10 and 11.
Kermit the Frog is fond of saying “It’s not easy being green.†But thanks to the interactive Eco-Garden Pavilion, sponsored by Mahoney’s Garden Centers, and a number of eco-gardening workshops visitors will learn how easy it is to be eco-friendly as they head into their gardens this spring.
According to Eco-Garden Pavilion Designer Risa Edelstein, an Arlington-based ecological landscape designer, “Becoming sustainable in our yards and landscapes is a matter of changing some of our old habits and rethinking how and why we do things the way we do. If we look to Mother Nature for guidance and our best example of sustainability, we will not go wrong.â€
In describing what visitors can expect, Edelstein continues, “The Eco-Garden Pavilion was designed to have a somewhat natural aesthetic. Birch trees that have not leafed out yet are under planted with native perennials and everything is mulched with minced leaves. Loose branches, twigs and pine cones are sprinkled throughout as people become accustomed to messier gardens that more closely resemble the way Mother Nature operates. Pristine lawns, sheared shrubbery and perfectly edged beds will represent gardens of the past that were chock full of chemicals, invasive plants such as burning bush and barberry and created more maintenance than was necessary.â€
Lazy Hill Farm Designs has donated birdhouses that are being decorated and embellished by Edelstein and a group of her friends who are artists and designers. Instructed to be as creative as possible, these designers will only be using recycled materials. Given that recycling is such a key element of being eco-friendly, this principle is reflected in this art
project.
Local artist and crafts person Ruth Hanlon, will be exhibiting her exquisite handmade collection of more than 35+ miniature birdhouses. Each one is unique, made with an amazing attention to detail with embellishments that include beads, bark, paper wasp “paper,” eucalyptus leaves, dog hair, old hankies, buttons, pine cones, a clementine box and
old jewelry. The idea of a bird sanctuary is meant to remind people that our backyards have to become extensions of our wild places, friendly habitats for bees, butterflies, bats and birds who so desperately need it.
Some of the ecological practices on display in the Eco-Garden Pavilion will be:
Native Plants – Plants native to our area are better suited to handle our weather and can be more durable and require lower maintenance. Since they have evolved over thousands of years with the local wildlife, they are better choices for habitat creation than exotic and foreign plants.
Edible Gardening – From vegetable gardens to fruit trees, people are interested in harvesting fresh food from their yards. Food often travels more than 1500 miles to get to us so local production helps to save energy and also provides us with healthier and tastier food.
Composting – Recycling is a key principle in being eco-friendly and composting is one of the best ways to do this.
Rain Capture – Using rain barrels to capture our water for irrigation is a way to limit the amount of treated water we use in our backyards. It also helps to keep water on site instead of heading into the sewers and then into our rivers and lakes, taking all of the pollutants and chemicals with it.
Leaf Mulch – Using the mulch that Mother Nature chose for a New England garden is the way to go. Donated by Cambridge Bark & Loam, leaf mulch will decompose and add nutrients back into the soil making it the best way to fertilize your garden and create the healthiest environment for your plants. It is also another way to recycle on site.
Wildlife Gardening – Our development has displaced so much wildlife that we must make our backyards wildlife-friendly places. Birds, bees, butterflies, amphibians and reptiles are struggling to find shelter and food and our backyards have become important sanctuaries for them.
Green Roof & Green Wall – Urban gardening is on the rise and green roofs and living walls are ways to help a city green-up and reduce the heat island effect. A small example of both of these will be in the Pavilion.
D2E GARDENING WORKSHOPS
SATURDAY, APRIL 10
Safe Lawns
Time: 12:30pm
Want to manage your lawn organically but not sure where to start? Mahoney’s Safe Lawns will be hosting a workshop on managing your landscape without the use of chemicals. Participants will learn the important role soil micro-organisms play in an organic program with emphasis on how to support and enhance the natural biology in the soil to build a more sustainable landscape. Topics covered will include soil testing, proper cultural practices, organic fertilizers, applying compost tea, managing pests and more.
Rain Water Capture
Time: 2:00pm
Rain happens. Rain is free. A 60-gallon rain barrel can fill in less than ¼†of rainfall (depending on the size of your roof and gutter system). Rain barrels can go a long way in offsetting your domestic water needs: including gardening, car washing and pool topping. In turn, the burden on the local water system or your well will diminish and ultimately save you money. Collecting rainwater has become as typical as recycling bottles, cans, newspapers and composting. Link two or three barrels together, and you can save up to 180 gallons of precious rainwater. Help prevent future water shortages and protect the environment. Beverly O’Keefe of The Great American Rain Barrel Co. is the featured speaker.
Worms! Worms! Worms!
Time: 4:00pm | Location: Kids Block
Did you know that worms can live many many years if they have the proper nutrients both in an open field OR in a worm bin? Earthworms in nature play an important role in recycling organic nutrients from dead tissues into living organisms. In a worm bin, you will see worms “at work.” You will see heaps of kitchen waste converted effortlessly into materials you can use directly on houseplants as supplement food and in your garden. In a healthy acre field, earthworms (weighing approximately 5455 lbs.) will burrow up to 350 miles of tunnels in one year!
SUNDAY, APRIL 11
Edible Container Gardens
Time: 1:00pm
If you think container gardening means a few pansies in a pot, think again! Today’s container gardening incorporates a variety of species, even if you don’t have room for a garden! You can be as creative as you want, whether you’re a city dweller and pressed for space, or you’re simply looking to dress up a patio or entryway. By planting your choice of great plants into a container you can get the effect of a vibrant garden on a smaller scale without the demands of a large garden. We’ll focus on edible plants and what you can grow in containers at your home.
WHEN:
Friday, April 9 — 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Saturday, April 10 — 11:00 am – 7:00 pm
Sunday, April 11 — 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
WHERE:
Hynes Convention Center, 900 Boylston Street, Boston MA 02115
HOW:
Tickets can be purchased online at www.d2eboston.com
Adults: $10.00
Students & Seniors: $8 (with ID)
Weekend Passes & “Local Bites†Preview Party: $25.00 ($20 online)
Children 12 and under are free.
Discounts available online.
For more information, visit www.d2eboston.com or call 617-266-6540.
Ted Elliman, Vegetation Manager of the New England Wild Flower Society, in collaboration with the Arnold Arboretum, will present this one day class on Saturday, April 17, from 10 am – 2 pm at Garden in the Woods in Framingham. This course will provide an introduction to about 40 of the most common invasive non-native plants in our local landscapes (see Japanese knotweed below). Through lecture, discussion, power point presentation, herbarium specimens, and a walk outside, you will become familiar with identification clues as well as the habits of a number of these plants which are so disruptive of natural ecosytems. Ted will discuss management techniques for many of these species, on both a home and a larger landscape scale. Homeowners and property managers who wish to get a head start on invasive control this year will appreciate the timing of this course, which will allow them to learn to identify young invasive plants before they become camouflaged by other vegetation. The New England Wild Flower Society’s Invader’s Magazine, as well as the Massachusetts Field Guide to Invasives, will be available for purchase at a discount. Fee $44 for members of the Arboretum or NEWFS, $52 nonmembers. To register, log on to www.arboretum.harvard.edu.
