Boston Flora

Tag: Sustainable Landscaping

  • Wednesday, February 20, 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm – Finding Common Ground: In Pursuit of “Sustainable Landscaping” Webinar

    Most landscape professionals have similar goals: happy customers, beautiful plantings, and a healthy environment. This free Ecological Landscape Alliance webinar presentation on February 20 from 12:30 – 1:30 seeks to broaden the dialog among landscape professionals who share these goals and to encourage all landscape professionals to work together to establish a new meaning for the term sustainable landscaping.

    With a premise that the common goals are beautiful landscapes created with healthy environmental stewardship, this discussion will address positive communication and relationship building strategies that help to achieve these goals. As part of the discussion, examples of less successful (and often counterproductive) marketing strategies will be addressed.

    Landscape professionals often need to think and work beyond the property line boundaries whether the broader context is necessitated by multiple stakeholders, regulations, certification, or community/customer goals such as water quality protection or wildlife support. In the midst of these “big picture” issues, effective communication is the foundation for success.

    Whether farmers or gardeners, there is much work to be done to educate ourselves, as well as property owners, about the value of ecological landscape practices that result in a healthier and more sustainable environment. Let’s all begin with positive, honest, and straight-forward messaging.

    Gary Fish is the Maine State Horticulturist, a position that he has held for the past two years. Previously, Gary was the Manager of Pesticide Programs for the Maine Board of Pesticides Control, a position he held for 28 years. Gary’s background also includes being a Licensed Professional Forester since 1985, Kents Hill Forestry Services, and a 10 year member and former Chairman of the Arborist Examining Board. Gary self identifies as an “entomologist from birth” and was inspired to love plants by his mother who grew beautiful roses and rock gardens. Gary is also a landscape and nature photographer (Phish Photography). Gary holds a B.S. in Forest and Wildlife Management from University of Maine, College of Forest Resources.

    Register at https://www.ecolandscaping.org/event/finding-common-ground-in-pursuit-of-sustainable-landscaping/

    Image result for Gary Fish sustainable landscaping

  • Wednesdays, January 11 – February 1, 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm – Landscape for Life

    This four session intensive introductory course co-sponsored by the New England Wild Flower Society and the Arnold Arboretum will provide you with the knowledge, skills, and understanding to create a great-looking garden that is healthier for you, your family, and the environment. This class, led by Mark Richardson at the Arnold Arboretum on Wednesdays, January 11, 18, 25, and February 1 from 1 – 4, is based on the principles of the Sustainable Sites Initiative, the nation’s first rating system for sustainable landscapes. $185 for members of sponsoring organizations, $218 for nonmembers. Register online at http://www.newfs.org/learn/our-programs/landscape-for-life

  • Thursday and Friday, October 18 – 19, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm – Sustainable Landscape Design

    What makes a landscape design sustainable?  The New England Wild Flower Society will hold a two-part seminar for people interested in learning how to design landscapes that follow an ecological paradigm, and that enhance a site’s beauty and utility.  Landscape Architect and LEED accredited professional Tom Benjamin will define and discuss principles of sustainable landscape design, techniques to improve the ecological and human functions of existing landscapes, and how to approach sites with a variety of challenges.  Discussion will include sustainable measures to improve your own projects, as well as a short trip to a nearby site that was designed for sustainability.  Bring a bag lunch.  The classes will take place Thursday and Friday, October 18 and 19, from 9 – 4 at Garden in the Woods in Framingham.  $216 for NEWFS and ELA members, $254 for non-members. Co-sponsored by the Ecological Landscaping Association. Register on line at www.newfs.org.

  • Thursday, February 25, 8:00 am – 6:00 pm – ELA Annual Conference and Marketplace

    The Ecological Landscaping Association will hold its Annual Conference and Marketplace on Thursday, February 25, beginning at 8:00 am at the MassMutual Center, 1277 Main Street in Springfield, Massachusetts.  Learn how to maximize biological potential, minimize environmental impacts, and obtain spectacular results.  Sessions will focus on water use, landscape design, and practical skills.  You may also visit the Eco-Marketplace.  Toby Hemenway, author of Gaia’s Garden, will share his design approach to sustainable landscaping.  There will also be a Keynote Dinner at 6:45 PM.  For admission data, contact www.ecolandscaping.org, telephone 617-436-5838, or email elawebmaster@verizon.net.