Join Jen Kettell, Horticultural Technologist at the Arnold Arboretum, on Saturday, February 20 at 9:00 a.m. in the Hunnewell Building at the Arboretum for this single session pruning workshop. Jan presented this program earlier in January, and you have a second chance. With no leaves on the branches to obscure your view, this is the best time of year to study a tree’s structure and shape it for improved air circulation, silhouette, and strength. Jen Kettell, an International Society of Arboriculture-certified arborist and accredited Organic Land Care professional, will explain the reasons for pruning and what to consider when pruning dormant trees, shrubs, and vines. She will demonstrate techniques, give guidelines for determining which plants benefit from winter pruning, and explain how plants heal from pruning wounds, even when dormant. Bring your questions to this classroom discussion and demonstration. Fee $30 Arnold Arboretum member, $35 nonmember. To register, or for more information, log on to www.arboretum.harvard.edu.
Tag: Trees Shrubs
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Mondays, February 8, 22, and March 1, 6:30 – 8:30 pm – Landscaping with Native Plants
Join Michael Lance, owner and designer with Wild Regeneration, at the Hunnewell Building of the Arnold Arboretum on three Mondays, February 8, February 22, and March 1, from 6:30 – 8:30 pm, for this native plant design class. Gardeners, smitten by a display of natives at a garden center, erroneously infer all sorts of attributes from the word “native,â€such as “hardy,â€â€œresilient,â€â€œtough,â€or even “better.â€All of these traits may indeed apply to any native plant; however, this is dependent on the conditions in which the plant is grown. For example, a tough native wetland plant won’t be resilient when planted along the hot, dry edge of a driveway. In this class with designer Michael Lance you will learn about native plants that would be most suitable to your garden site. Michael will present some of the plants that he incorporates when designing gardens for clients, with class sessions about native trees, shrubs, and perennials. He’ll emphasize edible and medicinal plants, trees and shrubs that exhibit ornamental characteristics, and perennials that can withstand and thrive in urban and suburban New England conditions. Throughout the class Michael will incorporate organic techniques and his philosophy for developing healthy and beneficial garden habitats.
Fee $70 Arnold Arboretum member, $85 nonmember. To register, log on to www.arboretum.harvard.edu.
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Saturday, January 30, 9 am – 4 pm – Grafting Techniques for Ornamental Trees
Join Plant Propagator Jack Alexander at the Dana Greenhouses at the Arnold Arboretum on Saturday, January 30 at 9 am for this day long workshop sponsored by the Arnold Arboretum. Grafting is the technique of joining parts of plants in such a manner that they unite and continue their growth as one plant. It is sometimes the most practical propagation method for the hobbyist, since it does not require special conditions or equipment. This workshop will teach methods of grafting and offer practice in making graft unions from actual plant material. You will graft both deciduous and evergreen trees and shrubs. The plants may include two- or five-needled pines and crabapples. (Simple aftercare will be required until planting out in late spring.) If you own pruning shears or a grafting knife, please bring them to class. You must sign an assumption-of-risk-and-release form in order to practice the techniques taught in class (yes, you can cut yourself if you’re not careful!)
Fee $90 Arboretum member, $110 nonmember. To register, log on to www.arboretum.harvard.edu.
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Saturday, January 23, 9 am – 12 noon – Pruning in Winter
Join Jen Kettell, Horticultural Technologist at the Arnold Arboretum, on Saturday, January 23 at 9:00 a.m. in the Hunnewell Building at the Arboretum for this single session pruning workshop. With no leaves on the branches to obscure your view, this is the best time of year to study a tree’s structure and shape it for improved air circulation, silhouette, and strength. Jen Kettell, an International Society of Arboriculture-certified arborist and accredited Organic Land Care professional, will explain the reasons for pruning and what to consider when pruning dormant trees, shrubs, and vines. She will demonstrate techniques, give guidelines for determining which plants benefit from winter pruning, and explain how plants heal from pruning wounds, even when dormant. Bring your questions to this classroom discussion and demonstration. Fee $30 Arnold Arboretum member, $35 nonmember. To register, or for more information, log on to www.arboretum.harvard.edu.

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Thursday, November 5, 7:00 – 9:00 pm – Pruning: When, Why, and How
Confused about when and how to prune your trees and shrubs? Chuck Sherzi, Certified Arborist and Horticulturist, will help you sort that out. Chuck will cover pruning practices, tools, and techniques. He has taught classes and workshops at the Landscape Institute and the Arnold Arboretum. This program, on Thursday, November 5, beginning at 7 pm, will take place at the Medford Public Library, 111 High Street, Medford, Massachusetts, and is sponsored by the Medford Garden Club. The program is free and open to the public. For more information, email sbcummer@msn.com.

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Thursday, October 8, 6 – 8 pm – Introduction to Fruiting Trees and Shrubs
The Boston Gardeners’ Council will hold a workshop on Thursday, October 8, from 6 – 8 pm, at the Southwest Corridor Community Farm, Lamartine St. and Hoffman Street in Jamaica Plain. Ben Crouch, former director of Earthworks City Fruit program, leads this workshop on planning, planting, tending, and harvesting urban orchards. Free, but registration is required. Call Boston Natural Areas Network at 617-542-7696, or email info@bostonnatural.org.

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Saturdays, October 3 & 24, 9 am – 4 pm – Propagating Trees and Shrubs from Cuttings and Seeds
Need to nurture? Then join longtime Arnold Arboretum propagator Jack Alexander to learn basic information and techniques for propagating most woody plants. Session One includes a lecture and workshop on seed propagation and construction of a propagation case. Session Two will be a lecture and workshop on hardwood cuttings. You will leave class with numerous cuttings and seeds to cherish and grow. To participate, you must sign an assumption-of-risk-and-release form in order to practice the techniques taught in class. Bring a lunch and a beverage. If you own hand pruners, bring them to the second class. A sharp knife and an apron may also be helpful. You will be collecting propagules from the Arboretum grounds on both afternoons regardless of weather, so dress accordingly and wear comfortable shoes. The classes will take place at the Dana Greenhouses, Arnold Arboretum in Jamaica Plain. For directions, and to register, log on to www.arboretum.harvard.edu, or www.wellesley.edu/WCFH. You may also email horticulture@wellesley.edu. Course Number HOR 10 010, WCFH and Arboretum member price $180, Non-Members $215.

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Saturday, September 12, 2 – 4 pm – Tea and Garden Tour
Join the folks from Russell’s Garden Center at the Damon-Kominz Garden in Weston for tea, a tour, and a talk! This charming and whimsical garden has been created by an avid gardener and her husband with a wonderfully eclectic collection of perennials, trees, and shrubs. Fred Dabney, from Quansett Nurseries, will discuss Fall Perennial Gardening at 2:30 p.m. while tea and scones are served. Fred will also be available for questions and suggestions regarding your garden. Please pre-register as this event is limited to 50 participants. $7.00 fee due at registration. Please call 508-358-2283. For more information, log on to www.russellsgardencenter.com .

