What does a garden need to attract and sustain wildlife? How do we meet the aesthetic goals of owners while providing the structure and resources necessary to maintain the insects and birds we love? Can we create healthy habitat with a mixture of native and exotic plants? This lecture explores...
In his talk, Peter Del Tredici will present an overview of the recent history of the forests of the northeast as impacted by natural disasters, shifting land-use patterns, introduced pests and pathogens, invasive species, and climate change. He will discuss the “emergent” forests that develop in response to these factors...
As we learn more about the complex web of the environment we live in, we are discovering that the traditional “putting the garden to bed” practices can leave our gardens less diverse and robust. There are better steps to take to prepare your garden spaces for the winter and the...
Join Michael and discover how trees grow, reproduce, and interact with their environment across days, weeks, seasons, and years and over varying spatial scales—from the intricate details of buds, flowers, leaves, and bark that we use for species identification to the collaborative roles of trees in ecosystems. Experience the function...
Join author/artist Julie Zickefoose in a retrospective of 30 years of habitat enhancement on her 80-acre parcel in the Appalachian foothills of southeast Ohio. This tour showcases the stunning beauty of one place, deeply loved and closely observed, where thoughtful stewardship has made all the difference. You'll come away full...
An avid (verging on obsessed) gardener indoors and outside, Tovah Martin is the author of many gardening books. In this talk, Tovah suggests solutions for a wheelbarrow load of problems - from dry shade to gravelly hellstrips plus perennials that can live in peace and harmony with a black walnut....
If you follow traditional houseplant advice, you'll be disappointed because your plant is no longer "perfect." Darryl Cheng's approach breaks down the barriers to true, long-lasting enjoyment of houseplants. When you understand how plants work, you can gain a deeper appreciation for their character and more acceptance of how they'll...
Join Herb Virgo for an inspiring exploration of the Keney Park Sustainability Project, a transformative initiative dedicated to preserving and enhancing one of Hartford's most iconic green spaces. In this talk, Herb will take you on a journey through the history, current efforts, and visionary plans for the future of...
Meadows and other naturalized landscapes are often imagined as capturing nature’s patterns and benefitting local ecology. Yet, to gain acceptance in a human setting, a great deal of planning—and some compromise--may be required. We’ll discuss topics such as scale, proximity to visitors, sightlines, pathways, edges, seating, signs, standards of care,...
What is Ecological Horticulture? What distinguishes it from mainstream horticulture? Why is genetic diversity important? Ecological Horticulture takes a different approach from traditional gardening by focusing on nature-friendly principles. This talk will dive into key ideas and challenge common gardening practices. We'll discuss creating and caring for gardens in harmony...
