May 13 to May 14

Plant symbiosis: The good, the bad, and the complicated (The 18th Smithsonian Botanical Symposium), virtual

Plants, like all organisms, exist in collaboration and competition with other life forms. As primary producers, plants form the basis of most food webs. In many cases they also depend on insects, vertebrate animals, bacteria, and/or fungi to survive and reproduce. Sometimes these interactions are especially close and long lasting and such symbioses are among the most fascinating relationships in the natural world. The 18th Smithsonian Botanical Symposium will explore current research in the diversity of plant symbioses, examining the relationships plants have with insects, fungi, bacteria, and even other plants. Speakers will include botanists, ecologists, microbiologists, and geneticists whose research unravels the complicated relationships that plants have with their collaborators and competitors in the natural world.

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Apr 15

Floral Design In The French Manner

Instructor Laura Anne Brooks explores Pavé, Mil-fleur, Romantic and Modern European designs through lecture and demonstration. Participants then create a charming design in the French manner of their choice. Students are encouraged to try contemporary styles, but may choose Pavé or Mil-fleur to take home. Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, 1800 Lakeside Avenue, Richmond, VA 23228, (804) 262-9887.

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May 01

Composting 101

Do you want to start composting but do not know where to begin? Confused about what can and cannot go in the bin? This class is for you! Composting is a wonderful way to turn kitchen scraps and yard waste into a resource for your yard. Learn the basics about acquiring and setting up a composter, discuss different composting options, and what can and cannot be composted. Pittsburgh Botanic Garden, 799 Pinkerton Run Road, Oakdale, PA 15071, (412) 444-4464.

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May 19

The Curious World of Carnivorous Plants

Join us for a fascinating lecture on these unique and endangered oddities of the plant kingdom and learn their importance to our environment. This program is designed to provide an overview of how these plants function and how we can incorporate them into our lives and gardens as natural, integrated pest managers. Topics include the different species, their habits, digestive and growth process, care, maintenance and more! Greenwood Gardens, The Cranford Community Center, 220 Walnut Avenue Cranford, NJ 07016, (973) 258-4026.

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May 03

Butterfly Gardening 101 (Beginner-friendly session)

Discover how to attract butterflies to your garden year after year. Learn about host plants, nectar plants, butterfly life cycles, and migration. Each family will receive a $5 gift certificate to Gateway Garden Center to add to or start a container or butterfly garden. The Delaware Center for Horticulture, 1810 North Dupont Street, Wilmington, DE 19806, (302) 658-6262.

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May 09

Pollinator-friendly Container Workshop

Explore Hillwood’s seasonal container gardens and create your own sweet, fragrant container of plants that attract butterflies, birds, bees, and other pollinators. Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens, 4155 Linnean Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20008, (202) 686-5807.

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Apr 18

Easy Home Composting

Small-scale composting is a great way to keep a variety of household wastes out of the landfill, but how to get started? In this workshop led by long-time gardener Linda S. Gribko, you’ll learn the basics and beyond, including what you can and can’t add to your compost mix, the different types of composters, how to build a simple compost bin in 15 minutes or less, and how to use the compost you produce. You’ll go home with all the information you need to get started, plus will be provided a list of additional resources and links. To register, visit www.wvbg.org. The West Virginia Botanic Garden, 1061 Tyrone Road, Morgantown, WV 26508, (304) 322-2093.

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Apr 05

Close to home: Climate Change Impacts at WVBG

Most people know that the consequences of climate change include rising oceans, hungry polar bears, and massive wildfires, but do you know how West Virginia will be impacted by our changing climate? Come for a walk through Tibbs Run Preserve with wildlife biologist and WVU PhD student Sara Crayton and learn about how climate change is affecting West Virginia’s wetlands, trees, insects, and wildlife. To register, visit www.wvbg.org. The West Virginia Botanic Garden, 1061 Tyrone Road, Morgantown, WV 26508, (304) 322-2093.

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Mar 16

Teaching Garden Workshop

Please join Natalie Webb and Laura VanHorn from North Elementary School as they share different methods of incorporating garden-based learning into curriculum. In addition, learn tips and tricks on how to get started with a garden of any size (including containers), how to use an Earthbox, and how to sustain your garden. Families, administrators, and teachers interested in teaching hands-on should attend! To register, visit www.wvbg.org. The West Virginia Botanic Garden, 1061 Tyrone Road, Morgantown, WV 26508, (304) 322-2093.

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Mar 08

Grow Ahead: Starting Seeds Indoors

Learn how to germinate seeds and raise seedlings indoors that you can later transplant into your spring garden. WVU Professor Emeritus and Monongalia County Extension Master Gardener Jim Rye will demonstrate the process, show equipment needed, and give recommendations and instructions for care. Each participant take home cell trays of different types of lettuce seeds. All materials provided. Ages 14 and up. To register, visit www.wvbg.org. The West Virginia Botanic Garden, 1061 Tyrone Road, Morgantown, WV 26508, (304) 322-2093.

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