Cure the winter doldrums! Students will learn the basics of bulb forcing and will plant a layered bulb container containing daffodils, hyacinths, grape hyacinths, and tulips. Bulb arrangements will be taken home to nurture and enjoy.
The Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University,
125 Arborway,
Boston, MA 02130,
(617) 384-5209.
The Boston Flower & Garden Show has a century-long history of providing a breath of spring and brief reprieve from the New England winter. The show inspires, educates, and motivates the region’s gardeners. It’s a great place to discover new ideas, and have a lot of fun at the same time.
Massachusetts Horticultural Society, The Gardens at Elm Bank,
900 Washington Street,
Wellesley, MA 02482,
(617) 933-4900.
In this six-session course, join Master Gardener Gretel Anspach, to explore the fundamentals of plant structures and their function, reproductive and floral biology, introductory concepts in physiology and metabolism, and overall systematic organization and classification of major plant groups within the plant kingdom. Participants will better understand the world of plants and gain a far deeper appreciation for their wonder.
Massachusetts Horticultural Society, The Gardens at Elm Bank,
900 Washington Street,
Wellesley, MA 02482,
(617) 933-4900.
Learn vegetable and flower seed-starting and plant-growing techniques that result in vigorous plants from organic grower Maureen Sullivan of Left Field Farm, in Middlefield, MA. This workshop will focus on indoor sowing and growing-on practices, including preparation of an effective seed-sowing schedule, techniques for successful germination of challenging seeds, and management of plants at various stages of growth. Workshop participants will practice seed sowing and transplanting a variety of plants to take home for the spring and summer growing season.
Berkshire Botanical Garden,
PO Box 826, Intersection Routes 102 & 183,
Stockbridge, MA 01262,
(413) 298-3926.
Acquire a knowledge of the skills required for beautiful and successful container gardens. Start with techniques for overwintering tropicals, tender perennials, bulbs, annuals and more without a greenhouse, through storage of dormant plants, seed collection, cuttings, divisions and other simple techniques. Get to know the plants that thrive in containers and how to care for them. This class will cover practical aspects of gardening with plants that do double duty as housescape plants in the winter and container plants in summer. Consider container selection, siting, planting, growing, controlling pests, and maintaining moveable gardens.
Berkshire Botanical Garden,
PO Box 826, Intersection Routes 102 & 183,
Stockbridge, MA 01262,
(413) 298-3926.
This survey plant identification class covers horticulturally significant North American native plants that thrive in the Berkshires and surrounding tri-state region. Both herbaceous and woody plants will be covered, with special focus on plant communities and garden worthy, low maintenance plants that work well in the managed landscape. Information on cultural requirements, maintenance, plant combinations and associations will form the framework of this course.
Berkshire Botanical Garden,
PO Box 826, Intersection Routes 102 & 183,
Stockbridge, MA 01262,
(413) 298-3926.
With so many plants to choose from, how can one be sure of creating successful perennial garden designs? Analyze the site, pick the right plants for that habitat and create winning combinations based on growth habit, foliage, and flowers. Need some help? Join perennial plant expert, Robert Herman, as he provides inspiration through examples of wonderful combinations for every type of gardening situation.
Berkshire Botanical Garden,
PO Box 826, Intersection Routes 102 & 183,
Stockbridge, MA 01262,
(413) 298-3926.
Whether you are an amateur or professional horticulturist, you are a steward of the landscape, and probably spend more time than anyone among the flowers, shrubs, and trees. This course is designed for those who might not necessarily be first to climb 100 feet up a Northern Red Oak or wrangle the chainsaw to fell a 36″ dead American elm. The goal of this class is to empower horticulturalists to better understand the largest plants in the landscape. Learn the basics of tree biology and identification, the tree’s role in the ecosystem, proper selection, siting, planting considerations, pruning of young trees, fertilization, pest identification and when to call in the Certified Arborist.
Berkshire Botanical Garden,
PO Box 826, Intersection Routes 102 & 183,
Stockbridge, MA 01262,
(413) 298-3926.
Learn about the maintenance considerations that should be integrated into the design process. Students’ horticultural knowledge will expand to factor sustainable maintenance concerns with cost effectiveness into plant selection. Learn procedures for perennials, woody plants, and lawns, including transplanting, staking, fertilizing, winterizing, mulching, plant pathology, and pest control with an emphasis on deer control.
Berkshire Botanical Garden,
PO Box 826, Intersection Routes 102 & 183,
Stockbridge, MA 01262,
(413) 298-3926.
This class will cover how to grow locally developed heirloom grapes (1840-1890) in your own backyard to produce eating grapes, juices, jellies, and wines. Grape vines can also be used for landscaping purposes to create arbors, establish fence lines, and attract wildlife. Topics covered include grape variety selection, how to establish a vineyard in your backyard, pruning techniques, and trellising systems. Most of these grapes can be grown in an ecologically sustainable manner and become part of your edible landscape. Locally produced wines from the Hudson-Chatham Winery, made by the speaker from these heirloom grapes, will be sampled during the class.
Berkshire Botanical Garden,
PO Box 826, Intersection Routes 102 & 183,
Stockbridge, MA 01262,
(413) 298-3926.