Stone artisan Andrew Pighills will explore the myriad ways in which stone plays a part in the garden, how it defines garden areas, or paths, walkways and patios, and more, and which material is most suitable to creating contrast or harmony. Born in Yorkshire, England, Andrew Pighills is an accomplished gardener, horticulturist and builder of dry stone …

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Shrubs are the new garden accessory! Lorraine Ballato, horticulturist, garden writer, and speaker, will discuss how shrubs now come in small sizes, just right to take the place of perennials in your borders and gardens, with little maintenance. Shrubs now come in sizes from 12" to 24", just the right size to take the place of …

“Shrubs, the New Perennial” with Lorraine Ballato Read More »

James Dillon, landscape designer and horticulturalist, views landscape design as the integration of science, nature and art. He will show us how to meld all of that together with native plants to create a beautiful garden. James Dillon, PCH is a Certified Horticulturist with over 20 years of experience working in the green industry. With …

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From 17th century Renaissance parterres to a garden of cosmic speculation, gardener and author Nancy Stevens will fill us in on gardens from the likes of General Eisenhower and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, and size up your garden wall status. You’ll learn about everything, from a 17th century Renaissance parterres to a garden of cosmic speculation; from …

“Poppies, Peacocks and Parterres – Gardens of Scotland” with Nancy Stevens Read More »

There’s an increasing interest among homeowners, property managers and others to utilize more native species in their landscaping, thanks to books like Doug Tallamy’s Bringing Nature Ho me, which extol the virtues of native plants over exotic ornamentals for attracting and sustaining beneficial insects. Yet, for some people, this alone may insufficient motivation to “go native.” The …

“Nibbling on Natives in Your Back Yard and Beyond” with Russ Cohen Read More »

Dr. Nick Goltz, the director of UConn’s Plant Diagnostic Laboratory, will introduce fundamental techniques of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for the home gardener as well as tips and tricks on how to help any plants—from hardy CT natives to delicate tropical houseplants—live their best lives. Nick is the director of UConn's Plant Diagnostic Laboratory. He moved to Connecticut …

“Healthy Plants, Indoor and Out” with Dr. Nick Goltz Read More »

The rewards of gardening with nature, not against it, are a fabulous mix of process and perception. Landscape designer Edwina Von Gal discusses why we need to change the way we garden and how to make it happen. Our obsession with tidy, "clean" landscapes is proving to be harmful to the things and the ones we love. …

“The Eye of the Beholder: Is It Messy, or an Acquired Taste?” with Edwina Von Gal Read More »