Speaker Meetings

We’ll explore the beauty, the flavor, and the cultivation of American persimmon, pawpaw, beach plum, lingonberry, and a host of other native delectables, as well as blueberry — a relative newcomer to our market shelves.      

A look at the life and legacy of the Hartford-born individual who coined the term "landscape architect." While most famous for his public parks, Olmsted's commissions included the Biltmore Estate, the World's Columbian Exposition, and campuses ranging from Stanford to Amherst. 

Register now. Presentation and biographical information coming soon.

This lecture will focus on the wonders of the winter landscape and how to enhance the aesthetic value and interest of the garden by using horticultural treasures such as winter fruiting plants, broadleaved evergreens, conifers and trees with interesting bark.

Learn about the natural history of Connecticut’s 11 species of frogs and toads and how to attract them and a host of other wildlife to your yard through bubblers, small ponds, and other water features.

Fundamentally we all want the same thing...more! More plants, more choices, and more options to extend our gardening season. Dan will share with you ways that he extends the season on both sides at Chanticleer, both fall and spring. Plant suggestions, design tips, and techniques for how to make your late season garden sing.

Nancy's garden is filled with so many annuals, perennials, biennials, shrubs, and herbs that she didn't plant. They may be considered "free gifts" or they may be considered "plants gone rogue"! Dive into how to recognize, manage, move around, edit, and generally care for a generous garden that offers so much to its gardener.

In rocky Connecticut, there is a long deep history of rock gardening in New England (with all those rocks!). But trough gardening, and especially the exciting new art of crevice gardening are breathing new life into the art of plants and rocks.

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 the possibilities and limitations of designing sustainable habitat gardens at various scales, from urban spaces to rural retreats.