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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250918T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250918T203000
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SUMMARY:Deeply Disturbed: The Emergent Forest of the Future with Peter Del Tredici 9/18/25
DESCRIPTION:Peter Del Trici\nDeeply Disturbed: The Emergent Forest of the Future\nSept. 18\, 2025\, 7pm\nOn Zoom and in person at Elmwood Community Center\n1106 New Britain Avenue\nWest Hartford\nMembers will receive the Zoom link the Sunday before the talk.\nFree for members; $10 for non-members (register here) \nThe northeastern United States is a naturally forested landscape and has been so for thousands of years. 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 (urbanization and suburban sprawl)\, introduced pests and pathogens\, invasive species\, and climate change. He will speculate on how the “emergent” forests that develop in response to these factors differ from those that have existed in the past and what the implications are for our future landscape. \nPeter Del Tredici holds a BA degree in Zoology from the University of California\, Berkeley (1968) and a Ph.D. in Biology from Boston University (1991). He has been doing research with woody plants since 1972\, first as a research technician at the Harvard Forest in Petersham\, Massachusetts and then for 35 years at the Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University in Boston where he worked through 2014 as Plant Propagator\, Curator of the Larz Anderson Bonsai Collection\, Editor of Arnoldia\, Director of Living Collections and finally as Senior Research Scientist. During his time at the Arnold Arboretum\, he has made numerous seed collecting and ecological research expeditions to China\, Japan and Korea. Peter was also an Associate Professor in Practice in the Landscape Architecture Department at the Harvard Graduate School of Design from 1992 through 2016. and taught in the Urban Planning Department at MIT from 2016 through 2019. \nHe has published more than 100 articles on a wide variety of botanical subjects including: the taxonomy and cultivation of Magnolias\, hemlocks (genus Tsuga) and Stewartias\, the history of plant introductions from Japan and China\, and the morphology of basal sprouting (resilience) in temperate trees. His PhD thesis (1991) was on the ecology and evolution of the Ginkgo tree\, and he is now considered a world authority on the ecology and cultivation of this amazing tree. Recently\, his research has focused on climate change and urban ecology which resulted in the publication of the widely acclaimed\, Wild Urban Plants of the Northeast: A Field Guide.  \nIn 2013\, he was awarded the Veitch Gold Medal from The Royal Horticultural Society “in recognition of services given in the advancement of the science and practice of horticulture.” \nFree for members; $10 for non-members (register here)
URL:https://cthort.org/event/deeply-disturbed-the-emergent-forest-of-the-future-with-peter-del-tredici-9-18-2025/
CATEGORIES:Speaker Meetings
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://cthort.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Peter-Del-Tredici-2015.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251016T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251016T203000
DTSTAMP:20250612T235940Z
CREATED:20250612T235041Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250612T235940Z
UID:10000152-1760641200-1760646600@cthort.org
SUMMARY:Putting Your Garden to Bed - Re-thinking the Ritual with Sarah Bailey 10/16/25
DESCRIPTION:Sarah Bailey\nPutting Your Garden to Bed – Re-thinking the Ritual\nOct. 16\, 2025\, 7pm\nOn Zoom and in person at Elmwood Community Center\n1106 New Britain Avenue\nWest Hartford\nMembers will receive the Zoom link the Sunday before the talk.\nFree for members; $10 for non-members (register here) \nTraditionally\, the Fall garden to-do list included clearing your garden spaces to the soil line\, ostensibly to prevent pests and diseases from overwintering. 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 following growing season—both environmentally and aesthetically. \nSarah Bailey is a Connecticut Certified Horticulturalist and a UConn Extension Advanced Master Gardener. A graduate of the University of Vermont and the UMass Green School\, she has worked in the horticultural industry for the last three decades as\, variously\, a retail nursery manager\, a private gardener and garden designer\, and a consultant for several landscape firms. She recently retired from both the state coordinator and the Hartford County coordinator positions for the UConn Extension Master Gardener program. She has served on the Board of Directors of the CT Horticultural Society and currently serves on the education committees of both the CT Horticultural Society and the CT Nursery and Landscape Association and is an instructor for the Connecticut Certified Horticulturalist program and the UConn Master Gardener program. Sarah gardens in the northern part of the state under the watchful eye of her current border collie\, who digs up mole tunnels for amusement. \nFree for members; $10 for non-members (register here) \n 
URL:https://cthort.org/event/putting-your-garden-to-bed-re-thinking-the-ritual-with-sarah-bailey-10-16-2025/
CATEGORIES:Speaker Meetings
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://cthort.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/sarah-better.png
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251120T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251120T203000
DTSTAMP:20250612T235842Z
CREATED:20250612T235737Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250612T235842Z
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SUMMARY:The Growth of Trees: A Journey Through Time with Michael Wojtech 11/20/25
DESCRIPTION:Michael Wojtech\nThe Growth of Trees: A Journey Through Time\nNov. 20\, 2025\, 7pm\nOn Zoom and in person at Elmwood Community Center\n1106 New Britain Avenue\nWest Hartford\nMembers will receive the Zoom link the Sunday before the talk.\nFree for members; $10 for non-members (register here) \nNo single view of a tree is a fixed snapshot in time that tells a complete story. 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 and beauty of characteristics such as peeling bark\, overwintering buds\, lobed or toothed leaves\, flowers by the thousands\, and seeds that fly on the wind. \nMichael strives to share the science and beauty of natural history in an accessible and compelling fashion through presentations\, participatory activities\, and outdoor exploration. He writes and teaches about the structure\, growth processes\, and ecology of trees—including their bark\, buds\, leaves\, roots\, and wood—for audiences at all levels of experience. He explores how knowing the natural history of the places we live\, and love\, fosters connection and the feeling of home. \nMichael earned his master’s degree in Conservation Biology from Antioch University New England in Keene\, NH. He is the author of Bark: A Field Guide to Trees of the Northeast and co-author of Drawing Leaves and Trees: Observing and Sketching the Natural World.  \nFree for members; $10 for non-members (register here)
URL:https://cthort.org/event/the-growth-of-trees-a-journey-through-time-with-michael-wojtech-11-20-25/
CATEGORIES:Speaker Meetings
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://cthort.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Michael-Wojtech.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260115T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260115T203000
DTSTAMP:20250813T023425Z
CREATED:20250709T020647Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250813T023425Z
UID:10000162-1768503600-1768509000@cthort.org
SUMMARY:Personal Habitat: 30 Years of Wildlife Gardening with Julie Zickefoose 1/15/26
DESCRIPTION:Julie Zickefoose\nPersonal Habitat: 30 Years of Wildlife Gardening\nJan. 15\, 2026\, 7pm\nZoom only\nMembers will receive the Zoom link the Sunday before the talk.\nFree for members; $10 for non-members (register here) \nJoin 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. \nThis virtual garden 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 of ideas for your own space\, no matter how small. \nJulie Zickefoose is a writer who illustrates her own books: Saving Jemima\, Baby Birds\, The Bluebird Effect\, and Natural Gardening for Birds. She fights invasive plants\, gardens\, does a bit of songbird rehabilitation\, and is advising editor for BWD Magazine\, to which she’s contributed since 1986. She is currently writing about Carolina wrens\, tiny geniuses. \nFree for members; $10 for non-members (register here)
URL:https://cthort.org/event/personal-habitat-30-years-of-wildlife-gardening-with-julie-zickefoose-1-15-26/
CATEGORIES:Speaker Meetings
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://cthort.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/11_JulieZickefooseAsterheadshot.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260219T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260219T203000
DTSTAMP:20260115T213344Z
CREATED:20250709T021153Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260115T213344Z
UID:10000163-1771527600-1771533000@cthort.org
SUMMARY:Issues & Answers: Harnessing Plants to Solve Problems  with Tovah Martin 2/19/26
DESCRIPTION:Tovah Martin\nIssues & Answers: Harnessing Plants to Solve Problems\nFeb. 19\, 2026\, 7pm\nZoom only\nMembers will receive the Zoom link the Sunday before the talk.\nFree for members; $10 for non-members (register here) \nNOTE: This program will not be recorded.  \nThis lecture 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. When your property is a symphony of issues\, this lecture has answers. Accomplishing remedies harmoniously and creatively\, this lecture explores plants that save the planet while also coming to our rescue. \nAn avid (verging on obsessed) gardener indoors and outside\, Tovah Martin is the author of many gardening books. Most recently\, she served as a lead writer in the international team that created Phaidon’s new landmark compendium\, The Contemporary Garden (2025). Another recent title\, The Garden in Every Sense and Season\, received GardenComm’s Gold Medal Media Award in 2019. That book follows several titles on houseplants including The Indestructible Houseplant\, The Unexpected Houseplant\, and The New Terrarium. Notable among her earliest books was the classic Tasha Tudor’s Garden.  \nA freelance writer\, her articles have appeared in publications throughout the country and the world including Gardens Illustrated in Britain and the Korean Airlines inflight magazine. She is an accredited Organic Land Care Professional through NOFA and an honorary member of the Garden Club of America. She speaks throughout the country and has lectured aboard the QE2. With lifelong indoor gardening experience\, she also serves as a houseplant coach\, helping clients make their homes greener places. For more information\, Tovah can be found at www.tovahmartin.com\, she posts on Facebook at Plantswise by Tovah Martin and on Instagram @tovah1. \nFree for members; $10 for non-members (register here)
URL:https://cthort.org/event/tree-preservation-techniques-with-heather-dionne-2-19-26/
CATEGORIES:Speaker Meetings
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://cthort.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/140909-226-scaled.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260319T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260319T203000
DTSTAMP:20250709T022241Z
CREATED:20250709T022005Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250709T022241Z
UID:10000164-1773946800-1773952200@cthort.org
SUMMARY:An Engineer’s Approach to Houseplant Care with Darryl Cheng 3/19/26
DESCRIPTION:Darryl Cheng\nAn Engineer’s Approach to Houseplant Care\nMarch 19\, 2026\, 7pm\nZoom only\nMembers will receive the Zoom link the Sunday before the talk.\nFree for members; $10 for non-members (register here) \nIf you follow traditional houseplant advice\, you’ll be disappointed because your plant is no longer “perfect.” Darryl’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 grow. It’s a healthy dose of practical science and realistic expectations! \nDarryl Cheng is the author of The New Plant Parent and The New Plant Collector and creator of House Plant Journal. Darryl’s passion for plants and engineering approach to plant care have turned him into one of the most trusted houseplant resources on the internet. What was initially a hobby Tumblr page has turned into an Instagram account with more than 500\,000 followers\, a go-to website for anything houseplant related\, two houseplant books\, and plant time-lapse videos that have gone viral around the world. \nFree for members; $10 for non-members (register here)
URL:https://cthort.org/event/6414/
CATEGORIES:Speaker Meetings
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://cthort.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Darryl.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260416T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260416T203000
DTSTAMP:20250709T022627Z
CREATED:20250709T022627Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250709T022627Z
UID:10000165-1776366000-1776371400@cthort.org
SUMMARY:The Past\, Present\, and Future of the Keney Park Sustainability Project with Herb Virgo 4/16/26
DESCRIPTION:Herb Virgo\nThe Past\, Present\, and Future of the Keney Park Sustainability Project\nApril 16\, 2026\, 7pm\nCNTR and on Zoom\n725 Main Street\, Middletown\nFree for members; $10 for non-members (register here)\n \nJoin Herb Virgo for an inspiring exploration of the Keney Park Sustainability Project (KPSP)\, 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 Keney Park. \nKPSP is a holistic initiative that actively engages the community in various areas\, including health and nutrition education\, landscaping\, forest management\, waste reduction\, building and design\, and urban agriculture. \nHerb holds a bachelor’s degree in Sociology-Based Human Relations from Connecticut College and has been recognized for his contributions with multiple awards\, including the KNOX Green Heroes Award and the Hartford Community Food Security Award. He is a certified forest practitioner\, tree warden\, and a member of several environmental councils\, including the Connecticut Urban Forest Council. Additionally\, he managed a project that expanded Keney Park’s trail system by seven miles\, collaborating with local organizations and volunteers to improve public access to green spaces. \nFree for members; $10 for non-members (register here)
URL:https://cthort.org/event/the-past-present-and-future-of-the-keney-park-sustainability-project-with-herb-virgo-4-16-26/
CATEGORIES:Speaker Meetings
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://cthort.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Herb-Virgo.jpeg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260528T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260528T203000
DTSTAMP:20250813T024807Z
CREATED:20250709T022932Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250813T024807Z
UID:10000166-1779994800-1780000200@cthort.org
SUMMARY:Designing Meadows and Naturalized Plantings for a Human Landscape with Kathy Connolly 5/28/26
DESCRIPTION:Kathy Connolly\nDesigning Meadows and Naturalized Plantings for a Human Landscape\nMay 28\, 2026\, 7pm\nCNTR and on Zoom\n725 Main Street\, Middletown\nFree for members; $10 for non-members (register here) \nMeadows 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. In this discussion\, we’ll consider topics such as scale\, proximity to visitors\, sightlines\, pathways\, edges\, seating\, signs\, standards of care\, the dormant season\, and more. We’ll especially talk about the perennially interesting topic of plant heights. This talk explores form and setting\, not specific plant selections or layering. Plant lists are included in the handout. \nKathy Connolly is a landscape designer who specializes in naturalized designs\, low-impact landscape techniques\, and native plants. In addition to her design projects\, she gives more than 30 talks and workshops annually. Since 2013\, Kathy has published more than 200 articles and newsletters on landscapes\, trees\, plants\, and land care. Kathy has a master’s degree from the Conway Graduate Program in Sustainable Landscape Planning and Design. \nFree for members; $10 for non-members (register here)
URL:https://cthort.org/event/designing-meadows-and-naturalized-plantings-for-a-human-landscape-with-kathy-connelly-5-28-26/
CATEGORIES:Speaker Meetings
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://cthort.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Kathy-Connolly-2024.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260618T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260618T203000
DTSTAMP:20260616T160634Z
CREATED:20250709T023336Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260616T160634Z
UID:10000167-1781809200-1781814600@cthort.org
SUMMARY:POSTPONED: Digging Deeper into Ecological Horticulture with Uli Lorimer
DESCRIPTION:Due to an unforeseen personal situation\, Uli Lorimer’s scheduled presentation\, “Digging Deeper Into Ecological Horticulture\,” originally set for this Thursday\, will be rescheduled for the fall\, the Connecticut Horticultural Society announced today. \nThe presentation had been scheduled to take place at CNTR in Middletown\, Connecticut\, at 7 p.m. and to be livestreamed on Zoom. Members will receive notice when a new date has been confirmed. CT Hort and Mr. Lorimer apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. \nThose who purchased a ticket for the presentation will be reimbursed. \n  \nUli Lorimer\nDigging Deeper into Ecological Horticulture\nJune 18\, 2026\, 7pm\nCNTR and on Zoom\n725 Main Street\nMiddletown\nBrought to you through the generosity of the Lois and Herb Isaacson Endowed Lecture fund and the Mountain Laurel Chapter of Wild Ones.\nFree for members; $10 for non-members (register here) \nWhat is Ecological Horticulture? What distinguishes it from mainstream horticulture? Why is genetic diversity important?\nEcological 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. For example: Why is genetic diversity essential? Can I use cultivated versions of native plants? How should climate change influence my gardening choices? These questions and more will guide a discussion on creating and caring for gardens in harmony with the environment. \nUli Lorimer serves as the Director of Horticulture for the Native Plant Trust\, a leading non-profit dedicated to preserving the native flora of the Northeastern United States. In this role\, he oversees the acclaimed Garden in the Woods in Framingham and Nasami Farm in Western Massachusetts\, which focuses on native plant propagation and research. Uli’s impressive career includes positions at the National Arboretum\, Wave Hill\, and as the Curator of Native Plants at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. A lifelong enthusiast of plants and biodiversity\, Uli continues to study the region’s ecosystems\, collect seeds from the wild\, and introduce new plants to collections. \nHe is also a prolific author and speaker\, well-known to audiences across the horticultural community. His publications include Tough Natives for Tough Places and A Native Plant Reader. His latest work\, The Northeast Native Plant Primer\, reflects his deep commitment to native plants and their ecological value. With a science-based approach and a passion for biodiversity\, Uli offers invaluable insights into selecting plants that maximize the ecological impact of our gardens while celebrating the beauty of native flora. \nFree for members; $10 for non-members (register here) \n 
URL:https://cthort.org/event/a-deeper-dive-into-ecological-horticulture-with-uli-lorimer-6-18-26/
CATEGORIES:Speaker Meetings
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://cthort.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Uli_Lorimer_KAL-scaled.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260917T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260917T203000
DTSTAMP:20260910T201810Z
CREATED:20260623T211226Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260910T201810Z
UID:10000406-1789671600-1789677000@cthort.org
SUMMARY:Editing the Garden: Advice from the High Line with Yuki Kaneko • September 17
DESCRIPTION:Editing the Garden: Advice from the High Line with Yuki Kaneko\nThursday\, September 17 • 7pm\nOn Zoom and in person at Congregation Beth Israel 701 Farmington Avenue\, West Hartford\nMembers are free; non-members $10.\n(Members will receive the Zoom link the Sunday before the talk.)\n \nA naturalistic garden may appear effortless\, but its beauty is the result of intentional care and thoughtful curation. Drawing from her work stewarding one of the world’s most influential naturalistic gardens\, Yuki Kaneko will share strategies for managing dynamic plant communities while preserving design intent. The talk covers practical techniques to cultivate naturalistic aesthetics that remain vibrant and intentional across all four seasons. Attendees will walk away with a new perspective on plant selections that enhance texture and structure\, learning how to balance ecological function with an artistic vision. Join us to learn the art of “editing”—an essential practice to refine ever-evolving naturalistic gardens. \nYuki Kaneko is the Senior Horticulture Manager at the High Line where she manages the landscape of the internationally celebrated urban public park in New York City. Born in Japan\, Yuki earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts and a Master of Fine Arts from Tama Art University and was awarded the Blanchette H. Rockefeller Fellowship to study art in the United States. She received certificates from the New York Botanical Garden in horticulture and botany and further trained through the John Nally Internship at Wave Hill. Since joining the High Line in 2016\, she has stewarded its iconic naturalistic gardens designed by Piet Oudolf. With a passion for interpreting designed landscapes in the context of ecological conservation\, she manages the High Line’s horticulture operations\, plant curation\, and programming to provide a naturalistic landscape corridor that supports biodiversity and connects people with nature. \nRegister here. \n 
URL:https://cthort.org/event/editing-the-garden-advice-from-the-high-line-with-yuki-kaneko-september-17/
CATEGORIES:Speaker Meetings
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://cthort.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Yuki-Kaneko-headshot-copy.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260924T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260924T203000
DTSTAMP:20260924T201025Z
CREATED:20260628T235002Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260924T201025Z
UID:10000412-1790276400-1790281800@cthort.org
SUMMARY:A Scented Geranium Deep Dive with Patrick McDuffee\, Well-Sweep Herb Farm
DESCRIPTION:A Scented Geranium Deep Dive with Patrick McDuffee\, Well-Sweep Herb Farm\nThursday\, October 15\nOn Zoom and in person at Congregation Beth Israel\, 701 Farmington Avenue\, West Hartford\nMembers are free; non-members $10\n(Members will receive the Zoom link the Sunday before the talk.) \nWell-Sweep Herb Farm’s geranium collection reached 84 varieties of pelargoniums\, or scented geraniums\, in 2023. Patrick McDuffee of Well-Sweep has grown a little obsessed\, and with every scent and texture imaginable\, he believes everyone should have at least one geranium on their windowsill for year-round fragrance or color. Come smell and learn about the most unique and wonderful flavors and how to keep them happy for years to come. \nWell-Sweep Herb Farm is a plant nursery and farm located in Port Murray\, NJ with several formal display gardens and greenhouses. It houses close to 2\,000 varieties of herbs and perennials\, one of the largest retail collections in the country. Patrick McDuffee is the 3rd generation of Well-Sweep Herb Farm\, studying under and continuing the knowledge of renowned lecturer\, Cyrus Hyde\, his grandfather. Patrick brought with him a B.S. in Biology from James Madison University in 2012\, giving him a deeper scientific understanding of the ethnobotanical stories passed down to him. His passion for medicinal and exotic culinary herbs has continued to expand his knowledge which he loves to share with others. \nRegister here.
URL:https://cthort.org/event/a-scented-geranium-deep-dive-with-patrick-mcduffee-well-sweep-herb-farm/
CATEGORIES:Speaker Meetings
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://cthort.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Patrick-McDuffee-copy-2.png
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261015T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261015T203000
DTSTAMP:20260715T163021Z
CREATED:20260707T213214Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260715T163021Z
UID:10000443-1792090800-1792096200@cthort.org
SUMMARY:Digging Deeper into Ecological Horticulture with Uli Lorimer
DESCRIPTION:Digging Deeper into Ecological Horticulture with Uli Lorimer\nThursday\, October 15 • 7pm\nOn Zoom and in person at Congregation Beth Israel 701 Farmington Avenue\, West Hartford\nMembers are free; non-members $10.\n(Members will receive the Zoom link the Sunday before the talk.) \nWhat 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. For example: Why is genetic diversity essential? Can I use cultivated versions of native plants? How should climate change influence my gardening choices? These questions and more will guide a discussion on creating and caring for gardens in harmony with the environment. \nUli Lorimer serves as the Director of Horticulture for the Native Plant Trust\, a leading non-profit dedicated to preserving the native flora of the Northeastern United States. In this role\, he oversees the acclaimed Garden in the Woods in Framingham and Nasami Farm in Western Massachusetts\, which focuses on native plant propagation and research. Uli’s impressive career includes positions at the National Arboretum\, Wave Hill\, and as the Curator of Native Plants at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. A lifelong enthusiast of plants and biodiversity\, Uli continues to study the region’s ecosystems\, collect seeds from the wild\, and introduce new plants to collections. \nHe is also a prolific author and speaker\, well-known to audiences across the horticultural community. His publications include Tough Natives for Tough Places and A Native Plant Reader. His latest work\, The Northeast Native Plant Primer\, reflects his deep commitment to native plants and their ecological value. With a science-based approach and a passion for biodiversity\, Uli offers invaluable insights into selecting plants that maximize the ecological impact of our gardens while celebrating the beauty of native flora. \nBrought to you through the generosity of the Lois and Herb Isaacson Endowed Lecture fund and the Wild Ones Mountain Laurel Chapter. \nRegister. 
URL:https://cthort.org/event/digging-deeper-into-ecological-horticulture-with-uli-lorimer-2/
CATEGORIES:Speaker Meetings
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261119T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261119T203000
DTSTAMP:20260629T182622Z
CREATED:20260628T235210Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260629T182622Z
UID:10000413-1795114800-1795120200@cthort.org
SUMMARY:Gardening Like the Forest: Designing Edible Ecosystems for Homes and Communities with David Jacke
DESCRIPTION:Gardening Like the Forest: Designing Edible Ecosystems for Homes and Communities with David Jacke\nNovember 19\, 2026\, 7pm\nOn Zoom and in person at Congregation Beth Israel\, 701 Farmington Avenue\, West Hartford\nMembers are free; non-members $10\n(Members will receive the Zoom link the Sunday before the talk.) \nHealthy forests maintain\, fertilize\, and renew themselves\, naturally. Meanwhile\, agriculture as we know it is arguably the most ecologically destructive force on Earth. Enter “ecosystem agriculture\,” a synthesis of ecology\, design\, and agriculture aiming to design abundant food-producing ecosystems that mimic healthy natural communities. For example\, edible forest gardens mimic the structure and function of natural forests while growing food\, fuel\, fiber\, fodder\, fertilizers\, farmaceuticals\, and fun! Can we meet our own needs and regenerate healthy landscapes\, communities\, and ecosystems at the same time? Let’s explore the vision of ecosystem agriculture\, a little history\, some science\, a few examples\, and a sampling of some useful perennial edibles you can use in your own gardens. \nDave Jacke is the lead author of the award winning two-volume book Edible Forest Gardens. An engaging and passionate educator\, Dave is also a meticulous designer. He has studied ecology and design since the 1970s and has run his own firm—Dynamics Ecological Design—since 1984. He has designed\, built\, planted\, and managed landscapes\, homes\, farms\, and communities around North America\, as well as overseas\, and inhabited forest gardens at his current and past homesteads. He holds a B.A. in Environmental Studies from Simon’s Rock College (1980) and a M.A. in Landscape Design from the Conway School of Landscape Design (1984). Read more at edibleforestgardens.com. \nRegister here.
URL:https://cthort.org/event/gardening-like-the-forest-designing-edible-ecosystems-for-homes-and-communities-with-david-jacke/
CATEGORIES:Speaker Meetings
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20270121T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20270121T203000
DTSTAMP:20260629T185848Z
CREATED:20260628T235423Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260629T185848Z
UID:10000414-1800558000-1800563400@cthort.org
SUMMARY:When the Wild Things Are: The Science and Experience of Phenology with Theresa Crimmins
DESCRIPTION:When the Wild Things Are: The Science and Experience of Phenology with Theresa Crimmins\nJanuary 21\, 2027\, 7pm\nOn Zoom only\nMembers are free; non-members $10\n(Members will receive the Zoom link the Sunday before the talk.) \nPhenology is all about timing—when trees leaf out\, flowers bloom\, birds migrate\, animals bear young and hibernate—and it is everywhere around us. Seasonal events quietly but steadily occur in response to fluctuations in daylength\, temperatures\, and rainfall patterns\, and these events are threaded through our daily lives\, shaping our experiences and perceptions. As well\, the timing of seasonal activity is being affected by rapidly changing climate conditions\, with significant ecological and economic impacts. In this presentation\, Theresa Crimmins will share how we are all phenologists in our own way. She will also share how you can participate in documenting the timing of seasonal life cycle events—for the benefits to mental health and for the good of the environment\, as the data gathered can be directly helpful in supporting climate change action. \nTheresa Crimmins is author of the book Phenology\, the Director of the USA National Phenology Network\, and Associate Professor in the School of Natural Resources and the Environment at the University of Arizona. She works enthusiastically to support growth in Nature’s Notebook and a broader appreciation of phenology among scientists and non-scientists alike. Theresa has published more than 80 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters. Her writing has also appeared in Scientific American\, The Hill\, Eos\, Nautilus\, Popular Science\, and more\, and she has had several appearances on NPR as well as PBS\, The Weather Channel\, and Fox Weather. Her TEDx talk is available online. \nRegister here.
URL:https://cthort.org/event/when-the-wild-things-are-the-science-and-experience-of-phenology-with-theresa-crimmins/
CATEGORIES:Speaker Meetings
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20270218T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20270218T203000
DTSTAMP:20260629T183458Z
CREATED:20260628T235550Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260629T183458Z
UID:10000415-1802977200-1802982600@cthort.org
SUMMARY:All Things Cut Flowers: Growing\, Designing & Industry Insight with Jillian Shea
DESCRIPTION:All Things Cut Flowers: Growing\, Designing & Industry Insight with Jillian Shea\nFebruary 18\, 2027\, 7pm\nOn Zoom only\nMembers are free; non-members $10\n(Members will receive the Zoom link the Sunday before the talk.) \nAll Things Cut Flowers: Growing\, Designing & Industry Insight- Jillian will take us through the essentials of basic cut flower growing\, from ideal varieties to growing specifics. This information will dovetail into using the flowers you grow for floral design 101 and information about the current state of the cut flower industry in the United States. \nJillian has spent the past 14 years managing various farms across the United States with a focus on educating others about plants. She’s had the pleasure of partnering with experts in the horticulture industry for the past seven years\, which is the source of her love for houseplants\, perennials and annuals. All this experience has led her to where she is now\, running her own botanical design business\, PlantHer\, and managing the Connecticut Flower Collective\, a hub of local commercial cut flower growers selling to the wholesale trade. \nRegister here.
URL:https://cthort.org/event/all-things-cut-flowers-growing-designing-industry-insight-with-jillian-shea/
CATEGORIES:Speaker Meetings
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://cthort.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Jillian-shea-copy.png
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20270318T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20270318T203000
DTSTAMP:20260629T183902Z
CREATED:20260629T000007Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260629T183902Z
UID:10000416-1805396400-1805401800@cthort.org
SUMMARY:Geeking Out with Dahlias with Merrie Avallone
DESCRIPTION:Geeking Out with Dahlias with Merrie Avallone\nMarch 18\, 2027\, 7pm\nOn Zoom only\nMembers are free; non-members $10\n(Members will receive the Zoom link the Sunday before the talk.) \nIn Geeking Out with Dahlias\, Connecticut flower farmer Merrie shares more than 20 years of experience growing dahlias organically and dives into the fascinating details behind these remarkable plants. This presentation is for gardeners who want to go beyond the basics and explore the science and techniques of dahlia growing. Topics include seed production and hybridizing\, tuber production\, taking both pulled and leaf cuttings\, integrated pest management\, and fertilizing for strong\, healthy plants. Whether you’re curious about breeding new varieties or simply want healthier\, more productive plants\, this talk will give you practical insights and plenty to geek out about. \nMerrie Avallone is a Connecticut flower farmer who specializes in growing dahlias. With more than 30 years of gardening experience\, she cultivates a wide collection of varieties on her farm and sells dahlia tubers to gardeners across the country. Merrie grows using organic\, sustainable practices and is passionate about helping others successfully grow and enjoy these extraordinary flowers. She loves sharing practical knowledge—from selecting varieties to growing healthy plants and harvesting armfuls of blooms. When she’s not in the field\, she’s planning the next season\, photographing her flowers\, or managing the many projects involved in building her family’s flower farm and home. \nRegister here.
URL:https://cthort.org/event/geeking-out-with-dahlias-with-merrie-avallone/
CATEGORIES:Speaker Meetings
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://cthort.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Merrie-Avallone-copy.png
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20270415T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20270415T203000
DTSTAMP:20260629T184521Z
CREATED:20260629T000323Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260629T184521Z
UID:10000417-1807815600-1807821000@cthort.org
SUMMARY:Ecotypes\, Ecoregions\, and Restoration Agriculture with Dina Brewster
DESCRIPTION:Ecotypes\, Ecoregions\, and Restoration Agriculture with Dina Brewster\nApril 15\, 2026\, 7pm\nOn Zoom and in person at Congregation Beth Israel\, 701 Farmington Avenue\, West Hartford\nMembers are free; non-members $10\n(Members will receive the Zoom link the Sunday before the talk.) \nDina Brewster\, co-founder of the Ecotype Project\, will discuss her work with native plants\, specifically the development of a native seed supply chain in the Northeast. She is currently running a small seed company\, The Northeast Seed Collective\, off her farm in Ridgefield and will explore the ways in which her seed work enhances the life of her organic fruit\, vegetable\, and livestock operation. Future direction for the seed work will be a crucial part of the conversation\, as Dina is seeking ways to elevate the value of native plants in the northeastern landscape. \nDina Brewster is a farmer at The Hickories in Ridgefield\, CT: an organic fruit\, vegetable\, cut flower\, pastured livestock and restoration seed farm. For 20 years\, she has overseen the development of new products and new acreage as the farm business has grown. She also served as executive director of the Northeast Organic Farming Association of Connecticut. While there\, she co-founded the Ecotype Project\, a program that resulted in the creation of the Northeast Seed Collective\, a restoration seed business Dina now runs out of her farm. The Northeast Seed Collective’s goal is to increase the quality and quantity of native plants growing in our region. \nRegister here.
URL:https://cthort.org/event/ecotypes-ecoregions-and-restoration-agriculture-with-dina-brewster/
CATEGORIES:Speaker Meetings
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://cthort.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Dina-Brewster-copy.jpeg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20270520T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20270520T203000
DTSTAMP:20260723T183733Z
CREATED:20260629T000500Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260723T183733Z
UID:10000418-1810839600-1810845000@cthort.org
SUMMARY:How to Kill a Houseplant with Jeff Eleveld
DESCRIPTION:How to Kill a Houseplant with Jeff Eleveld\nMay 20\, 2026\, 7pm\nOn Zoom and in person at Congregation Beth Israel\, 701 Farmington Avenue\, West Hartford\nMembers are free; non-members $10\n(Members will receive the Zoom link the Sunday before the talk.) \nJeff The Plant Guy will share his unique perspective on keeping your house plants alive. He will take you on a journey\, providing simple ways to keep your plant alive and flourishing. Is it one of the best plants to invest in for your home? You will get the answer as Jeff takes questions and shares his depth of knowledge and insight. If you have a question about a specific plant\, please bring a picture\, leaf\, cutting\, or the whole plant for an assessment by Jeff The Plant Guy for identification and/or bug eradication. If you have a plant to swap or a cutting to share\, please bring it along as well. Remember\, it’s cold outside\, so wrap your plant or cutting to keep it warm on the way to and from home. And\, you’ll get to step aboard the plant bus; Jeff is bringing it to the event! \nJeffrey Eleveld\, a horticulture therapist\, started his career in 2009. He and his wife\, Pat\, own The Li’l Plant Shop in Newington\, where you can pot your own plant designs\, or have Jeff and Pat do it for you. They also own The Li’l Plant Bus that can be found at festivals\, food truck events\, farmers markets\, and pop-ups across Connecticut. \nJeff has more than 50 years of experience in the horticulture field and for more than 38 years\, Jeff owned interior plant scaping companies called “The Plant Connection” & “Natures Interiors\,” providing interior plants\, flowers rotation\, and weekly care and maintenance to area businesses and private homes. \nRegister here.
URL:https://cthort.org/event/how-to-kill-a-houseplant-with-jeff-eleveld/
CATEGORIES:Speaker Meetings
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://cthort.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/1-1-A-Jeff-head-shot-copy.png
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20270617T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20270617T190000
DTSTAMP:20260629T185617Z
CREATED:20260629T000649Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260629T185617Z
UID:10000419-1813258800-1813258800@cthort.org
SUMMARY:Breaking the Rules: Ecological Landscape Design and Traditional Landscape Methodology with Larry Weaner
DESCRIPTION:Breaking the Rules: Ecological Landscape Design and Traditional Landscape Methodology with Larry Weaner\nJune 17\, 2026\, 7pm\nOn Zoom and in person at Congregation Beth Israel\, 701 Farmington Avenue\, West Hartford\nMembers are free; non-members $10\n(Members will receive the Zoom link the Sunday before the talk.) \nUsing native plants requires more than simply expanding the conventional design palette. Based on observation of how native plants develop in nature\, new design\, implementation\, and management techniques emerge\, many of which are diametrically opposed to traditional horticultural practice. This presentation examines how alternative approaches on everything from selecting\, arranging\, and spacing plants to the simple act of weeding can yield more easily maintained landscapes that express the beauty and ecological richness of our native landscapes. \nLarry Weaner\, FAPLD\, founded Larry Weaner Landscape Associates in 1982 and established its educational affiliate New Directions in the American Landscape (NDAL) in 1990. He is nationally recognized for combining expertise in horticulture\, landscape design\, and ecological restoration. His book Garden Revolution: How Our Landscapes Can Be a Source of Environmental Change (Timber Press 2016)\, co-authored by Tom Christopher\, received an American Horticultural Society (AHS) Book Award in 2017. In 2021 he received the AHS Landscape Design Award and the Association of Professional Landscape Designers Award of Distinction. \nRegister here.
URL:https://cthort.org/event/breaking-the-rules-ecological-landscape-design-and-traditional-landscape-methodology-with-larry-weaner/
CATEGORIES:Speaker Meetings
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://cthort.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Larry-Weaner-Hedshot-copy.png
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