Connecticut Master Gardener Association Symposium XXV

A daylong event in mid-March offers gardeners insights into creating sustainable landscapes using native plants to attract pollinators, and protect our environment through ethical gardening practices while conserving natural resources, supporting native wildlife species, and bringing a bit of the wild into suburban and urban settings.

The opening speaker, Thomas Rainer, a registered landscape architect, teacher, and writer will speak on “Designing Plant Communities for Resilient Landscapes.” Author of Planting in a Post-Wild World, he introduces the concept of using native plant communities to create low-maintenance, beautiful, and ecologically functional landscapes.

With registration, each attendee has the opportunity to select two workshop sessions:

- The Butterfly Connection: Nancy DuBrule Clemente

• The Science Behind Native Cultivars: George Coombs
• Beyond the Trellis: Using Innovative Techniques to Support Vines and Climbers: Dan Long
• The Art of Growing Food: Ellen Ecker Ogden
• How Native Plants Affect Pollinators: Annie White, PhD
• Advanced Pruning Techniques: Kevin Wilcox

The closing speaker, Rick Darke, writer, consultant, and photographer will speak on “A Watershed in Design: The Beauty of Inspired Stewardship.” Using examples of water-conserving designs based on northeastern native plants, he will illustrate an ethical approach that results in beautiful, useful, and sustainable landscapes. His most recent books include The Living Landscape: Designing for Beauty and Biodiversity in the Home Garden and Gardens of the High Line.

For over 25 years CMGA has supported UConn’s Master Gardener program and horticultural projects throughout Connecticut through grants and scholarships. Your attendance at the Symposium helps us to fulfill these worthwhile activities.

The admission price of $65 for CMGA members and their guests, and $85 for the general public includes a light breakfast, lunch, access to two workshops, speakers, vendors, a free raffle, and a silent auction. CMGA members may purchase tickets at the membership rate for their guests. Advance sales of CT-manufactured Spearhead Spades and CMGA merchandise are available for pick up at the event from web links on the CMGA website. For more information, purchases, and to register online go to the Master Gardeners website www.ctmga.org, on WELCOME page scroll down to “2018 CMGA Symposium”. After March 3, all registrations will be at the walk-in rate of $85. Register early for the best selection of sessions.