2016 MA GARDENING SYMPOSIUM presented by the Massachusetts Master Gardener Assn.

DAY/DATE: Saturday, October 1, 2016

TIME: 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM

WHERE: Westford Academy, Westford, MA (free parking; handicapped accessible)

WHAT: Four lectures, morning refreshments, lunch, Garden Marketplace, Silent Auction

COST: $75 per person thru 8/15/16; $90 per person 8/16/16 - 9/24/16; reservations close 9/24/16

MORE INFO AND TO REGISTER: www.massmastergardeners.org/symposium (Pay by check, money order, PayPal or credit card)

QUESTIONS: Email SympInfo@massmastergardeners.org

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:

With summer gardening successes and disappointments in the rear view mirror, it's time to lay the groundwork for 2017 planning and plant selection.

Speakers Margaret Roach and Gordon Hayward will focus on garden design. Roach's topic is "The 365-Day Garden," how to create year-round visual enjoyment; she is an author and "head gardener" at popular web site AWaytoGarden.com and was recently named Editors Choice Best Garden Blogger by Better Homes and Gardens magazine. Garden designer Hayward will speak on "Fine Art as Inspiration for Garden Design"; he is the author of eleven critically-acclaimed books.

Speakers Ed Bowen and Bob Solberg will focus on horticulture: Bowen's topic "The Best Plants You've Never Heard of," echoes the focus of his Rhode Island nano-nursery, Opus Plants: unusual perennials. Solberg 's talk, "The Truth About Hostas," draws on his 35+ years in the hosta business; Solberg has introduced over 85 new cultivars, including H. 'First Blush' (PPAF), the first red-leaved hosta.

During breaks and lunch, speakers and other fine vendors will be available in the Garden Marketplace, where you can purchase information-packed gardening books, plants, garden art, tools and more.

MA Master Gardeners earn 4 hrs. CE credit.