MGBC hosts "Bringing 'The GARDEN' Back to 'The Garden State'" on Feb. 23, 7:30 PM Presented by Christina Chrobokowa

This presentation explores the influence of horticulture and the growing design principles inspired by the ecology that exists in our back yards and beyond. With a trained eye, there are numerous possibilities where purpose, design and nature align.
Christina Chrobokowa, a New Jersey native, has held a deep appreciation of nature since childhood. This appreciation matured into service for the protection of her region’s most precious natural resources: forests, streams, and wildlife. Christina served as a dedicated member of the Raritan Headwaters Association for 15 years and held the position of Board President for six of those years. She served on the Peapack Gladstone Environmental Commission for 15 years and was a major Contributor to a 10-year Community Forestry Management Plan. She also chaired Horticulture and Conservation Committees in the Garden Club of Somerset Hills, which earned her a NJ Zone Conservation Award.

Throughout that time, Christina cultivated her horticultural expertise at Rutgers University and experimented with native plantings and design on her own property, which lead to the creation of Dragonfly Design in 2005. Christina has shared her innovative gardens with the public through the Master Gardeners Program, garden clubs, and the Garden Conservancy’s “Open Days” program.

This diverse history granted Christina a nimble perspective and the ability to achieve balance in her designs. Initially, the property is seen through the lens of the homeowners and the utility that they seek in an assessment called the “DFly Discovery Document”. She evaluates the site, the micro-climate, and the existing flora and fauna. The design that follows balances the homeowners’ needs with that property’s specific natural order.

Through her work with Dragonfly clients, Christina has learned that good landscape design is about recognizing connections. Mother Nature is not bound by property lines nor are the elements. As homeowners, we are connected to our property. Our property is connected to that of our neighbors. And we are all part of a much larger landscape.

The public is welcome.

Refreshments: 7:00 PM, Announcements, 7:20 PM, Speaker: 7:30 PM  

Directions: www.mgofbc.org