Mad Gardeners

Area Events

EVENTS—LISTED CHRONOLOGICALLY

Please check ahead for all events in case of cancellations.

• TickTalk is Back!
DATE: the 2nd Wed. of the month @ 12noon
WHERE: Lenox Memorial School, 197 East St, Lenox, MA 01240
COST: FREE
Starting in February, we will hear from Dr. Stephen Rich and the UMass Laboratory of Medical Zoology (LMZ) every month! This FREE series is brought to you by the UMass Laboratory of Medical Zoology and UMass Extension. TickTalk in 2020 will also feature exciting guest speakers on tick topics that you told us were important to YOU. The series will include seasonality and life stages of ticks (key to planning intervention and prevention), emerging or invasive tick species, how ticks use vegetation and leaf litter throughout their life cycle, increasing fears of Alpha-gal allergies (allergies to certain meat and animal-related products), dispelling myths of tick control, and many more. Mosquito concerns, including life cycle, behavior, and EEE infection, will also be addressed and Dr. Rich will discuss the tens of thousands of mosquitoes the LMZ tests each year for a range of viruses.

Pre-registration is required for joining this webinar. For more information visit TickReport.

Upcoming Events

• Feb 1-28 - MassAggie - Pollinator Steward Program Registration
ONLINE
self-paced / $299
This course contains both ecological foundations and practical applications related to pollinators. It specifically highlights pollinators in and around New England, as well as regional considerations for pollinator habitat. Key takeaways are relevant globally. Students will come away with a well-rounded understanding of pollinator habitat creation and evaluation, as well as tools to educate others on the creation, maintenance, and importance of such habitats.
Link for info: https://www.umass.edu/agriculture-food-environment/resources/pollinators/pollinator-steward-certification-program

• Thu, Feb 19 - CTHort - Tree Preservation Techniques with Heather Dionne
On Zoom and in person at Elmwood CC, West Hartford, CT
7 to 8:30 pm / $10 non-members
Heather Dionne, arborist and local Market Leader, will talk about keeping your trees resilient through challenging changes in weather, preventing insect and diseases and creating longevity for your most prized trees.
Link for info: https://cthort.org/events-and-travel/category/speaker-meetings/

• Feb. 21 - BBG - Winter Lecture 2026
$40 member/$55 non-member
Saturday, Feb. 21 at 2 PM at Lenox Middle HS
Berkshire Botanical Garden is thrilled to welcome Karl Gercens III, renowned section gardener at Longwood Gardens, as our 29th annual Winter Lecture speaker on Saturday, Feb. 21, at 2 p.m. Known for his vibrant and artistic use of color in the garden, Karl will share his unique approach to designing with foliage and flowers, using color as a powerful organizing principle. His lecture titled "How's the Wow" will provide instructive insight on the many magical floral installations found in the Conservatory District at Longwood. In addition, as the section gardener in the Longwood Historic Main Conservatory, Karl will share his expertise on conservatory gardening as BBG prepares to build our own.
Link for info: https://www.berkshirebotanical.org/events/winter-lecture-2026

• Sat, Feb 21 - MassAggie - Insects; Pests and Beneficials
ONLINE
10 am - 12 noon / $50
Join Extension Faculty Dr. Jaime Piñero in this exciting Integrated Pest Management (IPM) workshop and learn how to make beneficial insects and insectary plants your garden's best allies! With these techniques, you can keep your plants thriving with little to no insecticides. Some materials will be mailed to participants for them to implement IPM at home!
Link for info: https://www.umass.edu/agriculture-food-environment/fruit/news-events/mass-aggie-seminars-2025

• Tues, Feb 24 - MassAggie - Insects and Climate Change Education Day
ONLINE
9:30am - 1:30pm / $65
Climate change is a concern across the Commonwealth. While many communities prepare by discussing improvements to infrastructure and disaster preparedness, managed and natural landscapes will demand attention too. We will highlight some of the manifestations of climate change, plant responses to those changes (trees and shrubs) and the interplay with insects (including pests).
Link for info: https://www.umass.edu/agriculture-food-environment/landscape/events/insects-climate-change-education-day

• Feb 24, Mar 19, Apr. 23 - NYBG - Winter Lecture Series
11 AM - 12 Noon at Ross Hall, NYBG
To quote celebrated horticulturist, designer, and philanthropist Bunny Mellon, "Gardening is a way of thinking." This year's series features three distinctive thought leaders whose passion for the horticultural world shines through in their work—from the development of a study center that honors Ms. Mellon's legacy, to the creation of a botanical oasis and mail-order nursery of rare plants in North Carolina, to the captivating art of storytelling that reveals the transformative power of trees and the communities built around them. Hear from botanist Peter Crane, horticulturist Tony Avent, and author Amy Stewart as they share their garden philosophies, stories, and lessons learned along the way.
Link for info: https://www.nybg.org/event/26th-winter-lecture-series/

• Feb. 26 - BBG - Container Garden Design
$215 member/$240 non-member
Thursdays, Feb. 26-March 19, from 5:30-8:30 PM at BBG
This four-week course, taught by Jenna O'Brien, will teach the skills required for beautiful and successful container gardens. Get to know the plants that thrive in containers and how to care for them, and consider container selection, siting, planting, growing, and maintaining moveable gardens. This class will cover practical aspects of gardening in containers with style throughout the New England garden season.
Link for info: https://www.berkshirebotanical.org/events/container-garden-design-5

• Sat, Feb. 28 - MassAggie - Home Orchard Pruning (focus on apples) - a Hands-on Workshop
UMass Cold Spring Research in Belchertown, MA
1 - 3 pm / $65
One of the key steps in successful fruit growing is the act of pruning the trees. This can seem daunting and complicated, but it's not! Not once you understand the principles involved. Come learn how to properly prune your apple trees. Participants will have the opportunity to conduct actual pruning and gain both experience and confidence in pruning apple trees in order to produce a bountiful crop. This workshops will be partially outdoors, so please dress appropriately for potentially wet, cold, and muddy conditions. This workshop will focus primarily on apple pruning.
Link for info: https://www.umass.edu/agriculture-food-environment/fruit/news-events/mass-aggie-seminars-2025

• March 3 - BBG - Landscape Design I
$215 member/$240 non-member
Tuesdays, March 3-April 14 at BBG
This design course, taught by Tyler Horsley, will introduce students to the design process—the systematic way designers approach a site and client. The course will include a series of simple projects that will end with a garden designed by the students. Learn design principles such as form, balance, repetition, line, texture, color, and spatial relationships. Additionally, students will be introduced to landscape history and how it helps the designer resolve and inspire garden design.
Link for info: https://www.berkshirebotanical.org/events/landscape-design-i-4

• March 3 - UMass - Community Tree Conference
8:15 am - 3:30 pm / UMass Amherts
$90 / in-person
Join us in legendary Bowker Auditorium for a one-day conference. We've invited speakers to talk about risk management from residential, municipal, and utility perspectives. Pre-registration is highly recommended and closes at 12pm on March 2. Same day registrations will incur a $20 fee and must be paid by cash or check. Registration begins at 7:45 am. Coffee will be served. Lunch is on your own. Email harmonieolou@umass.edu to pay via PO or to arrange parking for utility vehicles that are too large for the 7' clearance of the parking garage. (This must be done in advance!).
Link for info: https://na.eventscloud.com/ereg/index.php?eventid=870739&

• Saturday March 7, 2026 - Mad Gardners - Symposium
HVRHS, Falls Village CT
Save the date! Mark your calendars for the 2026 Symposium.
Watch your emails for more information.

• Sat, March 7 - MassAggie - Ecological Weed Management in the Home Orchard
ONLINE
10 am - 12 noon / $50
During this workshop, led by Dr. Maria Gannett, we will consider what weeds are and why you would want to manage them. Hopefully, you will be convinced that it is important to identify weed species and will understand the traits of some of the species you see in your own orchard. Finally, we will talk about ecological weed management and highlight different strengths and weaknesses of several weed control methods.
Link for info: https://www.umass.edu/agriculture-food-environment/fruit/news-events/mass-aggie-seminars-2025

• Saturday March 7, 2026 - CT NOFA - 2026 Winter Conference
Wesleyan University, Middletown CT
CT NOFA is proud to present our 44th Winter Conference, featuring a series of virtual workshops on March 3-5 in the lead up to our full day, in-person gathering and celebration on March 7, 2026 at Wesleyan University in Middletown, Connecticut.
Link for info: https://ctnofa.org/winter-conference/2026-winter-conference/

• Sat, March 14 - MassAggie - Blueberry 101
ONLINE
10 am - 12 noon / $50
Blueberries are among the most popular fruits to grow in the home garden. They are healthful and well suited to growing in New England conditions. Come learn the basics for pruning blueberries for your home landscape. This session will lay down the foundation for Blueberry growers covering horticultural practices, site selection, soil and planting, pruning, fertility, pest management and IPM, and history.
Link for info: https://www.umass.edu/agriculture-food-environment/fruit/news-events/mass-aggie-seminars-2025

• Thu, March 19 - CTHort - An Engineer's Approach to Houseplant Care with Darryl Cheng
On Zoom and in person at Elmwood CC, West Hartford, CT
7 to 8:30 pm / $10 non-members
When you understand how plants work, you can gain a deeper appreciation for how they'll grow. Darryl Cheng, author and houseplant aficionado, will show us how to care for them.
Link for info: https://cthort.org/events-and-travel/category/speaker-meetings/

• Sat, March 21 - MassAggie - Apple Tree Grafting - A Hands-on Workshop
UMass Cold Spring Research in Belchertown, MA
9 am - 3 pm / $125
Many people do not realize that all apple varieties are reproduced by grafting - they are not grown from seed. For horticultural enthusiasts, one of the most satisfying techniques to master is grafting. Jon Clements will present a hands-on workshop on 'bench grafting' and 'cleft grafting' of apple trees. Other grafting techniques will be discussed. Proper tools and sharpening will be included. All participants in the workshop will graft several of their own apples trees to take home. There will be a break for participants to enjoy a BYO lunch.
Link for info: https://www.umass.edu/agriculture-food-environment/fruit/news-events/mass-aggie-seminars-2025

• March 21 - BBG - Go Big Or Go Home
$30 member/$45 non-member
Saturday, March 21, from 10 AM - noon at BBG
Step into the fascinating world of competitive giant pumpkin growing and learn what it takes to cultivate pumpkins that tip the scales at 1,000 pounds and beyond. Led by Adam Wheeler of Broken Arrow Nursery, this lecture, held on Saturday, March 21, from 10 a.m. to noon, breaks down the art and science behind producing world-class giants, from seed selection to harvest. Participants will explore proven techniques used by top growers, including soil preparation, nutrient management, vine training, pollination strategies, pest and disease control, and effective season-long care. We'll also discuss the genetics behind winning pumpkin lines, how to track plant growth and ways to troubleshoot common issues. Free seeds for all those who attend.
Link for info: https://www.berkshirebotanical.org/events/go-big-or-go-home-beginners-guide-growing-world-class-giant-pumpkins

• March 21 - BBG - 30 Favorite Trees and Shrubs for the Spring Garden
$30 member/$45 non-member
Saturday, March 21, from 1 - 3 PM at BBG
Kick off the gardening season with inspiration and expert guidance from Adam Wheeler of Broken Arrow Nursery, in this lively program for Northeast gardeners on Saturday, March 21, from 1 to 3 p.m. Discover 30 standout trees and shrubs that bring color, fragrance and year-round interest to your landscape. Explore a curated mix of resilient favorites, exciting new introductions and underused gems that deserve a place in your garden. Along the way, Adam will share practical design tips, seasonal care advice and key cultural considerations to help your plantings thrive. Perfect for both new and experienced gardeners looking to make their spring landscapes shine.
Link for info: https://www.berkshirebotanical.org/events/30-favorite-trees-and-shrubs-spring-garden

• March 26 - BBG - Landscape Design II
$215 member/$240 non-member
Thursdays, March 26-April 30 at BBG
Learn skills essential for functional garden design that honor the site and meet client needs. Led by Chuck Schnell and Walter Cudnohufsky of Cudnohufsky Associates, this course will cover a different topic or technique focusing on the importance of getting to know the client and site as a basis of effective and appealing design. Essential and easy-to-grasp design principles will be introduced throughout the course, with a form-finding approach to garden design. Acquire the vocabulary essential for assessing a property's potential and problems, and the right questions to realize a client's wishes while avoiding common design mistakes. Learn how to make well-considered and sustainable choices for the elements and materials commonly used in the residential-scale garden. Students will complete a instructor-provided project and take it from creative concept to completed design plan, including site assessment diagrams, conceptual sketches and schematic drawings. Each class will involve instruction and evaluation of projects in progress. Group discussions and exercises will put theory into action. Students will make a formal presentation at the final class with the primary goal of conveying a coherent design narrative and process leading to proposed solutions.
Link for info: https://www.berkshirebotanical.org/events/landscape-design-ii-3

• March 28 - BBG - Spring Pruning of Woody Ornamental Plants
$60 member/$80 non-member
Saturday, March 28, from 9 AM - 2 PM at BBG
Spring is a great time to assess woody shrubs for shape, structure and winter damage. On Saturday, March 28, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., arborist Kieran Yaple will demonstrate how to renovate, rejuvenate and shape shrubs and small ornamental trees for structure, health and optimal growth. The class will cover viburnums, lilacs, witch hazel, deciduous azaleas, sweetshrubs, crabapples, and ornamental cherries. Participants should dress for the weather and bring pruners, work gloves and lunch. Some pruners, provided by BBG, will be available for use.
Link for info: https://www.berkshirebotanical.org/events/spring-pruning-woody-ornamental-plants-7

• Sat, April 11 - MassAggie - Orchard Disease Management
ONLINE
2 hours / $50
Sometimes the smallest creatures can cause the greatest impact. Join in and learn about disease management for tree fruit. Key disease IPM concepts will be discussed. Identification, biology and management of a selection of common tree fruit diseases will also be presented.
Link for info: https://www.umass.edu/agriculture-food-environment/fruit/news-events/mass-aggie-seminars-2025

• Thu, April 16 - CTHort - The Past, Present, and Future of the Keney Park Sustainability Project with Herb Virgo
On Zoom and in person at Elmwood CC, West Hartford, CT
7 to 8:30 pm / $10 non-members
Join Herb Virgo, executive director of Keney Park Sustainability Project, for an inspiring exploration of the Keney Park Sustainability Project, an initiative dedicated to preserving and enhancing one of Hartford's most iconic green spaces.
Link for info: https://cthort.org/events-and-travel/category/speaker-meetings/

• Sat, April 18 - MassAggie - The Apple Fruiting Wall - a Hands-on Workshop
UMass Cold Spring Research in Belchertown, MA
9 am - 1 pm / $125
Join Jon Clements as we actually plant an apple “fruiting wall” consisting of five apple varieties and only taking up 50 feet of linear space in your home landscape. Not an espalier, so supporting, training, and pruning of these dwarf apple trees is simplified. Ongoing care and maintenance will also be discussed. Participants may end up taking home several (depending on participation) bare root apple trees to get their own fruiting wall started. This workshops will be partially outdoors, so please dress appropriately for potentially wet, cold, and muddy conditions.
Link for info: https://www.umass.edu/agriculture-food-environment/fruit/news-events/mass-aggie-seminars-2025

• April 25 - BBG - A How-To in Shade Gardening Success
$30 member/$45 non-member
Saturday, April 25, from 10 AM - noon at BBG
Wondering what plants to grow in the shaded parts of your yard? Fear not. Learn how to transform them with guidance from Duncan Himmelman, recently retired education manager at Mt. Cuba Center in Delaware, on Saturday, April 25, from 10 a.m. to noon. This class will help you identify the different levels of shade in your garden and select the best native plants for each condition. Discover strategies for creating an attractive, ecologically focused garden. With practical advice and expert insights, you’ll gain the confidence to make the most of your shady spaces and turn them into vibrant, flourishing parts of your landscape.
Link for info: https://www.berkshirebotanical.org/events/how-shade-gardening-success

• April 25 - BBG - Native Vines for Every Garden
$30 member/$45 non-member
Saturday, April 25, from 1 - 3 PM at BBG
Add height, structure, and visual interest to your garden while supporting local ecosystems in this class led by Duncan Himmelman, recently retired education manager at Mt. Cuba Center in Delaware, on Saturday, April 25, from 1 to 3 p.m. Explore the use and cultivation of native woody and herbaceous vines, from those that scramble over fences to those that cascade from arbors. Learn which species offer colorful flowers, varied textures and multi-season appeal, and gain practical tips for incorporating them successfully into your landscape. Whether you’re looking to enhance a small garden or create a dynamic, layered planting, this class will inspire you to use native vines for beauty and ecological value.
Link for info: https://www.berkshirebotanical.org/events/native-vines-every-garden

• May 8-10 - BBG - Plants-And-Answers
See web site for information.
This Mother’s Day weekend, Berkshire Botanical Garden will burst into spring with something entirely new: two beloved events happening side-by-side for the very first time. From May 8–10, the Garden invites visitors to a weekend-long celebration of plants, play and community as the 49th Annual Plants-and-Answers Plant Sale overlaps with the second annual SpringFest on Saturday, May 9. Together, they promise a vibrant, family-friendly welcome to the growing season.
Link for info: https://www.berkshirebotanical.org/events/49th-annual-plants-and-answers-plant-sale

• May 16 - BBG - Cultivating Mushrooms
$50 member/$70 non-member
Saturday, May 16, from 10 AM - noon at BBG
Join Willie Crosby of Fungi Ally for a dynamic, hands-on introduction to mushroom cultivation on Saturday, May 16, from 10 a.m. to noon. This two-hour workshop blends practical learning with ecological insight, teaching participants how fungi can be cultivated for nutrition, medicine, and environmental restoration. Together, we'll explore three versatile mushrooms — wine cap, shiitake and oyster — and practice key techniques like building a wood-chip bed and inoculating hardwood logs. Participants will gain the knowledge and confidence to grow mushrooms at home and deepen their connection to the hidden fungal networks that sustain life.
Link for info: https://www.berkshirebotanical.org/events/cultivating-mushrooms-connecting-hidden-fungal-network

• May 23 - BBG - Strategies for Establishing and Maintaining Native Meadows
$110 member/$130 non-member
Saturday, May 23, from 10 AM - 1 PM at BBG
Learn how to create and sustain vibrant native meadows and grasslands in this hands-on class led by Chris Erickson, founder of Untamed Gardens, and Mathieu Boudreau, a Berkshire–born farmer, potter and arborist on Saturday, May 23, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Moving beyond traditional gardening approaches, this course covers site assessment, plant establishment and techniques for using targeted disturbance to support and strengthen native plant communities. The class combines an indoor session with a field visit, where participants will see real-world examples and explore practical tools, methods, and equipment for maintaining healthy, resilient meadows. Gain the knowledge and confidence to bring the beauty and ecological benefits of native meadows to your own landscape.
Link for info: https://www.berkshirebotanical.org/events/strategies-establishing-and-maintaining-native-meadows

• Thu, May 28 - CTHort - Designing Meadows and Naturalized Plantings for a Human Landscape with Kathy Connolly
On Zoom and in person at Elmwood CC, West Hartford, CT
7 to 8:30 pm / $10 non-members
Form and setting mean everything to the success of a meadow and other naturalized settings. Join Kathy Connolly, landscape designer and author, for a discussion of how to create one for yourself.
Link for info: https://cthort.org/events-and-travel/category/speaker-meetings/

• Thu, June 11 - BBG - New Garden Designer Workshop and Walk About
$100 member/$120 non-member
Thursday, June 11, from 1 - 5 PM at BBG
Join garden designer and author Daryl Beyers, Gardening Certificate Program coordinator at the New York Botanical Garden, for an immersive workshop on garden design inspired by his latest book, "The New Garden Designer: How to Design Useful, Beautiful Gardens from Start to Finish" (Timber Press). The workshop, on Thursday, June 11, from 1 to 3 pm, is followed by a walk in the Garden to show participants how certain design principles, concepts and visual keys can be translated into their own home gardens. The book talk and signing begins at 4 pm.
Link for info: https://www.berkshirebotanical.org/events/new-garden-designer-workshop-and-walk-about

• Thu, June 18 - CTHort - Digging Deeper into Ecological Horticulture with Uli Lorimer
On Zoom and in person at Elmwood CC, West Hartford, CT
7 to 8:30 pm / $10 non-members
Ecological Horticulture takes a different approach from traditional gardening by focusing on nature-friendly principles. Learn about it from Uli Lorimer, author, and Director of Horticulture for the Native Plant Trust. (Sponsored by the Lois and Herb Isaacson Endowed Lecture fund.
Link for info: https://cthort.org/events-and-travel/category/speaker-meetings/

Virtual Offerings

• InsectXaminer from UMass Center for Agriculture, Food, and the Environment

Description: The InsectXaminer short video series hopes to increase the visibility of the beautiful world of insects, even those we consider to be pests in our managed landscapes. InsectXaminer will showcase the complexity of insect life cycles, cataloging as many life stages for each species as possible. The goal of this series is to provide professionals and land managers with footage that is helpful for learning the identification of insects throughout the season, rather than at any single point in their life cycle. Proper identification is key to successful management. If possible and caught on camera, important aspects of their biology and natural enemies will be revealed.

Follow this LINK

• BBG Virtual Learning

The Berkshire Botanical Garden offers several virtual learning opportunities for children, families, and beginning gardeners. See their offerings HERE

• NYBG At Home

New York Botanical Garden has a wide range of virtual events, plants guides, videos, and online courses. See the full list at NYBG-at-home.

Alphabetical List of Organizations

Visit area organizations for more offerings.

• ASLA- American Society of Landscape Gardeners - ctasla.org -

• BBG - Berkshire Botanical Garden - berkshirebotanical.org

• Capital District Garden & Flower Show - https://flowerandgardenexpo.com

• Cary Institute - Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies - www.caryinstitute.org

• CACIWC - Connecticut Association of Conservation & Inland Wetlands Commissions - www.caciwc.org

• CIPWG - Connecticut Invasive Plant Working Group: www.cipwg.uconn.edu

• Cornell Cooperative Extension - for information contact 518-272-4210

• CT NOFA - Northeast Organic Farming Association of Connecticut - ctnofa.org - 203-308-2584

• GBC - Greenwich Botanical Center - https://greenwichbotanicalcenter.org - 203-869-9242

• Hollister House Garden, 300 Nettleton Hollow Rd., Washington, Ct 06793 - 860-868-2200 - hollisterhousegarden.org

• Mad Gardeners - madgardeners.org

• Nature’s Voice - White Memorial Conservation Center's outreach show about everything Nature. Every Sunday at 2pm on WAPJ 89.9 & 105.1 FM Torrington Community Radio

• NCNC - New Canaan Nature Center, 144 Oenoke Ridge, New Canaan, CT 06840 - 203-966-9577 - www.NewCanaanNature.org

• NPT - New England Wild Flower Society - now Native Plant Trust, 351 Longwood Rd, Kennett Square, PA 19348 - https://www.publicgardens.org

• NYBG - New York Botanical Garden - nybg.org
- New Canaan Nature Center Classes
- Classes at NYBG
- Certificate Programs & Summer Intensives
- Lectures & Symposia

• Trade Secrets Rare Plant & Garden Antiques annual event to benefit Women's Support Services - www.tradesecretsct.com

• UConn Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Program: www.ipm.uconn.edu

• UConn College of Agriculture, Health & Natural Resources - www.uconn.edu -

• UMass - University of Massachusetts Landscape, Nursery and Urban Forestry Program - French Hall, 230 Stockbridge Rd., Amherst, MA 01003 - 413 - 545-0895 - https://ag.umass.edu/
- Upcoming Programs & Events
- Garden Calendar
- Landscape Message

Mad Gardeners

Area Events

Upcoming Events

Virtual Offerings

Alphabetical List of Organizations

Contact Mad Gardeners