Area Events

EVENTS—LISTED CHRONOLOGICALLY

Please check ahead for all events in case of cancellations.

• Monthly: UMass Landscape Message

• 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.

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Upcoming Events

• Thurs, Nov 13 - UConn - Native Plants & Pollinators Conference
WHAT: UConn Native Plants and Pollinators Conference
WHEN: November 13, 2025, 8:45 am-3:15 pm
WHERE: Student Union Ballroom (Room 330), 2100 Hillside Road, Storrs, CT 06269
REGISTRATION AND MORE INFORMATION: s.uconn.edu/nppc2025
Registration: $80
College/University Matriculated Students with valid school ID: $25
Registration fee includes:
Continental Breakfast, Lunch, Refreshments
Admission to sessions
Pesticide Recertification credits
Link for info: https://ipm.cahnr.uconn.edu/nppc2025/

 

• Thu, Nov 20 - CTHort - The Growth of Trees: A Journey Through Time with Michael Wojtech
On Zoom and in person at Elmwood CC, West Hartford, CT
7 to 8:30 pm / $10 non-members
No 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.
Link for info: https://cthort.org/events-and-travel/category/speaker-meetings/

 

• Dec. 2 - BBG - Plant Health Care
$215 member/$240 non-member
Tuesdays, Dec. 2-Jan. 6 from 5:30-8:30 PM at BBG
Deepen your understanding of what keeps plants thriving—and what threatens their health. In this comprehensive course led by horticulture expert Jen Werner on Tuesdays, Dec. 2 through Jan. 6, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., you'll explore the many factors that influence plant vitality, from pests and diseases to environmental stressors. Learn essential diagnostic skills and discover how thoughtful site preparation, smart plant selection and strategic placement can prevent common problems before they start. You'll also gain practical insights into managing issues using biological, chemical and cultural methods, with an emphasis on sustainable, integrated pest management (IPM) strategies. Perfect for gardeners, landscapers or anyone looking to boost their plant care knowledge.
Link for info: https://www.berkshirebotanical.org/events/plant-health-care-3

 

• Dec. 13 - BBG - Plant Design Studio
$215 member/$240 non-member
Saturdays, Dec. 13 & 20 from 9:30 AM-3:30 PM at BBG
Bring garden spaces to life through thoughtful, creative planting design in this immersive two-day studio course on Saturdays Dec. 13 and Dec. 20 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Led by Tom Smith of Springfield Technical Community College, this hands-on workshop will guide you through the fundamentals of designing planting plans for both private and public landscapes. Through a series of engaging exercises, you'll explore how to shape outdoor spaces using plant form, color and texture. You'll also consider plant characteristics in relation to site-specific conditions and draw design inspiration from architectural styles, balancing aesthetics with horticultural needs. The course includes collaborative project work, individual presentations and constructive critiques designed to support your growth as a designer. Whether you’re new to planting design or looking to refine your skills, this participatory class offers valuable tools and inspiration.
Link for info: https://www.berkshirebotanical.org/events/plant-design-studio

 

• Dec 16 deadline - UMass - Winter School for Turf Managers
The UMass Winter School for Turf Managers is an intensive, 110+ hour certificate program designed to convey essential concepts for producing and maintaining well performing turf surfaces, with emphasis on environmental stewardship, input reduction, efficiency, and fiscal responsibility. This comprehensive, dynamic short course is geared to professionals such as those associated with the management of fine lawns and landscapes; golf courses; sports surfaces; parks; municipal, institutional, or private grounds; or sales and support to these industry segments. Link for info: https://www.umass.edu/agriculture-food-environment/turf/education-events/university-of-massachusetts-winter-school-for-turf-managers/

 

• Jan. 3 - BBG - The Science of Plant Propagation
$215 member/$240 non-member
Saturday & Sunday, Jan. 3 & 4 at BBG
Learn about the art and science of plant propagation with Adam Wheeler, grafting guru at Broken Arrow Nursery. Focus on the basic botany needed to understand and successfully propagate plants. Sexual and asexual propagation methods, including sowing seeds, cuttings, grafting, layering, and division will be covered. Students will learn the fascinating science behind propagation, along with the various techniques used to create new plants.
Link for info: https://www.berkshirebotanical.org/events/science-plant-propagation-5

 

• Jan. 8 - BBG - Intro to Native and Non-Native Plants
$215 member/$240 non-member
Thursdays, Jan. 8-Feb. 19 from 5:30-7:30 PM via Zoom
Join Duncan Himmelman and Jen Werner for an introduction to native and non-native plants, and the relationship between both plant species. Transform your garden with native plants while avoiding species that are considered invasive in western Massachusetts and surrounding areas. Discover the ecological value of native plants and learn approximately 24 herbaceous and woody perennials hardy to the Berkshires area. Additionally, you will learn about non-native invasive species that are ecologically harmful and ways to manage them in a landscape setting.
Link for info: https://www.berkshirebotanical.org/events/intro-native-and-non-native-plants

 

• Jan. 10 - BBG - Invasives: Plants and Insects
$215 member/$240 non-member
Saturdays, Jan. 10-31, from 9:30 AM-12:30 PM at BBG
This four-week course, taught by Jen Werner, will include information on how and why pests become invasive, and the governmental agencies and working groups that help determine an organism's "invasive status" and the regulations around controlling their spread. Participants will take a deep dive into several newer invasive introductions to our area, including identification, hosts and control or mitigation methods. Learn strategies to stay abreast of new Invasive Introductions, and how to think about the best techniques to avoid, prevent, or control invasive species at your particular site or situation. A review of general concepts regarding pest control strategies, pest life cycles and clues to identify pest type will be included.
Link for info: https://www.berkshirebotanical.org/events/invasives-plants-and-insects-0

 

• Thu, Jan 15 - CTHort - Personal Habitat: 30 Years of Wildlife Gardening with Julie Zickefoose
On Zoom and in person at Elmwood CC, West Hartford, CT
7 to 8:30 pm / $10 non-members
Join 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. This 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.
Link for info: https://cthort.org/events-and-travel/category/speaker-meetings/

 

• Jan. 24 - BBG - Sustainable Garden Care & Maintenance
$215 member/$240 non-member
Saturdays, Jan. 24-Feb. 28, from 11 AM-1 PM via Zoom
Learn about the maintenance considerations that should be integrated into the garden design process from Daryl Beyers. Students' horticultural knowledge will expand to factor sustainable maintenance concerns and cost-effectiveness into plant selection. Learn procedures for perennials, woody plants and lawns, including transplanting, staking, fertilizing, winterizing, mulching, plant pathology, and pest control with an emphasis on deer control.
Link for info: https://www.berkshirebotanical.org/events/sustainable-garden-care-and-maintenance-zoom

 

• Feb. 6 - BBG - The Business of Gardening
$130 member/$150 non-member
Friday, Feb. 6, from 9:30 AM-4:30 PM at BBG
The question that is often stressful for the garden designer/gardener is "how much should I charge?" In this class, taught by Tom Smith of Springfield Technical Community College, you will learn how to value your work, estimate supplies, and strategize the overall proposal in order to avoid under- or overcharging clients. This class will also cover staffing, management and incorporating a diverse and inclusive work environment.
Link for info: https://www.berkshirebotanical.org/events/business-gardening-1

 

• Feb. 13 - BBG - Tree Care for Gardeners
$240 member/$280 non-member
Fridays, Feb. 13-March 6, from 1-5 PM at BBG
Whether you are an amateur or professional horticulturist, you are a steward of the landscape, and probably spend more time than anyone among the flowers, shrubs and trees. This course, taught by Tom Ingersoll, is designed for those who might not necessarily be first to climb 100 feet up a northern red oak or wrangle the chainsaw to fell a 36" dead American elm. The goal of this class is to empower horticulturalists to better understand the largest plants in the landscape. Participants will learn the basics of tree biology and identification, the tree's role in the ecosystem, proper selection, siting, planting considerations, pruning of young trees, fertilization, pest identification and when to call in the certified arborist.
Link for info: https://www.berkshirebotanical.org/events/business-gardening-1

 

• 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

 

• 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

 

• 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

 

• 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.

 

• 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/

 

• 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

 

• 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/

 

• 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 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/

 

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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.

 

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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/
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