Quick Links to Regions
Event Listing
Learn more about Greenscaping at these upcoming events, workshops, and presentations! Please note that some of these events are hosted by entities other than the Greenscapes Coalition, and may have different contacts for more information. Free Greenscapes workshops are noted with the leaf logo.
South Shore
Tame Your Water-Consuming Irrigation System
Monday May 5th, 2008; 7-9 p.m.
South Shore Voc Tech School auditorium, 476 Webster St. (Route 123), Hanover
Hosted by North & South Rivers Watershed Association (Greenscapes South Shore)
Irrigations systems abound on the South Shore, but many of us do not know how to use or maintain them properly. This can lead to water overuse which can hurt your landscaping and our environment. Irrigation systems can help conserve water when designed, maintained and used properly. Ted Moriarty (CIC, CID, CLIA, Owner - Smart Watering Company) will explain some simple, effective ways to take control of your irrigation system, and show how to develop a season-long water conservation strategy. To register for this free Greenscapes workshop, contact Debbie Cook of the North and South Rivers Watershed Association.
Growing Green – Using Fewer Pesticides by Knowledgeable Plant Selection
Monday May 12th, 2008; 7-9 p.m
South Shore Voc Tech School auditorium, 476 Webster St. (Route 123), Hanover
Hosted by North & South Rivers Watershed Association (Greenscapes South Shore)
Deborah Swanson, Plymouth County Extension Horticulturist will highlight great plants that have few insect and disease problems, and yet are beautiful in the landscape. Many of these plants are native and often overlooked. Learning what they are and where to plant them will go a long way in reducing pesticides in the landscape. Many of these trees, shrubs and perennials are also drought-tolerant, once established. To register for this free Greenscapes workshop, contact Debbie Cook of the North and South Rivers Watershed Association.
Landscape Design Ideas for Success
Monday May 19th, 2008; 7-9 p.m.
South Shore Voc Tech School auditorium, 476 Webster St. (Route 123), Hanover Hosted by North & South Rivers Watershed Association (Greenscapes South Shore)
Chris Kennedy of Kennedy Country Gardens will offer proven solutions to your toughest gardening dilemmas. Hear suggestions that can increase the value of your property, while reducing the work to maintain a beautiful yard and gardens. Chris will tell you how to improve thorny landscaping issues in your yard, and how to match the right type of lawn and plants with your existing conditions. To register for this free Greenscapes workshop, contact Debbie Cook of the North and South Rivers Watershed Association.
NORTH SHORE REGION
How and Why to Use Native Plants in Your Garden
Saturday, May 3, 2008: 9:30am - 11:30am
Brooksby Farm (in the store), 38 Felton Road, Peabody, MA
Hosted by Greenscapes North Shore Coalition
Join landscape architect Peter Phippen, and landscape designer Mary Ann Malarkey, for a presentation on the "who, what, where and why" of gardening with native plants. Native plants provide beauty, enhance wildlife, and many are drought tolerant. Mary Ann will discuss native plants in her designs and show how they can be incorporated. A question and answer session will follow. For more information, contact Salem Sound Coastwatch, (Greenscapes North Shore Program), phone: 978-741-7900. Special thanks to Brooksby Farm for donating the use of their facilities for this workshop.
Soaking Up the Rain
Saturday, May 10, 2008: 9:30am - 11:30am
Brooksby Farm (in the store), 38 Felton Road, Peabody, MA
Hosted by Greenscapes North Shore Coalition
When it rains, pavements and rooftops shed water containing sediments and chemicals that eventually pollute our rivers, streams, ponds and coastal waters. These impervious surfaces also increase the likelihood of flooding. This workshop will present different strategies for homeowners to put rainwater to good use! Curtis Dragon, certified organic landscaper, will discuss how to create a rain garden; Karen Weber from Earth Our Only Home will talk about green roofs, and Lou Luliano from Ideal Pavers will talk about permeable pavers. For more information, contact Salem Sound Coastwatch, phone: 978-741-7900. Special thanks to Brooksby Farm for donating the use of their facilities for this workshop.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008: 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Topsfield Fairgrounds, Bee Building, 207 Boston St. (Route 1), Topsfield, MA
Hosted by Greenscapes North Shore Coalition
Did you know you can have a healthy lawn without using potentially toxic chemicals? In this workshop, Curtis Dragon, certified organic landscaper with over 30 years experience, will teach proper mowing techniques, how to select proper seed, how to control pests, when to water, and the basic steps to achieving a beautiful chemical-free lawn that also conserves water and saves you money. For more information, contact Salem Sound Coastwatch, phone: 978-741-7900. Special thanks to our co-sponsor the Topsfield Fair for donating the use of their facilities for this workshop.
Easy Composting for Healthy Landscapes
Tuesday, May 20, 2008: 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Topsfield Fairgrounds, Bee Building, 207 Boston St. (Route 1), Topsfield, MA
Hosted by Greenscapes North Shore Coalition
Home composting with yard waste and kitchen scraps is the least expensive and most environmentally sound method of managing organic waste and fertilizing your yard. Ann McGovern, MA Department of Environmental Protection, will give a lively presentation on the ins and outs of composting, including composting with worms. Curt Dragon, certified organic landscaper, will talk about how to make compost tea for an inexpensive fertilizer that is nature's perfect food. Both novice and experienced composters are welcome to attend. For more information, contact Salem Sound Coastwatch,, phone: 978-741-7900. Special thanks to our co-sponsor the Topsfield Fair for donating the use of their facilities for this workshop.
Tuesday, June 3, 2008; 7:00-9:00 PM
LudlowTown Hall, 488 Chapin Street, Conference Rooms 1 and 2 on 1st Floor
Ann McGovern from MA DEP will present a workshop about organic land care practices for your lawn and landscape. The workshop is intended for homeowners interested in transitioning away from chemical fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides to organic practices with beautiful results! Landscape contractors, turf managers and other land care professionals are encouraged to attend too. No fee. A rain barrel and other door prizes will be offered. Registration is requested, please contact Anne Capra (413) 781-6045.
Healthy Lawns and Landscapes Workshop
Charles River Watershed Association, 190 Park Road, Weston, MA
Learn how to have a beautiful yard without using chemicals that may harm children, pets and our environment. Homeowners, landscapers and municipal staff are welcome to attend this workshop led by Ann McGovern of the Mass. Department of Environmental Protection. Workshop covers: health effects of pesticides, creating healthy soil for lawns and landscapes, simple steps to healthy lawns, and alternatives to lawns, chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Admission is free and refreshments will be served. Everyone who attends gets a chance to win a compost bin. For more information on the workshops and healthy landscaping methods, visit www.mass.gov/dep/recycle. To register, contact: Julie Wood at 781-788-0007, extension 228.
Location to be announced in Jamaica Plain
Hosted by Earthworks Boston
Incorporating the right native trees and shrubs into your landscape can help to cut down on time and energy used for watering and weeding. Native plants can add year-round beauty and intrigue to your landscape while increasing plant biodiversity and animal habitat. Technical skills covered in this workshop will include proper planting, care, and selection. $40 EarthWorks Members/$60 General Public. Pre-registration required. For more information, see the EarthWorks website or contact Annie Cardinaux at 617-442-1059.
