Workshops

Workshops are an important way to stay informed, get out and get to know other Greenscapers.  Please check out our workshop offerings by reading below or clicking the Workshop Calendar in the menu to the left.

Workshops : Connecticut River

Workshops are an important way to stay informed, get out and get to know other Greenscapers.  Please check out our workshop offerings by reading below or clicking the Workshop Calendar in the menu to the left.

Workshops : North Shore

The following free workshops are brought to you by the Greenscapes North Shore program:

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 (click for directions)
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.

Soaking Up the Rain
Saturday, May 10, 2008: 9:30am - 11:30am
Brooksby Farm (in the store), 38 Felton Road, Peabody, MA (click for directions)
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 (planted beds) that soak up the rain, and Lou Luliano from Ideal Pavers will talk about permeable pavers that allow infiltration of rainwater and recharge of groundwater.

Lawn Care Basics and How to Phase Out Chemicals
Tuesday, May 13, 2008: 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Topsfield Fairgrounds, Bee Building, 207 Boston St. (Route 1), Topsfield, MA (click for directions)
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.

Easy Composting for Healthy Landscapes
Tuesday, May 20, 2008: 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Topsfield Fairgrounds, Bee Building, 207 Boston St. (Route 1), Topsfield, MA (click for directions)
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.

Questions about North Shore workshops? 
Contact Salem Sound Coatwatch, Greenscapes North Shore Program
Phone: 978-741-7900

Special thanks to Brooksby Farm and Topsfield Fair for donating the use of their facilities!

Workshops : South Shore

Currently, there are no workshops scheduled for the Greenscapes South Shore program at this time.  Please visit us again in  the spring!

Questions about South Shore workshops?  Contact Samantha Woods, NSRWA Greenscapes Program  (phone: 781-659-8168).