The Cambridge Conservation Commission is teaming up with the New England Flower Society to offer an Urban Gardening Series of four, free classes from January through April. These sessions are designed to help city dwellers grow healthy, sustainable, and beautiful urban gardens.
Water Conservation in the Garden
Sunday, Jan. 10, 1:30 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Cambridge Public Library, 449 Broadway, Lecture Hall
All gardeners aim to beautify the world. But we also have a responsibility to ensure that our actions contribute to, rather than detract from, the environment. Learn how water conservation practices can help you to create beautiful garden spaces without wasting precious water resources.
Instructor: Mark Richardson, Horticulture Director, New England Wild Flower Society
Gardening for Pollinators
Saturday, February 20, 10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Cambridge Public Library, 449 Broadway, Lecture Hall
Native plants are not only beautiful, they are undoubtedly the best source of food for pollinators, because plants and their pollinators evolved together. Covering everything from understanding how to attract specific pollinators to finding the right plants, this class will help you turn your garden into a pollinator sanctuary.
Instructor: Dan Jaffe, Propagator and Stock Bed Grower, New England Wild Flower Society
Growing Plants from Seed
Sunday, March 6, 1:30 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Cambridge Public Library, 449 Broadway, Lecture Hall
Plants grown from seed have greater genetic diversity, are better adapted to their environment, and are less expensive to produce. In this class you will learn when and how to collect seeds in the wild; how to collect, clean, and store them; and how to sow and tend for them. Emphasis will be placed on species that can be grown easily and without fancy equipment or large investments of time.
Instructor: Dan Jaffe, Propagator and Stock Bed Grower, New England Wild Flower Society
Managing Invasive Species
Saturday, April 2, 10:30 a.m. -12 p.m.
Cambridge Public Library, 449 Broadway, Lecture Hall
Invasive plants displace native flora in home and natural landscapes, impacting the diversity of native plant species and affecting the pollinators and other wildlife that depend on them. Learn how to best control invasive plant species to ensure the health and survival of native plant communities.
Instructor: Amanda Weise, Ecological Programs Coordinator, New England Wild Flower Society
For more information, or to register, visit http://www.newenglandwild.org/.