Community Workshops: We Come to You

Taught by Claudia Thompson and Other Landscape Professionals
At Libraries, Garden Clubs, and Locations in Your Neighborhood
You Convene the Group: We Bring this Workshop to You

If you care about the ecological value of your garden and all the lands around you, are interested in learning more about native plants, and want to better steward this planet with your friends and neighbors, these workshops are for you. We will present these workshops in your city, town or neighborhood on a mutually agreeable date. We encourage friends and neighbors to join together to host a program (with a minimum of 10 participants), and we are equipped to present them at libraries, schools, other public spaces, or even in a private home.

Fee: Based on participant numbers and length of program.

To set up these workshops: E-mail: cthompson@grownativemass.org or call us at 617-354-0502.

Why Grow Native? — The Importance of Native Plants in our Landscapes

This workshop gives a wonderful introduction to the ecological importance of native plants and their critical role for all life on earth. While plants, with their capacity for photosynthesis, provide the foundation for all life, it is the insects that are at the hub of making it go round. Specific topics covered include an an explanation of native, non-native, and invasive plants and their roles in our ecosystem; the emerging science showing the critical ecological relationships that extend from plants to insects to birds, wildlife, and humans; the prinicples of habitat creation; and examples of “cool” ecosystem relationships. By the end of the program, you will "get" why this issue is so important and understand what you can do about it. We also provide many resources for additional leanring and information.

How to Grow Native? — Designing Healthy Landscapes that Emphasize Native Plants

If you already understand the importance of native plants, this program will help you plan your own garden, or be better equipped to work with a landscape designer. It focuses on the essential prinicples for creating beautiful gardens that are full of life— places of both beauty and biodiversity. Topics include understanding the importance of context and local ecology, techniques for designing a successful garden or landscape, examples of different habitat gardens from meadow to woodland, and advice on how to best source native plants. Many additional resources are provided to help you develop your own plan and subsequently put it into action.