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Workshops, Speakers & Presentations...

Rhododendron Presentation by ARHS (New)

Rhododendrons 101’ is an hour-long program of slides and practical information, delivered by a member of the Atlantic Rhododendron &Horticultural Society, about choosing and growing rhododendrons in this part of the world. The slides feature proven plant performers as grown in several Nova Scotian gardens. If a club is unable to provide a projector, the ARHS presenter can bring one.

To request and schedule the program, a club’s programmer must contact Cora Swinamer by phone: 902 826-7705, by email: support@underthearbor.ca  or by mail: 390 Mason’s Point Rd. Head of St Margaret’s Bay, NS B3Z 1Z4.

1. Jodi DeLong

Email: jodi@bloomingwriter.ca

RR3 Canning, NS
B0P1H0.
Prefers to be contacted by mail or email to reduce telemarketers etc....

You’ll often find Jodi as a guest speaker at events around the region, including garden club meetings and the annual Saltscapes East Coast Expo. Along with a lively and informative presentation, there are usual handouts on the current topic. Subjects include:

The art of Fallscaping: Face it: we have lousy springs these days. But we have great autumns to make up for this. More of us are getting into the art of Fallscaping, or planning our gardens so they’ll look great come autumn. We’ll talk about how to do that and what plants work best here.

Absolutely amazing annuals: (Updated for 2009!) There is more to growing annuals than the usual pansies, petunias, marigolds and impatiens. With this presentation you’ll meet some of the exciting and different annuals that are available to gardeners for use in containers as well as borders.

Beautiful, bountiful Bulbs: Want to naturalize some bulbs in your garden? Force some into flower for indoor midwinter cheer? Learn about some different bulbs to try and some tips for great bulb performance with this talk.

Contain your gardening enthusiasms: (Updated for 2009!) Containers are the perfect solution for those with limited time, space and energy for gardening but who want some green growing plants around them. Learn about making a good soil mix as well as how to plant containers with punch, and how to keep them looking great all summer long.

Don't Panic: Grow Organic! If we're setting out to beautify the world around us, it sort of defeats the purpose to be waging chemical warfare on plants and creatures we deem undesireable in our gardens. Jodi comes prepared with a treasure trove of simple tricks and green soloutions for a healthier garden--and a healthier world.

Perennials with Pizazz: (Updated for 2009!) Want to know about some of the hottest new plants, as well as some less-commonly grown species? This presentation will take you through the perennial alphabet with plenty of colourful images to enjoy.

Planting for Pollinators.  It’s no secret that the world’s pollinators—bees, beetles, butterflies, even some birds—are crucial to our survival. So developing a garden that encourages pollinators to visit and thrive is what Martha Stewart would call A Good Thing. Learn the secrets to creating a garden that welcomes winged friends all summer long.

Plants for Problem Sites: Is your garden excessively shady? Plagued by deer? Too close to the shoreline or too wet or dry? There are plants for every gardening situation. All we need is a little inspiration and information. Jodi has suggestions for your challenges.

2. David Cooper
(902)223-4028

Email:dave@arbornovascotia.com

Website: www.arbornovascotia.com

Owner-Arbor Plant Health Care
Bachelor of Technology in Landscape Horticulture-NSAC (2003)
ISA Certified Arborist
ISA Certified Tree Worker

David's company specializes in tree and shrub pruning and preservation. David's presentation is centered around pruning ornamental trees, shrubs, and shade trees. The presentation also includes proper pruning techniques and timing of pruning.

3. Mercedes Brian
Wolfville, NS
B4P2C9
Email: mercedes@bloomingstone.com

Mercedes will do a 45 minute lively presentation  on "Hypertufa and other Concrete Items" plus time for questions.

4. Phil Warman
268 Boutiliers Point Road
Boutiliers Point, NS
B3Z 1V1
Email: prwarman@eastlink.ca

Phil has a BSc degree in Agronomy and MSc and PhD degrees in Soil Biochemistry from the University of Guelph. His interests include soil biochemistry, soil-plant relations, heavy metal bioavailability, composting of agricultural and industrial wastes (with emphasis on compost quality parameters) and the analysis and application of alternative fertilizers to soils and crops.

Topics include:

1.  Soil pH, liming and plant nutrition. (As part of his talk, Phil will bring his pH meter so that any club member can have a free soil pH test and Lime Requirement).

2.  Soil Fertility, Plant Nutrition and Human Health

3.  Soil is not Dirt!!

4.  Composts and Composting

5.  Organic Amendments for Soils and Plants

5. Crystal Godfrey
236 Fox Point Rd. RR# 2
Hubbards, NS
B0J 1T0
Email: crystal@secret-garden.ca

Crystal Godfrey has worked extensively with plants, shrubs and container gardens during 12 years of professional experience in the field. Secret Garden Consulting services include garden design, speaking engagements, container and office gardening.
 
Crystal offers a four season presentation series designed in an a la carte menu style that allows garden clubs to mix and match information of particular interest to their members in advance. 

Presentations are one hour in length with 3 x 20 minute modules delivered via projection screen.  Special container art displays will be on hand - cameras welcome!

Clubs may chose single presentations or a 4 presentation program.

Topics include:

The “TO DO” check list
Each season will have a check list of practices we should undertake to ready our gardens and ourselves including soil amendments and shrub pruning.

Contain Your Enthusiasm
Crystal is a container garden specialist.  Discussion includes choosing plants for seasonal container displays, proper planting techniques and their continuing care.

Garden Design
Considerations when designing a garden, how to create movement in the garden and the important role of evergreens.  Sculptures and other garden art pieces are included.

Water Gardening
Site preparation, choice and placement of water plants and the addition of garden art.

Say Good Evening to Your Garden
Plants and lighting options for appreciation of your garden after the sun sets.

Herbal Harvest
Building a herb garden, harvesting, storing and utilizing herbs.

Gardening Indoors
Growing houseplants, veggies and herbs indoors.

Fertilizers
Which fertilizer to use, chemical verses organic and how to read the labels
This list contains only a few of the topics that are available for discussion.  A full list of presentation modules is available from your district director or from Crystal directly.