Performing Magic
Is your organization, club or school looking for an informative and entertaining presentation about garden life and gardening methods?
Programs and presentations are available on the following (and other) topics:
- Making Magic — Better Garden Design
- How Does Your Garden Grow?
- Signs of Spring, Birds, and More
- Wildlife in the Garden
- Managing Invasive Species
- Gardening with Native Plants
- Planting and Maintaining a Riparian Buffer
- Keeping the Magic in Your Garden
See below for more details.
Programs and Presentations
Making Magic – Better Garden Design
The difference between an everyday garden and a prized showpiece is achieved by applying fundamental design principles with some clever twists. Beginning with basic design rules commonly used for garden layout and plant selection, this program focuses on design concepts at the next level that will turn an average garden into an extraordinary one. Real examples are used to show some traditional design concepts, where they fall short, and how to improve upon them. Using these easy-to-apply and better design approaches will help you unleash the magic in your garden.
How Does Your Garden Grow?
The underlying science of gardening extends well beyond basic botany. Understanding relevant chemistry, physics, geology, and hydrology concepts can help your plants grow better and thrive. This program explores the range of conditions plants need for growth and the basic science behind these factors. Examples are used to demonstrate how to apply these basic scientific principles during garden design, planting, maintenance and care. By supplementing your basic gardening routine with scientific considerations, your plants will flourish like never before.
Signs of Spring, Birds, and More
The spring season starts earlier than the vernal equinox and well before most trees and gardens begin to blossom. Take a tour of nature’s local signs of spring with this popular photo presentation, focused on early blooming plants and migrating birds.
Wildlife in the Garden
Gardens naturally attract wildlife. But, what can you do to attract more butterflies, birds, and other wildlife? What can you do to discourage uninvited wildlife, such as deer, rabbits, and squirrels? This program explores the habitat and food requirements of various wildlife species (large and small), so that you can add plantings and other features to your garden to make it more inviting. The program goes on to identify steps you can take to protect your garden and make it less inviting to pests and unwanted wildlife.
Managing Invasive Species
Many organizations put enormous effort into creating lists of invasive species only to generate disagreement among experts. Less publicized is just what to do about invasive plant species. This program outlines the important principles of invasive species management and describes current techniques being applied for controlling common invasive plants. This is an important program for anyone responsible for, or interested in, maintaining healthy woodlands, parks, community gardens or individual gardens.