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Program Perspectives — Spring 2008
Before the adoption of the Gregorian calendar in 1752, New Englanders looked forward to March 25th as the beginning of the New Year. In fact, for centuries the New Year began with the first New Moon after the Vernal Equinox. It makes sense to start the New Year with the beginning of spring. After all, it is the season of renewal, of blossoming flowers, and of sowing new crops.
The year begins anew here at Tower Hill Botanic Garden, as well. The New England School of Gardening is in the process of revitalization. We have re-designed our NESOG certificate and are in the process of re-structuring course requirements. We have adjusted our non-member fee for the New England School of Gardening courses to include a year’s membership at Tower Hill Botanic Garden at a reduced rate. This will provide new students with all of the benefits of a regular membership. Look for new classes, lectures and workshops to enlighten and inspire.
Some of the highlights in this issue include Michael Weishan, former host of PBS’s “The Victory Garden,” presenting Rethinking the American Backyard: Better Ideas for Outdoor Living, which was cancelled last year due to snow. Chef CeCe Collier of Twig’s Café will begin a cooking class series utilizing the many magnificent heirloom vegetables and herbs grown right here at Tower Hill. (As well as some overlooked weeds!) Landscape Architect Priscilla Randall will introduce her new garden design style called Eco-elegance. The Telegram & Gazette’s “Roots of Wisdom” columnist and WTAG Garden Radio host, Paul Rogers, will present a lively lecture, Spring is Coming! Are you Ready? Be sure to bring your most difficult horticultural questions. John Bunker of Fedco Trees will conduct an Apple Scion Grafting Workshop in April. Also planned is a spring excursion to Connecticut College Arboretum with a special visit to Quakin’ Grass Nursery. Please look inside for these and many other programs and classes we have lined up for you.
Many people have requested that we provide an alternative to the rigorous NESOG curriculum. I am happy to announce that we will be starting a Master Gardener’s program here at Tower Hill Botanic Garden in 2010. This will coincide nicely with the completion of Phase IVa of our Master Plan, but the time to start preparing is now. If you are interested in getting involved, please let us know.
Don’t forget that April 22 is Earth Day followed by our Annual Arbor Day Celebration beginning Friday through Sunday, April 25 – 27. We look forward to the upcoming season.
See you in the garden,
Craig Anthony
Director of Education
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