Grasses represent a wonderful group of plants that lend structure, movement, texture and color to the perennial border. The late summer and early fall show these wonderful plants to their best advantage. View the annual, tender and perennial grasses available to gardeners and learn about the cultivation and maintenance of these plants. Take a walk through the gardens and consider various design uses for grasses, including creating fall and winter interest as massing plants or as focal points.

Susan Pitman is an avid gardener and Western Massachusetts Master Gardener. She leads tours for the Berkshire Botanical Garden and is a former education assistant and a current volunteer.

Fall Blooming Perennials
Saturday, September 9
1-- 3 p.m.
Lecture/ field study
Members $16
Non-members $21
Beginners

Late summer can present a true challenge for even the most seasoned gardener. The perennial border is often spent by the time September rolls around. Consider some new plant introductions and some old favorites to create a rewarding and colorful time in the late summer perennial border. View some easy-to-care-for perennials that go the distance to the first frost and beyond. Tour the de Gersdorff herbaceous border to consider the variety of herbaceous plants available for Zone 5.

Sherry MacDonald is a former staff horticulturist for Wards Nursery and is currently a garden consultant. Growing great perennials is one of her many horticultural specialties. She teaches for Berkshire Botanical Garden and makes presentations to local garden clubs throughout the region.

Garden Wrap-Up
Saturday, September 16
10 a.m.-- noon
Lecture/demonstration
Members $16
Non-members $21
Beginners

Fall is a great time to assess the year's gardening successes and failures, to review the gardening events of the spring and summer and to begin planning for next season. Consider winter interest in the garden and understand when and when not to prune perennials. Learn how to prepare gardens for the coming winter season including soil amending, mulching, cutting back, and fall division of perennials. This demonstration will take place in the classroom and the garden.

Elisabeth Cary is the Director of Education at the Berkshire Botanical Garden and has been gardening for over twenty years. She specializes in perennial, vegetable and mixed border gardens.

Bulbs in the Landscape
Saturday, September 30
10 a.m. -- noon
Lecture / Bulb Sale
Members $16
Non-members $21
All levels

Consider the many ways to integrate bulbs into the home landscape including enhancing the perennial border, designing foundation plantings or naturalizing a woodland setting. Learn all about the cultivation of bulbs and their many virtues. Learn how and when to buy bulbs, including local and mail order sources. Review a wide variety of both major bulbs (daffodils, tulips, lilies and hyacinth) and minor bulbs (scilla, galanthus, camassia, frittilaria). Watch a demonstration on planting these important elements of the spring landscape.

David Burdick has been a practicing horticulturist in Berkshire County for more than twenty years. He is a popular teacher for the Horticultural Certificate Program and owns a specialty daffodil bulb and cut flower business at Holiday Farm, Dalton

Growing Succulents & Cactus
Saturday, September 30
1- 3 p.m.
Slide-illustrated lecture
Members $16
Non-members $21
All levels

Succulents and cacti represent a wonderful group of plants for growing under indoor conditions and are very successful as houseplants. The major plant families are cacti, euphorbias, crassulas, sedums, aloes and haworthias. In some cases these plants may be dry for several months, and do not suffer from the lack of humidity in our houses in winter. These plants are often grown for unusual plant form, or color and texture. This course will cover how to grow, propagate and display different succulents.

Judy Becker graduated from Trinity College, Washington DC with a B.A. in biology. She owns Lauray of Salisbury, a specialty nursery in Salisbury, Conn. offering succulents, cacti and orchids for sale.

Understanding Drinking Water
Thursday, October 12, 7--8:30 p.m.
Lecture/discussion
Free to the Public
Registration required

Learn about water, the earth's most precious resource with a special focus on understanding what makes great drinking water and how we can protect our most important resource. Topics covered will include private wells, water quality, public water supplies, where our water comes from and cross-connections-what are they and how do we prevent them and protect the water supply.

Catherine V. Skiba is a licensed professional geologist specializing in hydrogeology. She has worked with Mass DEP in the Western Massachusetts office since 1999.

Extending the Season's Harvest
Saturday, October 14
2--4 p.m.
Lecture/ field study
Members $16
Non-members $21
All levels

Learn how to extend the season's harvest to enjoy your own garden greens throughout the late fall and early spring months. Consider growing under glass in an unheated greenhouse or cold frame and learn techniques needed to achieve a true four-season harvest. Crop selection, soil preparation, timing, planting, cultivation and harvesting will be covered with a focus on early and late season production.

Ted Dobson is owner of Equinox Farm in Sheffield, Massachusetts. He sells his organic produce at local farmers markets in Boston and New York City. A long-time, dedicated organic farmer he specializes in "Mesclun Mix" greens and heirloom tomatoes.

Global to Local Plant Connections
Our Native New England Plants & Their Tropical Cousins
Saturday, November 4
10 a.m.-- noon
Slide-illustrated lecture
Members $ 16; Non-members $21
All levels

Pine trees in the tropics? Jack-in-the-Pulpit closely related to tropical flowers? New England Tropical Conservatory's botanists are finding many such connections in Indonesia's montane forests. Learn about NETC's research expeditions, with emphasis on the surprising number of plants native to New England that are related at the generic or familial level to species found in Indonesia. Weather permitting, the presentation will conclude with a walk on the grounds of the garden to view plants that have tropical connections.

Mary Fuqua is President of New England Tropical Conservatory (NETC) and is an active advocate for the conservation of the world's plant species. She has accompanied NETC's research teams in Indonesia.

The Wild Garden
Saturday, November 11
1--3 p.m.
Slide-illustrated lecture
Members $16; Non-members $21
All levels

Take a close look at an exciting trend in gardening that blends beautiful design with ecologically sensitive gardening. Wild gardens are not simply untended areas taken over by weeds, but carefully planned ecological compositions of native and non-invasive exotic plants. Their layered, informal structure provides not just food and habitat for wildlife, but also creates interesting forms of texture, pattern and multi-season features. Ecological garden designer, Drew Monthie will cover historical and contemporary wild garden types with practical ideas for plant selection using companion or associate planting.

Drew Monthie is a horticulturalist, garden designer and ecologist working in upper New York State. He is committed to teaching about the importance of using native plants to provide beauty and preserve biodiversity in yards and gardens.

GARDEN WORKSHOPS/FIELD STUDIES
Photograph Your Garden
The Nature of Photography
Thursday, August 10, 4 - 7 p.m.
Thursday, August 17, 4 - 6 p.m.
Hands-on workshop
Members $75; Non-members $85
Beginner/novice

A beautiful garden is the results of many hours of labor and the results although spectacular can be fleeting. Many of us are disappointed when we try to capture this beauty in photographs. This course will focus on framing, composition, light, and other issues that will help you make better photos of your garden to share with friends and family or use as part of a portfolio to show prospective clients. Please bring a camera (film or digital) you know how to operate for hands-on practice in the gardens

Brian Mikesell is an artist, photographer, and bookbinder with degrees in photography from Indiana University and New York University. He has taught photography at the International Center of Photography and St. John's University. He is also an avid gardener and a graduate of the Horticulture Certificate Program.

Watercolors of August
Thursdays, August 3 - 24, 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
4 week series
Members $125; Non-members $135
Individual classes $ 37.50
Participants provide own supplies
Beginner/intermediate

Explore the medium of watercolor throughout August. Learn the basics of watercolor painting, including color mixing, brush techniques and composition. Students will learn step by step how to create a finished watercolor and new techniques will be demonstrated at each class. No prior experience is needed and beginners are welcome. Attend the series or pick and chose individual classes.

Linda Novick is a graduate of Pratt Institute and has taught art for over thirty years. Her mediums range from pencil to oils, however watercolor is her true love. She has taught numerous workshops in the U.S. and Europe and is past president of Hudson River Watercolor Society.

Painting Flowers
Saturday & Sunday
August 5 & 6, 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Members $90
Non-members $95
Participants provide supplies
Beginners

Explore the medium of watercolor with a focus on flowers and floral images. Scheduled during the Berkshire Botanical Garden's annual flower show, students will use the gardens and floral display for inspiration. Learn about composition and experiment with a wide variety of watercolor techniques. Students will focus on painting flowers and learn step by step how to create a finished watercolor. Classes will include demonstrations, individual instruction, painting time in the garden and a supportive "student friendly" critique. Beginners are welcome.

Pat Hogan holds a B.S. in art education from Pennsylvania State University. She is a watercolorist, painting instructor and head of painting and drawing for IS 183 located in Stockbridge, Mass.

Botanical Miniature Illustration on Note cards with Decorative Initials
Monday & Tuesday, August 14 & 15, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Members $125; Non-members $135
All levels

Learn to create a botanical monogram or note card with colored pencils. Working from Art Nouveau decorative alphabets, select an Initial design and create a personal decorative monogram using flowers, butterflies and interlacing leaves. Learn special pencil techniques to make decorative borders, textures and patterns and discover how to make colors glow together with subtle changing hues using colored pencils.

Carol Ann Morley is a professional illustrator and dedicated teacher of botanical illustration working in Dover, NH. She founded and coordinated the Botanical Art Illustration Certificate Program at the New York Botanical Garden. A former Professor of Art at Pace University, NY, she currently teaches illustration at the New York Botanical Garden, Bronx, NY.

Fruit and Flower Still Life Drawing
Botanical Illustration with Colored Pencil
Thursday & Friday, August 17 & 18, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Members $125; Non-members $135
Participants provide own materials

Combine the sensual shapes of flowers and fruits in compelling still-life composition. Learn ways to create textured backgrounds and decorative borders with the brilliant hues of colored pencils. This versatile color medium can create colors smooth as glass and rough as sandpaper by changing technique and mimic an oil painting, pastel or watercolor. Discover which colors glow together and others that harmonize in a composition. Explore a full range of techniques for creating both bold and subtle effect that will bring a still-life drawing alive. Participants should bring a pear and other fruit or flowers to include in your still-life illustration.

Carol Ann Morley is a professional illustrator and dedicated teacher of botanical illustration working in Dover, NH. She founded and coordinated the Botanical Art Illustration Certificate Program at the New York Botanical Garden. A former Professor of Art at Pace University, NY, she currently teaches illustration at the New York Botanical Garden, Bronx, NY.

Hedges, Espalier and Topiary
For the New England Landscape
Saturday, October 14
10 a.m.-- 1 p.m.
Lecture/field trip
Members $25; Non-members $35
All levels

Join topiary expert Matt Larkin for an exploration of topiary with a look to the practical adaptations for the home garden. This lecture/field trip will consider practical knowledge on hedges, espaliers and topiaries including preferred plant material, and "tools of the trade". Visit Black Barn Topiary located in Richmond and view an outdoor classroom on hedges and topiaries in various stages of maturity. Step-by-step instruction will be provided, encouraging listeners to overcome their fear of taking secateur to shrub, and creating whimsy and drama in the landscape!

Matthew Larkin established Black Barn Topiary in 2001 in an effort to provide large scale living sculpture to the garden obsessed. His work is currently growing at the Hartford Children's Hospital, and various gardens in Connecticut and New York.

Stone Walls for the Garden
Saturday, October 21
9 a.m. -- 1 p.m.
Demonstration
Hands-on workshop
Rain date: October 22
Members $45; Non-members $50
(10% discount for students taking both stone classes) All levels

This hands-on program will cover the basics of wall building, including planning and layout, learning to look at stone and demonstrations on cutting and fitting.

Various applications for the garden will be considered, with special attention to building a freestanding wall. All questions will be answered. Participants should bring: work gloves and safety glasses; dress for outdoor work.

Mark Mendel is the master mason of Monterey Masonry. He apprenticed with Maine stonemasons in the 1960's and taught at the Haystack School of Crafts in Deer Isle, Maine. He has built scores of walls, arches, terraces and walks in addition to many fireplaces in both brick and stone. Locally, his work includes the kitchen at Hancock Shaker Village, and Guido's Marketplace.

Stone Steps, Pathways and Flatwork
Saturday, October 21
2 -- 5 p.m., Demonstration/hands-on workshop
Rain date: October 22
Members $45; Non-members $50
(10% discount for students taking both stone classes)
All levels

Flatwork will be the focus of this workshop: paving with stone and brick for terraces, walkways, paths and garden edging. Watch a demonstration and participate in construction of a brick terrace using an unusual historic Italian design. Learn how to evaluate a project and choose the best material. All questions will be answered in this popular workshop.
Participants should bring: work gloves and safety glasses; dress for outdoor work.

Mark Mendel; see above

Rustic Trellis Building
Saturday, October 28
9:30 a.m.--12:30 p.m.
Hands-on workshop
Members $60; Non-members $70
All levels
(Participants should bring: hand saw, pruning shears, Philips head screw- driver, tape measure, safety glasses, portable drill with 1/8" bit or plug-in model with extension cord)

Rein in errant vines with a natural trellis of your own creation! Learn every phase of trellis making from choosing and harvesting the raw materials through design, construction and installation. Craft your own small trellis with maple saplings and bittersweet vines. Take away the necessary skills to create a broad range of sculptural delights for the garden and home.

Janice Shields creates sculptural house and garden trellises, planters and arbors through her Lenox-based business, Cut It Out. Her work appears in regional shows and she teaches at Berkshire Botanical Garden.

Lichens of the Stockbridge Cemetery
Saturday, October 28
10 a.m. --1 p.m.
Slide-illustrated lecture/field study
Members $25; Non-members $35
Dress for weather, Bring a bag lunch
All levels

Old cemeteries can be rich in lichen diversity--park-like trees with their bark-colonizing lichens, manicured lawns with soil lichens, and headstones of various rock compositions supporting different lichen assemblages. A talk at the Berkshire Botanical Garden will introduce the biology of lichens and key features used in field identifications. Then travel to a local cemetery to observe lichens on old headstones and trees. A 10x hand lens is needed for studying smaller lichen features

Elizabeth Knieper, has been a teaching assistant at Harvard University for Dr. E.O. Wilson and Dr. Pfister. She has worked on eight Massachusetts lichen projects awarded by the Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program of the Mass. Division of Fisheries and Wildlife. Currently she teaches lichen courses for the New England Wild Flower Society and the Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University. She is a lichen trainer for the USDA Forest Service Forest Health Monitoring Program.

Hardwood & Evergreen Propagation Workshop
Saturday, November 4
1- 3 p.m.
Lecture/workshop
Members $30; Non-members $35
All levels

Back by popular demand! Join woody plant specialist Adam Wheeler of Broken Arrow Nursery for a workshop focused on hardwood and evergreen propagation. This workshop will cover how to collect, prepare and propagate evergreens and other woody plants by cuttings. Set at the best time of the year for collecting, participants will learn techniques needed for insuring successful rooting. Cultivation requirements, timing and care of easily propagated varieties will be covered. Take home a selection of plant material in a simple propagator. Time permitting; watch a grafting demonstration.

Adam Wheeler is the Propagation and New Plant Development Manager for Broken Arrow Nursery located in Hamden, Ct. a specialty nursery with a focus on woody plants, especially kalmias. He teaches wood plant propagation workshops throughout New England.