This course, taught by Jenna O’Brien on Tuesdays, Oct. 6 through 27, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., will focus on the bones of the garden with a survey of ornamental woody plants for residential landscape design. Students will become familiar with the many garden-worthy woody plants that thrive in Zone 5, including ornamental shrubs, small flowering trees, shade trees, and broadleaf and needle evergreens. The course covers plant ID, selection, siting, cultivation, and possible design uses. Students should dress for outdoor field study. All students participating in this class as part of the Horticulture Certificate Program are required to complete a final project. 

Jenna O’Brien is a lifetime resident of the Berkshires and owner/founder of Viridissima Horticulture & Design and the blog Berkshire Garden Style. She has been working in Berkshire gardens for 25 years. She specializes in container gardening, perennial garden design and care, and country estate garden management.