Adult Education

Winter Tree Observations: Deciduous Trees BOT 104B

Carol Govan, Artist and Naturalist
1 Session
Sat Feb 6 10:00am–2:30pm [WCBG]
Class is full. No seats remain.
Winter is a great time to identify trees based on their overall structure and twig and bud characteristics. Close observation can also reveal clues to the adaptive strategies of various tree species. You will begin indoors at the Wellesley College Greenhouse Visitor Center, carefully looking at twigs and other tree parts, discovering family and genus similarities, and examining indicators of the growth cycles of deciduous trees. After lunch Carol will lead you through the Wellesley College Botanic Gardens to identify trees, observing both large- and small-scale details. Bring a lunch and hand lens and dress for cold weather. Participants may also wish to register for BOT104A, which focuses on evergreen trees. (Snow date: February 13)
Fee $50 member, $65 nonmember per session
Credit MCLP: 1CEU; MCA: .5ceu per session
Offered in collaboration with Wellesley College Friends of Horticulture

Register for this class online or by phone/mail.

Landscaping with Native Plants HOR 167

Michael Lance, Owner and Designer, Wild Regeneration
3 Sessions
Mon Feb 8, 22, Mar 1 6:30–8:30pm [HB]
Class is full. No seats remain.
Gardeners, smitten by a display of natives at a garden center, erroneously infer all sorts of attributes from the word “native,”such as “hardy,”“resilient,”“tough,”or even “better.”All of these traits may indeed apply to any native plant; however, this is dependent on the conditions in which the plant is grown. For example, a tough native wetland plant won’t be resilient when planted along the hot, dry edge of a driveway. In this class with designer Michael Lance you will learnabout native plants that would be most suitable to your garden site. Michael will present some of the plants that he incorporates when designing gardens for clients, with class sessions about native trees, shrubs, and perennials. He’ll emphasize edible and medicinal plants, trees and shrubs that exhibit ornamental characteristics, and perennials that can withstand and thrive in urban and suburban New England conditions. Throughout the class Michael will incorporate organic techniques and his philosophy for developing healthy and beneficial garden habitats.
Fee $70 member, $85 nonmember

Register for this class online or by phone/mail.

Pruning in Winter HOR 314B

Jen Kettell, Horticultural Technologist, Arnold Arboretum
1 Session
Sat Feb 20 9:00am–noon [HB]
With no leaves on the branches to obscure your view, this is the best time of year to study a tree’s structure and shape it for improved air circulation, silhouette, and strength. Jen Kettell, an International Society of Arboriculture-certified arborist and accredited Organic Land Care professional, will explain the reasons for pruning and what to consider when pruning dormant trees, shrubs, and vines. She will demonstrate techniques, give guidelines for determining which plants benefit from winter pruning, and explain how plants heal from pruning wounds, even when dormant. Bring your questions to this classroom discussion and demonstration.
Fee $30 member, $35 nonmember

Register for this class online or by phone/mail.

Winter Wellness Walks

Great scenery and exercise, who could want more? A brisk winter walk winter will help you stay healthy and connected to the Arboretum at a time when the landscape is pared down to its beautiful bones. The emphasis is on fitness, with a healthy dose of information on seasonal plants and points of interest. Join an Arnold Arboretum docent for this free walk. It starts at 1 pm and lasts 45 minutes. Meet at the Hunnewell Visitor Center. No registration necessary. After the tour, warm up with a cup of tea or hot chocolate in the Visitor Center. For more information or possible weather cancellations, please call 617.384.5209.

Horticultural Math HOR 113

Kevin Bell, Director of Community and Cooperative Education, Norfolk County Agricultural High School
2 Sessions
Class start date has been postponed from Feb 9 to Feb 23 6:30–8:30pm [HB]. Second class meeting date is still to be determined.
You’ve probably heard the phrase “math makes cents,”and now you can put it to good use. This class will cover the basics of horticultural math with topics such as determining the amount of topsoil or mulch for an area, calculating fertilizer and lime applications, figuring how many plants to use in a garden bed or border, and using conversions in the industry. It makes no difference whether you are a hobby gardener or a landscape professional—this refresher math class will increase your productivity and accuracy in planning your gardens and lawns!
Fee $45 member, $55 nonmember

Register for this class online or by phone/mail.

Introduction to Winter Tree Identification BOT 172B

Kyle Stevens, Arborist, Arnold Arboretum
2 Sessions
Sat Feb 27, Mar 6 9:00am–12:30pm [HB]
This class will provide an overview of the information necessary to identify deciduous trees during their dormant season. Looking at specific character combinations, participants will learn to determine the genus and species of several types of trees in the Boston area. The group will begin indoors with a discussion of basic classification techniques and then go outside to the Arboretum grounds to explore maples, oaks, lindens, buckeyes, hickories, hornbeams and as many other trees as time will allow. This class is recommended for the beginner-to-intermediate tree observer. Dress warmly for spending the morning outdoors. A hand lens may be helpful, but is not necessary.
Fee $65 member, $75 nonmember

Register for this class online or by phone/mail.

Essential Elements of Botanical Drawing: Value and Form ART 106

Jeanne Kunze, Illustrator and Instructor in Art History and Studio Art
5 Sessions
Sat Feb 27, Mar 6, 13, 20, 27 9:30am–12:30pm [WCBG]
Ramp your drawing skills up a notch in this class with Jeanne Kunze designed to help you develop form and value in your plant drawings. Take the mystery out of representing three dimensional botanical subjects in a two dimensional drawing. It all starts with accurate observational skills. Learn the techniques necessary to correctly observe and to accurately express the subtlety of light and shadow and turn shape into form. Develop confidence in your observation and illustration skills through class demonstrations and individual teaching moments and directed practice. Class meets at the Wellesley College Botanic Gardens Visitor Center. (Snow date: Sat April 3)
Fee $225 member, $275 nonmember

Register for this class online or by phone/mail.