Suburban Natives: A Modern Approach to the Design and Maintenance of Suburban Yards
Join Cathy Ludden, native plant educator and author of the “Around the Grounds” blog, on Zoom* during this new adult programming.
October 1st: The New Suburban Yard
October 8th: The Glory of Autumn
October 15th: We’ve Been Doing Maintenance All Wrong!
October 22nd: Winter Interest: Beautiful Plants for You and Nature
Time: 7:00 – 8:00 PM
Price: $25 per session,
$90 for all four sessions
*Class recordings will be made available for those who cannot attend live.
Instructor Cathy Ludden is an educator, speaker, and consultant advocating the importance and use of native plants in local ecosystems. She is the author of the popular blog on native plants “Around the Grounds,” speaker on subject of native plants to community and professional groups, and a consultant on design and planting of pollinator gardens, meadows, and native plant landscapes.
Course Description:
Session 1 – October 1 : The New Suburban Yard
Recent news stories highlight a trend away from the old suburban standard of “lawn-and-clipped-shrubs” toward a more sophisticated style of residential landscape. Not only are those old-fashioned yards uninteresting, they are also excessive consumers of water, pesticides, and fossil fuels. Modern homeowners are looking to increase curb appeal while also providing healthy spaces for family, pets, song birds, and pollinators. With a little know-how, and starting small, you can modernize and beautify your yard — without increasing maintenance chores. And it’s not too late to start this Fall!
Session 2 – October 8 : The Glory of Autumn
The Northeast is world-famous for fall colors, yet many suburban yards look essentially the same in May and October. Contemporary landscapes should change with each season, reflecting the beauty found in nature. By integrating a variety of native trees, shrubs, grasses, and perennials into your yard, you guarantee that each season will bring a new look and new excitement to your home. Fall is here, and there are so many beautiful, care-free plants that celebrate the season.
Session 3 – October 15 : We’ve Been Doing Maintenance All Wrong!
Modern research is challenging traditional notions on yard maintenance. Should fallen leaves, sticks, and twigs really be cleared away and bagged? Should trees and shrubs be pruned in the fall to prevent winter damage? Should garden beds be mulched with shredded bark to protect plant roots? Should fertilizer be applied before winter? Should tender shrubs be covered with burlap to prevent winter burn? Should ornamental grasses be cut back to tidy clumps? Should perennials be dead-headed and cut back to prevent messy flopping? The answer to many of these questions is: it depends! Hear about the most recent thinking on these and other maintenance issues in this session.
Session 4 – October 22 : Winter Interest: Beautiful Plants for You and Nature
A barren winter yard, devoid of color and life, is depressing – and unnecessary! Plants with interesting and colorful bark, seeds, and texture create beautiful winter views. By designing and planting with winter in mind, you can add seasonal cheer and life-sustaining habitat. It is delightful to see winter birds and other animals enjoying food and shelter in your well-planted yard. And there is more to the winter landscape than evergreens!
