Master Gardeners Garden Day Symposium

The Master Gardeners of CCE look forward to seeing you for a fun and educational day as we adapt to these changing and challenging times. On April 16, we are going back to the garden with an entirely new format that we think you will like. The Symposium will feature a keynote, guest speakers on intriguing topics and four Master Garden presentations.

The day will kick off with the keynote address by Dr. Meg Ronsheim, Professor of Biology and former Director of the Environmental Studies Program at Vassar College. Meg led the restoration of the Edith Roberts Ecological Laboratory that was established at Vassar in early 20^th century. The garden has transitioned over time and provides an important perspective for restoration work as well as giving insight into the creation and maintenance of sustainable landscapes using native plants.

We’re also bringing in two guest speakers, each a specialist in their chosen fields:

Scott Serrano is one of the founders of Hortus Arboretum, an accredited Arboretum and Botanical Garden in Stone Ridge, NY. The Arboretum focuses on unusual and underutilized edibles as well as featuring plants that were discovered by many important plant hunters. Scott will introduce us to the diversity of some common and unusual berry plants from around the world that we can grow in our home gardens.

Turning attention to a different and yet popular topic, Luke Sarantonio who is a graduate of SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry where he worked under inspiring minds in the world of Life Sciences and Mycology, will take us on a fascinating journey to a new understanding about fungi and plants as ideal life partners.

Rounding out the program the Master Gardeners will deliver four 30 minute lightening rounds on a variety of timely gardening topics. Cracking the Code – Natives vs. Nativars. What’s the difference and do pollinators care? Coping with Asian Jumping Worms. An in depth look at their behavior, identification traits and why they’re causing such a strong uproar in the gardening community. Beware of the Garden Thug. For example: Chameleon plant. If you have ever planted it, you know how thuggish it can be. And, concluding with a gardeners’ favorite, Tips & Tricks. The answer to saving time and money in the garden.

Pre-registration is highly recommended as seats are limited. To register and view in depth descriptions about the keynote, presentations and presenters’ bios visit 2022 Garden Day Symposium.

The cost for the day is $50. A catered lunch is available and must be ordered and prepaid upon registering, or you can bring your own.  Seating for lunch and the Master Gardener Book Sale will be in the Café.

Our safety policy requires the use of masks at this time. We will contact you the week of the event if there are any changes to our policy or if SUNY Ulster’s implements any further safety protocols.

For more information contact Dona at 845-340-3990 x 335 or email dm282@cornell.edu.