Presentation Topics

From our cradle to our graves, trees are with us. Many of our modern homes are still framed by trees but also our literal physiology is created to be among trees. "The Human Connection to Trees" explores our oftentimes unseen connection to Earth's other dominant life form and the positive aspects of having a relationship to trees.

Springtime in the forests of Southwest Ohio greets us with brief and sudden flashes of flowers. These flowers are collectively known as "spring ephemerals" because of their short bloom time. Taking advantage of early spring light, before being shaded by the leafing out of the deciduous canopy, these small flowers carpet the forest floor with hues of white, yellow and blue. Additionally, many of these spring ephemerals provide an important early season food source for insects limbering up from a cold winter. This class will introduce the participant to some of these early bloomers and provide information on their life histories.

Native plants are all the rage in the gardening world, and you’ve now learned of their importance to our local ecosystems, however, some are still hard to come by. Whether you are interested in Conservation Horticulture, or simply in adding a pop of early spring color into your shaded gardens then Growing Spring Wildflowers is for you. From creating a woodland aesthetic, and covering propagation basics to the specific requirements for propagating many woodland plants from seed or division, this presentation will share factors that go into successfully cultivating our native “spring ephemeral” wildflowers.

Plants and birds have a long history of working together. As an example of mutualism, this development and relationship between plants and birds has had far reaching consequences, encouraging co-evolution that enhanced the survival of both plants and birds. "Planting for Birds" explores some of these relationships, tips on how we can grow plants to create habitats to help birds thrive, as well as resources for selections of beautiful native plants that support our local ecosystem.

Let's save the pollinators! Right?... but, who exactly are the "pollinators" around us? How can we invite them into our gardens and encourage their well-being? "Planting for Pollinators" explores the various insect orders and their connections to many of the native plants around us. By introducing our local pollinators and understanding their flower preferences we can begin to create gardens that specifically invite pollinators and promote wildlife experiences. Additionally, pollinator garden design tips, host plants, and numerous examples are included to give the listener some good ideas on where to begin supporting pollinator habitats.

Many plants in our local forests appear to exhibit features that do not quite line up with the animals that live among them. These plants may bear outlandish spikes, or strange uneaten fruits or toxic deterrents, all of which seem out of place. These plants and their fruits may owe their likeness to the megafauna, very large animals, now largely extinct, in North America. "Fruits for the Megafauna" will explore some of the characteristics that indicate an ecological connection between these odd plants and North America's prehistoric mammals.

We look around our yards and have come to learn that we have invasive species that should be
managed. So how and what should they be replaced with that does not become another problem? This
presentation goes looks into some of the most common non-native plants invading landscapes and how
to manage them. Additionally, from trees to vines, native plants are introduced as possible alternatives.

“A Healing Garden” explores the historical use of plants as factors of human health, going
specifically into each plant’s histories, their cultivation and past uses as medicinal plants. This is a great
presentation for those with interest in herbal gardens or balcony-style potted plant gardens.