"Proper Plant Selection" - James Pagliarini, VP, Central Nurseries

The right plant for the right function in the right spot. There are hundreds of species, varieties, sizes, shapes and colors to choose from. Whether selecting a tree, shrub, perennial or annual, it is important to know what to look for. Also covered will be ideal placement of the plant material and proper installation techniques.

James Pagliarini is the Vice President of Central Nurseries, Inc. With over 30 years of experience in the field, James is a Past President of RI Nursery and Landscape Association, Current Governor American Nursery & Landscape Association and Current Board of Director Member for Rhode Island Farm Bureau. A certified Horticulturist, Pesticide Applicator, & Licensed Arborist. Often a guest speaker at URI, where he graduated with a BS in Horticulture. James is also the Director of Nursery Operations for Central Nurseries, Inc. where he oversees the company's nearly 100 acre tree farm.

1:30 PM

"Gardening is for the Birds" - Roseanne Sherry, Consumer Horticulture Educator, URI Master Gardener

This lecture on Bird-friendly landscapes will focus on creating a wildlife habitat for the birds. But other garden creatures may be attracted too, like butterflies and bees. Many of the plants suggested are native to eastern North America and do double duty of reducing landscape management use of pesticides in the home landscape and are even suitable replacements for potentially invasive shrubs. Lists of plants and design ideas are included in this presentation and discussion.

Rosanne Sherry is currently an Urban Horticulture Extension Educator with the URI Outreach Center. She previously was the URI Cooperative Extension Master Gardener State Coordinator from 1988-2012. She worked in garden centers for 10 years prior to working at URI. She is also a URI Master Gardener and graduated from the program in 1980. Over the years she has written garden columns in local newspapers and has been a guest on numerous radio and TV programs. She is also a regular speaker for garden clubs and civic organizations throughout RI and SE MA in her capacity as a Master Gardener.

2:30 PM

"A New Light on Proper Planting of Trees and Shrubs" - Jeremy Thurber, Bartlett Tree Experts

Jeremy will discuss how to handle root balls when planting trees and shrubs.

Jeremy was introduced to the green industry while working for his brother's landscaping company in his early high school years. This soon led him to Wannamoisett Country Club as a member of the grounds crew. After high school, he enrolled at URI where he pursued a rigorous schedule in arboriculture, dendrology, and environmental science. During his summers away from college, Jeremy worked as a field arborist intern out of Bartlett's Seekonk, MA office. After graduating URI with a BS in Horticulture and Turf Grass Management, Jeremy joined the Seekonk office as a full-time arborist and plant health care technician. He has also participated in Bartlett's Asian Longhorned Beetle Eradication Program, which works to eradicate the detrimental species from New England.

 "Lavender in the Kitchen" - Betsy Golon, The D Landreth Seed Co.

Betz will demonstrate how to create Lavender salt, sugar, oil, vinegar and some terrific lavender herbal blends.  She will have her recipe book from "A Lavender Life" available for sale and signing.

Betsey "Greenjeans" Golon is the herbalist and garden manager at Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village in Maine, a garden interpretor at George Washinton's Mount Vernon Estate in Viginia and the herbal historian for Landreth Heirloom Seed Company.

1:30 PM

"off the grid, and into the wild" - Matthew Weingarten

The author will discuss how to gather and use easily identifiable wild edibles, from the different distinct landscapes that surround us, and show how our time honored traditions can be utilized to put up this lost bounty to be enjoyed all year..." Techniques will include, Lactic ferment ting vegetables, sugar curing fruit, and the basics and science behind preserving meats.

3:30 PM

"Homegrown Honey Bees" - Alethea Morrison/ Mars Vilaubi

1:30 PM

"OUT OF THE WOODS: HEALING LYME DISEASE, Body, Mind and Spirit" - Katina Makris, Lyme Disease

Katina I. Makris, CCH, CIH, lends professional and personal experience on mending the body, mind and spirit from the ravages of chronic Lyme disease. With wisdom and compassion, this dynamic healer and chronic Lyme survivor will share insights into the Lyme paradox and tools for prevention, diagnostics and treatments for regaining one's health, from America's fastest spreading infectious illness. Unfortunately, all of us; home gardeners, landscapers, beach goers, outdoor lovers, children must be alert to ticks and Lyme disease. Come learn more!

Katina I. Makris, CCH, CIH has worked in natural health care for 27 years, as a Classical Homeopath and Healing Intuitive. She is a former popular newspaper health columnist and a past board member of The Council for Homeopathic Certification. Katina is a dynamic, well loved Natural Health care educator and public speaker, currently lecturing to promote Lyme disease awareness and support. She is a graduate of Duke University and The Stillpoint School of Integrative Life Healing.