Are you looking for someone to engage your audience with gardens in a new way?
Contact Daphne at growinggardenhabitats@gmail.com
|
Botanic and Garden Talks
I am passionate about native plants, ecology, and learning all the really cool things that plants do, which largely go unnoticed by us. I have been photographing plants and pollinators for years and I use this unique catalog of photos in my talks. All of the photos on this website are mine (except for the one's I'm in, of course). Compared to other speakers, my focus is on native New England plant species, and the inclusion of relevant botanical and ecological science content to encourage a deeper appreciation for the natural things we see every day. As a trained educator, I strive to use hands-on experiences and physical examples whenever possible. I am available for public speaking programs that range from a short talk to a multi-hour workshop. The programs listed below have been delivered as workshops and webinars. I welcome the opportunity to design a customized talk to address your group's interests. |
|
Currently Available Programs
- Nurturing Native Plants and Pollinators—This introductory talk provides gardeners with guidance on how to make their yards more resilient to the effects of climate change. The focus is on the basics of habitat gardening and how simple changes in your lawn can make a big difference in the larger ecological landscape.
- Growing nature's garden: Making a certified wildlife habitat in your own backyard—This presentation includes a quick review of basic ecology and the requirements of the National Wildlife Federation Backyard Habitat Program for certification. I include many photos showing the transition of my standard lawn yard to habitat supporting 202 species of plants, 61% that are native to the Northeast, and 208 species of native insects.
- Transforming your yard into habitat—This 2-hour workshop walks participants through the process of assessing your yard for how well it provides wildlife food, water, cover and nesting resources; identification of common invasive plants to remove; and provides suggestions for native plants and garden modifications to provide more insect pollinator and bird habitat.
- Botany for Gardeners: Plant Form and Function--In essence, plants are composed of roots and shoots. This basic body plan becomes the diversity of leaves, flowers, tendrils, bulbs, tubers, and fruits that we enjoy today. This presentation explores the functions of various root, stem and leaf modifications that make plants adapted to particular growing conditions.
- Botany for Gardeners: Flowering Plant Life Cycle--This talk explores the flowering plant life cycle, from seed germination to fruit. The focus is on sexual reproduction and the intricate interplay between native plants and pollinators. You will learn about common native New England pollinators and how plants support their life cycle.
