Are you looking for someone to engage your audience with gardens in a new way?
Contact Daphne at growinggardenhabitats@gmail.com
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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 presentations, as indicated. I welcome the opportunity to design a customized talk to address your group's interests. |
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Currently Available Programs
- Habitat Gardening: Nurturing Native Plants and Pollinators--This 1-hour presentation (in-person or webinar) introduces audiences to habitat gardening practices, which shifts gardens from being exclusively for humans to functional habitats for many species. Specific habitat gardening practices are discussed along with the benefits of using a native plant palette. Ecology-based gardens increase pollinator diversity and density while creating more dynamic, enjoyable gardens for us. Learn how you can make a difference!
- Transforming Your Yard into Habitat--This 2-hour in-person hands-on 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 individualized suggestions for native plants and opportunities to provide more insect pollinator and bird habitat.
- The Secret Lives of Orchids--This 1-hour presentation will introduce you to the amazing and unique ways that orchids have adapted to life in the canopy, forest floor, rocky outcrops, and many other habitats worldwide (including Massachusetts!). We will discuss what makes the orchid family unique from other plants—their seeds and relationship with fungi, their reproductive structures, how they make food, and their habitats around the world. Some of the most interesting pollination strategies exist in orchids, including deception. Flowers appear to provide opportunities for sex, food, or shelter so convincingly that they receive pollination while animals get for nothing in return. Come learn about these endlessly fascinating plants!
- Extended Plant Study--Number of sessions tailored to your needs.
