Learn about herbaceous plants used in the garden setting, including identification, planting, fertilizing, pest control and pruning. Perennial selection will be the focus, although some time will be spent on annuals and bulbs. This offering is essential for the serious gardener. Students should dress for the outdoors. Cost for 4 classes (Tuesdays, 9/4 - 9/25) Members $175/Non-Members: $185.

Learn basic drafting skills necessary to record and effectively communicate scaled site plans. The course will cover reference books, drafting supplies, media/paper types, line weights, lettering, and scale reading. Drafting demonstrations will familiarize students with professional drawing techniques, and the students will begin to draft basic site plans and map-making. During the last half of the course, students will learn to develop a landscape graphic palette to illustrate trees, shrubs, perennials, and groundcovers, as well as hardscape materials such as…

This class is designed to add drama to your gardens with big, bold, and beautiful plants. Students will learn to utilize underused annuals, seasonal tropicals and hardy perennials that can really make a splash in your garden with overscale, luxuriant and dramatic foliage effects. Also covered will be tips and techniques for how to create exuberant and impactful container plantings and groupings for versatile display on terraces, decks and poolside. (4 classes, Thursdays, 9/13 - 10/4) Members: $175/Non-Members: $185.

Learn tricks of the trade to protect their tender perennials, house plants, woody potted specimens and succulent collections and encourage them to thrive during the winter season. This Includes cultivation, fertilizing, watering and healthcare. Learn by doing and take home some plant companions. These simple cost-saving methods will help gardeners multiply their plant supply for the next season’s garden.

A hands-on workshop to learn how to save seeds from your garden. Topics covered will be proper handling, collecting times, cleaning and storage. The primary focus will be native perennials and annuals. Participants will collect seeds from the grounds of BBG and be able to take some seeds home for next year’s garden

The morning discussion will include a presentation of many of Berkshire County's asters and goldenrods, focusing on their identification features and discussing their characteristic habitats. In the afternoon, we'll explore nearby natural areas to observe and identify the asters and goldenrods growing in meadows, woodlands, and wetlands. We’ll examine the differences that characterize these species. A hand lens is recommended. We will travel by BBG’s passenger van. Please dress for weather and bring a bagged lunch