Upcoming Events for 2011

Speaker's Series | Out and About

Our Speaker's Series
Join us at Sugarbush Nursery for workshops and talks all season long. All talks focus on sustainable gardening practices and related topics - and there's something for everyone! Please note: RSVPs are appreciated for all events to info@sugarbushnursery.com or 610-856-0998. All events will take place rain or shine, and there is a suggested donation of $3 per adult per event, unless otherwise specified.

April

Saturday, April 30th, 11 AM: Let's Talk Tomatoes!

Tomatoes are the most popular vegetable in the garden. Even if your garden is small or you only have a patio, chances are that you will be trying to grow tomatoes.

Speaker Erica Bowers Lavdanski will discuss the basics of how to grow yummy healthy tomatoes. Topics to be included: varieties, planting, soil conditions, pruning, fertilization, diseases, pest management, harvesting and storage. We will cover the tomato from the seed to the plate.

Erica Bowers Lavdanski is the co-owner of B&H Organic Produce in Morgantown, specializing in a wide variety of organically-grown produce and fresh cut flowers. B&H sells its produce at the West Reading Farmer’s Market and Hartz Store.

May

Saturday, May 21st, 10:30 AM: Container Demonstration and Workshop

Please join our speaker Cory Nocera for a “create your own” container gardening demonstration at 10:30 AM, followed by a hands-on workshop at 11 AM. Come to one, or both! Cory will discuss types of containers, soil, and fertilizers as well as design techniques to create eye catching displays of annuals, perennials, herbs and/or vegetables. After the demonstration, Cory will assist participants in creating their own container garden to take home and enjoy throughout the season, as well as offer tips on maintaining your container. Remember your gloves and be prepared to dig in and get creative!

Bring your own containers, or take advantage of a 20% discount on any containers purchased at Sugarbush on this day only. Organic potting soil will be provided for $5 per container.

Cory Nocera has spent the last decade in the classroom and on the job educating herself in the landscape/ nursery industry. Cory holds an Associate of Science degree in Horticulture from Penn State University, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Landscape Architecture from Temple University. She has worked in garden center and nursery retail, greenhouse and plant production, grounds maintenance, and landscape design/ installation. Cory is one of Sugarbush's Sustainable Landscape Designers.

June

Saturday, June 18th, 11 AM: No-Mow Lawns

Do you want your landscape to be more sustainable but hate to give up your lawn? Meadows and gardens aren’t the ONLY lawn alternative. No-mow lawns save valuable resources such as time, money, water, fertilizers, and fuel, while reducing air, water and noise pollution. And we are NOT talking artificial turf here…these are real grass species that grow slowly and stay short in stature. The result is a soft and inviting look for your landscape. Learn how no-mow lawns can be incorporated into your landscape by phasing or by complete overhaul. Isn’t it time your landscape worked for you instead of you working for your landscape?

Speaker Denise Wood holds a Bachelor of Science in Landscape Architecture from Temple University School of Environmental Design. She is the recipient of 8 design awards, and was the prestigious Temple University Olmsted Scholar. Denise is one of Sugarbush's Sustainable Landscape Designers.

July

Saturday, July 16th, 11 AM: Butterfly ID and release

This popular event shows up every year on our speaker's calendar, and for good reason! Join presenters Harold Lebo and Mike Slater to get an up close and personal view of more than a dozen species of live butterflies, caught for this talk and released by participants. This is a family-friendly event great for the kids or grandkids - as well as butterfly enthusiasts who want to learn more about those beautiful creatures flitting about their gardens! Also included is a brief discussion of host plants and preferred habitat.

August

Saturday, August 27th, 10 AM - 4 PM: Rt. 10 Organic Nursery and Farm Tour

Third Annual Event! Sugarbush Nursery teams up with other organic growers on Rt. 10 to bring you a full day of educational programs and discounts - and a chance to win one of four gift certificates for $25! Pick up a free ticket at any of the locations on the Tour, then get your ticket validated at each grower during the day to be entered in the drawing. There is no recommended donation or fee for this Tour.

Plan your trip around educational talks throughout the day, or just go at your own pace and enjoy 15% discounts from each grower on this day only!

Each grower is approximately a 10-minute drive from the others. Ignore those street names - we are all located directly on Rt. 10! See details and map below.

Make a day of it with lunch or dinner at Bistro on 10 in Honey Brook! Offering special menu items made with produce from B&H, and 20% off to all Tour-goers on the day of the Tour. Bistro on 10 serves up inspired American cuisine, with an emphasis on locally-sourced, organic ingredients. Show your Tour ticket to receive the discount! Between King's Herb Nook and B&H Organic Produce on Rt. 10 at Rt. 322. www.bistroon10.com or 610-273-2444. (point C on map below)

Sugarbush Nursery (point A on map below)
4272 Morgantown Rd., Mohnton, PA 19540 (Plowville)
(610) 856-0998 | www.sugarbushnursery.com

Specializing in: Over 200 varieties of perennials and shrubs that are native to PA, all organically grown and/or cared for. Also, organic and clean-air gardening products

Tour Topic: 3 Ways to Great Compost (11 AM and 3 PM)
Learn several techniques to make great quality compost throughout the year. We'll talk about kitchen waste, yard waste, office waste, manures, worms...and how Starbucks can help your compost pile get going!

B&H Organic Produce (point B on map below)
211 Twin County Rd., Morgantown, PA 19543
(610) 372-8318 | www.bhorganicproduce.com

Specializing in: Organically-grown produce including greens, beans, tomatoes, peppers, strawberries, and fresh cut flowers.

Tour Topic: Beneficial Insects In Your Garden (1 PM only)
Learn to identify some of the insects that can help you in the garden, and the roles they play. We'll explain ways you can attract them and maintain a good home for them so they can work for you.

King's Herb Nook (point D on map below)
1060 Compass Rd., Honey Brook, PA 19344
(610) 273-4583 | Website

Specializing in: Over 200 varieties of organically-grown culinary, medicinal, and ornamental herb plants, plus herbal crafts, herbal salves, soap, creams, lip balm, bath salts, & more.

Tour Topic: Herbal Identification Walk (11AM and 3 PM)
We'll be picking a basket of herbs, learning how they are used, and playing a matching/memory game with them.


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September

Saturday, Sept. 24th, 11 AM: Invasive Plants and Deer: Managing Threats to the Ecosystem

Deer and invasive plants can change the structure of a local forest community, the composition of plants, and ecosystem processes in numerous ways. We will discuss methods for homeowners to identify, prioritize, and respond to these threats in their home landscapes through a process of adaptive management.

Daniel Barringer is the Invasives Management Coordinator for the Natural Lands Trust. Mr. Barringer has 19 years land management experience with Natural Lands Trust, and currently manages the 600-acre Crow’s Nest Preserve in Warwick Township, Chester County.