Everyone is welcome to attend programs offered by the CHS Education Committee. Registration in advance is required (download a registration form at right) Click on the place name below for directions.

 Cedrus deodara 'Feelin' Blue'  (cedar), introduced by Sid Waxman              photo courtesy of UConn

Peering into the Secrets of the Waxman Dwarf Conifer Collection
Tuesday, June 12, 7 p.m.
CHS office, 2433 Main St., Rocky Hill, Conn.
This workshop will be of special interest to people who are interested in understanding conifers and the impact they make in the winter landscape. For half a century Sid Waxman (1923-2005) propagated and introduced dwarf conifers from witches’ brooms (genetic mutations) at the University of Connecticut. He dedicated his career to searching for these opportunities and as a result 40 new dwarf evergreens came into the horticultural trade. Sarah Bailey, UConn Master Gardener coordinator, describes how Waxman found and obtained the witches’ brooms, what they are and how they grow, his success rate of propagating, the plants he developed and the ongoing conservation effort to preserve his plants and his heritage at UConn. Cost is $5 for CHS members, $10 for nonmembers. Program limit: 20 participants

Learn to Create ‘Outdoor Garden Rooms’
Saturday, July 21, 2 p.m.
237 Old Waterbury Rd., Southbury
Join a private tour of a garden in Southbury and learn how to turn your property, whether it be fields, meadows or woodlands, into a series of garden “rooms.” Landscape designer Wesley Rouse, owner of the design/build landscape firm Pine Meadow Gardens, has done just that with his own property. Features include a pond, pool, herbaceous borders, and specimen trees and shrubs. Gain insight into and tips about creating outdoor rooms from Rouse as he guides us through his garden. Fee: CHS members, $5; nonmembers, $10. Program limit: 25 participants. Carpooling is highly recommended. It is important when registering to let the CHS office know whether you will be driving so that enough parking can be assured. Read more about Wesley Rouse.

Mushroom Foray
Saturday, Sept. 22, 2012, 10 a.m.-noon
West Hartford/Farmington Valley area (to be determined)
Join us for a fall foray into the woods to hunt for a variety of fungus. Marlene Snecinksi, a longtime member of the Connecticut Mycological Society, will lead the stroll at a location in the Farmington Valley (location to be determined closer to the date). Marlene will share what to look for when you gather fungus, how to identify what you find and how to know what is edible or not. Bring a hand lens or magnifying glass, notebook and camera if you have them.  Fee: $10 for CHS member; $15 for nonmembers. Limit: 30 participants