2011-12 Gardening Programs at the Farmhouse

Fergie’s Gardeners sponsors gardening programs on sustainable gardening practices, such as use of natives, water and soil conservation, and pollinators in a healthy ecosystem.

Educational Program: In My Backyard, Natural History in the Suburbs
November 8, 2011, 7 p.m.

Dr. Kurt Johnson, Professor at George Washington University and author of In My Backyard, will discuss the natural history of an ordinary suburban yard in the four seasons and show many color pictures of the flora and fauna found there.

Educational Program 7 p.m. at the Farm House, 2001 Bryan Point Road, Accokeek, Maryland 301-292-5665

Educational Program: Foraging for Treasures
February 14, 2012, 7 p.m.

Bill Suworoff will share the secrets of finding mushrooms in our neighborhood. He will talk about the how to find the tasty treasures and how to stay healthy by avoiding the dangerous ones. Valentine treats will be served.

Educational Program 7 p.m. at the Farm House, 2001 Bryan Point Road, Accokeek, Maryland 301-292-5665

Educational Program: Preparing your Garden
March 13, 2012, 7 p.m.

Program Presenter: Shane LeBrake will provide expert information about getting your garden ready for the growing season. Emphasis will be on the care and feeding of the soil to ensure garden success.

Educational Program 7 p.m. at the Farm House, 2001 Bryan Point Road, Accokeek, Maryland 301-292-5665

Annual Meeting: Election of Officers
April 10, 2012, 6 p.m.

Executive Board and Business Meeting with Election of Officers to be followed by educational program. Meeting 6 p.m. at the Farm House, 2001 Bryan Point Road, Accokeek, Maryland 301-292-5665

Educational Program: Successful Garden Tours
April 10, 2012, 7 p.m.

Program Presenter: Betsy Reid will discuss effective techniques for conducting garden tours. Tips and techniques will be provided as part of a tour of the gardens at Hard Bargin Farm.

Educational Program 7 p.m. at the Farm House, 2001 Bryan Point Road, Accokeek, Maryland 301-292-5665

Educational Program: Tour of a local garden will be arranged.
June 14, 2012(Tentative Date)

Time to be determined

Executive Board and Business Meeting
July 12, 2012, 6 p.m.

To be followed by educational program at the Farm House, 2001 Bryan Point Road, Accokeek, Maryland 301-292-5665

Educational Program: Continuing our Natural Heritage through the Children’s Garden
July 12, 2012

Program Presenter: Libby Campbell, Assistant Director of the Alice Ferguson Foundation and Ann Bodling, Naturalist, will provide an overview of the design and creation of the new Children’s Garden and lead us on a tour of this garden. We will also hear about the impact that the garden has had with the students who visit the Foundation.

Educational Program 7 p.m. at the Farm House, 2001 Bryan Point Road, Accokeek, Maryland 301-292-5665

 

Highlights from the 2010-2011 programs are featured below.

Restoring Our Natural Heritage: The Living Shoreline Project at Alice Ferguson Foundation.

In September, 2010, Karen Miles, Biologist and Program Director of the Living Shoreline Project, led a tour of the 2800 feet of restored shoreline along the Potomac River, a partnership project with AFF, NOAA, NPS, and other government entities. The project stems erosion and stabilizes the shoreline with native plants and tidal beaches, restores fish and wildlife habitat, and protects nearby Native American archeological sites. Details of the project are on the Alice Ferguson Foundation website at www.fergusonfoundation.org/livingshoreline.shtml.

Fergie’s Gardeners walked the shoreline and returned at sunset with a stunning view of the Potomac at day’s end.
 

An Abridged Natural History of Maryland

In October, 2010, George Jett gave an overview of Southern Maryland’s natural history using photos he collected from his field studies. His website features additional information on his work.
 

Designing with Nature

In November, 2010, Fergie’s Gardeners collected and dried native plant material from areas surrounding the Alice Ferguson Foundation and created fall arrangements for the table.
 

Design Your Garden with Natives

In February, 2011, experts presented their horticultural and design ideas to an attentive audience at the farmhouse. Ann Bodling, Thistlebrook Natives, explained how use of natives can be beautiful and build a healthy ecosystem. Kathleen Litchfield, President, Petro Design Build, shared her knowledge as a landscape designer.
 

Supporting Our Butterfly Heritage

In March, 2011, Ann Bodling, Thistlebrook Natives provided an overview of the stages of the lives of butterflies and how we can build gardens to support them.