Cultivating Purposeful Gardens with Native Plants
Learning Series with Tobi Schulman
Join Tobi Schulman, Certified Horticulturist and founder of Bird and Bee Native Plants, for an engaging learning series that explores the profound impact of “plants with a purpose.” With a background in plant and soil science and the owner of a native plant nursery, Tobi brings a deep understanding of native plants and their ecological significance.
In these workshops, participants will delve into a variety of topics, from cultivating habitats for wildlife and pollinators using native plants, to discovering plants with herbal, medicinal, or edible properties. Tobi will guide attendees through design principles, maintenance techniques, and effective harvesting and processing strategies.
Whether you’re a gardening enthusiast, a nature lover, or someone eager to enhance your understanding of sustainable landscaping, these workshops offer a hands-on opportunity to learn, plant, and experience the transformative potential of native plants. Gain practical skills and ecological insights that empower you to create thriving, purposeful gardens that benefit both people and the environment.
PROGRAM FEES & REGISTRATION
This educational series is offered at reduced cost to all participants thanks to the support of the One Hive Foundation. For more information about our collaboration with the One Hive Foundation and our transition to native and pollinator support species in our gardens and retail area, please see this page.
Prices vary per workshop; please see individual class details below.
Sign up for one, a few, or all in the series:
August 18 – Native Plants for Tea, Medicine, and Pollinators
September 15 – Native Plants for Cut Flowers and Pollinators
September 29 – How to Plant a Pollinator Garden
October 27 – Collecting Native Plant Seeds
Date TBA – Winter Sowing Native Herbaceous Perennials
Native Plants for Tea, Medicine, and Pollinators
Date: Sunday, August 18, 2024
Time: 10:00–11:30 a.m.
Price: $24 per person
Join us at Cedar Circle Farm for a delightful exploration of native plants and their many uses. Tour the gardens and discover which species are great for tea, medicine, and attracting pollinators. We’ll also demonstrate techniques for harvesting and drying herbs and share creative ways to utilize these plants. Participants will have the opportunity to taste tea made from several easy to grow perennials. Don’t forget to bring your favorite tea cup!
The registration fee includes one perennial plant ideal for tea, medicine, and supporting pollinators.
Native Plants for Cut Flowers and Pollinators
Date: Sunday, September 15, 2024
Time: 10:00–11:30 a.m.
**CANCELLED**
Price: $24 per person
Discover a variety of native species that not only make stunning arrangements but also support pollinators by providing essential food and habitat. Come tour the gardens (including our Vermont Center for Ecostudies research plot on native perennials planted with species grown from the Native Plant Trust), discuss species, and make a small arrangement to take home!
How to Plant a Pollinator Garden
Date: Sunday, September 29, 2024
Time: 10:00–11:30 a.m.
Price: $15 per person
Learn Tobi’s top ten essential tips for effortlessly establishing a thriving pollinator garden, including key species and their specific interactions. Observe the pollinators visiting the garden and discuss techniques for identifying the insects we encounter.
The registration fee includes a 20% off coupon for purchasing one perennial plant at Cedar Circle.
Collecting Native Plant Seeds
Date: Sunday, October 27, 2024
Time: 1:00–2:30 p.m.
Price: Free, in partnership with Thetford Conservation Commission & West Fairlee Conservation Commission
Learn techniques for collecting seeds from a variety of native, herbaceous plants. Discover sustainable growing strategies to cultivate a garden that supports local ecosystems. Attendees will leave with a selection of native plant seeds to start in their own gardens or hold onto until our winter sowing workshop!
Winter Sowing Native Seeds: Trees & Herbaceous Perennials
Date: Date TBA
Price: Free, in partnership with Thetford Conservation Commission & West Fairlee Conservation Commission
Details coming soon.
This workshop is also part of the Native Seed Learning Series with Brooke Fleischman of the Intervale Conservation Nursery.
About the Educator
Tobi is the owner of Bird and Bee Native Plants, a nursery born out of love of nature and all of its intricacies and a desire to help instead of hurt in the day to day business of living our lives. A certified Horticulturist with an B.S. in Plant and Soil Science from the University of Vermont, Tobi has more than 20 years experience at local nurseries, farms, and garden centers. She has worked as a perennial grower, landscaper, vegetable and cut flower grower. Bird and Bee Native Plants is the natural outgrowth of her experience and a project that allows her to grow and offer all of her favorite native flowers as well as the educational outreach to empower others in our community to grow native plants successfully as a way to begin restoring our personal landscapes and our relationship with the environment in our own backyards.
