july ‘moth night,’ august open day with thomas rainer, september ‘open day-plus’

summer event collageSPRING MAY HAVE FADED but there is still a long season ahead—including several big events I have in the works. Hope to see you at one or all of three very different offerings:

july 23: 3d annual moth night

THIS EVENT takes place down the road from me, in the dynamic and gorgeous Taconic State Park that my place is surrounded by. It’s led by two charming visiting entomologists from UConn-Storrs, and benefits Friends of Taconic State Park. We start at 7 with a Moth 101 talk, then open live light traps of the previous night’s catch, then as darkness falls head into the woods to “blacklight stations” set up to attract the creatures of the night. You won’t believe your eyes.

august 20: open day, and thomas rainer events

JOIN US from 10-4 for a Garden Conservancy Open Day, plus plant sale by Broken Arrow, plus morning lecture and afternoon workshop by the revolutionary-thinking superstar landscape designer Thomas Rainer, author of the hit book “Planting in a Post-Wild World.” Rainer marries ecology and horticulture and it’s an exciting new way to think. All part of my town’s annual Copake Falls Day celebrations. Whew!

september 17: ‘open day-plus,’ with andy brand

‘OPEN DAY-PLUS’ is a workshop-style, half-day event for those who want to dig deeper than we can at a bigger Open Day, this time co-hosted with Andy Brand of Broken Arrow Nursery. Explore the garden with us, including the seasonal meadow, water gardens, fruiting plants and other features that encourage birds, butterflies, pollinators and more. Andy, a native plant expert, is founder of the Connecticut state butterfly society, a keen birder, and understands the intricate relationships between plants and other garden residents. He’s also got an eye for improved versions of great natives, and we’ll learn the features, use, and tips for successful culture of his favorites. Two sessions to choose from, AM or PM.