IN NOVEMBER I posed a question, in the form of a survey, to all of you: Would you be interested in attending a webinar-style garden lecture by me, and if so on what kind of topics?
I have to say: I was overrun with responses, thank you–more than I ever expected. I’ve analyzed your feedback on subjects, days, times and format, and now I’m pleased to say tickets for three sessions of my first garden lecture-without-borders are on sale. (Click here, or see the order form at the bottom of this story).
No matter where you live, you can join me for an hour-long slide talk and a question session afterward. Here’s my first go at it, with sessions:
- Monday, January 23 from 7 to 8:30 PM Eastern (waitlist only; sold out immediately)
- Wednesday, February 8 from 2 to 3:30 PM Eastern
- Wednesday, February 15 at 7 to 8:30 PM
- Tuesday, March 21 at 6:30 to 8:00 PM
Nonstop Plants: A Garden for 365 Days
WANT TO ATTEND my most popular garden lecture—about making, and enjoying, a four-season garden—no matter where you live? I’ve adapted it into a webinar, to reach people beyond the geographic areas where I speak in person these days.
This event will take place using the software from GoToMeeting/GoToWebinar, that’s free and easy for you to install. A week ahead of time, you’ll be sent a link to use to join the event, and simple instructions how to get ready.* (More below on that, too.)
There will also be a handout to accompany the talk, giving you the names of any plants mentioned and some other details.
What the Slide Talk Covers
Here’s what the slide talk – with full Q&A period afterward – will cover:
Want to make a garden for all seasons? I love looking out my windows 365 days a year—not just in “garden season.”
Expressions commonly heard each September like “the season’s almost over” don’t sit well with me. I have worked for more than 25 years to make my place in the Hudson Valley (NY)-Berkshires (MA) area a visual treat every day of the year, not just May to September.
In this talk, you’ll meet the plants and the philosophy that make it happen, delivered with a dose of “horticultural how-to and woo-woo.” (Oh, and some really bad jokes, too.) You’ll learn:
- the background of how I came to garden here—with a little “before and after” for perspective
- how and why I made a four-season garden—and the basic principles of garden design that I applied
- how to shop for plants with that goal in mind (with profiles of many of my garden-worthy favorites)
- what makes the garden so appealing to nearly 70 species of birds and other welcome wildlife
- how to go beyond “outdoor decorating” aimed at pure visual effect, and really engage with the garden through all your senses and emotions (that’s the “woo-woo” part!)
Select a date below then grab a ticket, or click here to register. Note: All times are Eastern.
*About the Webinar Software
Want to check now how the free-to-you webinar software will work, and even install it ahead of time and enter a “test” meeting to be sure? Click this link (note: it will take you away from this website to Citrix, the software provider.)
Hello – what time zone are the listed times for?
Hi, Diana. All Eastern times.
Hi Margaret – will you be recording the webinar and make it available to the participants afterwards?
Hi, Ellen. For now it will be live, not recorded, as I feel my way through this new way of lecturing. That decision may evolve where some “events” will be recorded and/or on YouTube, but since it’s a new venture, I’m going to go slowly at first. Definitely not going to put my most popular lecture of slides (which this is) on YouTube, but there may be others that will go there. My grand experiment!
I can’t wait!
Thank you for offering this remedy to the Winter blahs!
Further to Ellen’s question, will you be recording the webinar, so that participants can view later if they miss the actual live time? This sounds great, Margaret!
Wow! Sounds great. And it would be terrific if you’ve attended the webinar but then can
view it again. Our Illinois Master Gardeners offer webinars with no charge to MG’s and they are
always offered again – no question and answers session in the repeat. They are repeated on YouTube.
Hi, Judy. For now it will be live, not recorded, as I feel my way through this new way of lecturing. That decision may evolve where some “events” will be recorded and/or on YouTube, but since it’s a new venture, I’m going to go slowly at first. Definitely not going to put my most popular lecture of slides (which this is) on YouTube, but there may be others that will go there. My grand experiment!
I enjoyed coming to your garden this past September for a tour. As a professional landscape designer I am always striving to learn more about four season design, sustainability and attracting wildlife to gardens. I am looking forward to this webinar.
Hi Margaret,
It would be great if you could post an asterisk or something on your plant lists of plants that can take heat and humidity for us gardeners in the South. Some of your region’s best bets would melt down here!
Thanks, Karen
This is so interesting Margaret. 3 years ago I moved To Kansas from NY (Brooklyn) where I had been a garden and landscape designer for over 30 years, working all over the tri-state area. I have become a Johnson County Extension Master Gardener here, and a member of their Speaker’s Bureau. And guess what my most popular topic is: The Four Season Garden! I am most interested to see your Webinar and wonder how much overlap there will be. I suspect the biggest difference will be soil. We have the most amazing clay soil here (I think I’d be better off as a potter than a gardener). And typically the pH is about 7.2 – 7.8. But of course the design principles should be the same. Looking forward to it.
Hi, Cynthia. Interesting! I try to recommend philosophies and basic design principles — sort of guidelines — that work no matter where you garden…and then at the end I do a section on some of my favorite plants, but obviously those are not for every Zone. However, I talk about how to shop for the “right” plants no matter where you live — again, trying to keep it as relevant as possible to as many as possible.
On Oct. 1, 2016, Massachusetts Gardening Symposium sponsored by the MMGA, themed “Inspirations for Next Year’s Garden.” There were four speakers including yourself and “The 365-Day Garden.” Is similar slides? I did registered for Feb. webinar but it will give me a chance to read your book.
While in Boston it is almost balmy today, the fierce weather will eventually arrive. Pleas include me.
Hello Margaret. I live in Vancouver, B.C. Have been faithfully reading your newsletter for several years, and usually sad to learn I can’t participate in various things you offer or your cohorts offer.
Will I be able to tune in to the Webinar?
Hi, Cynthia. The webinar is internet-based — you join via browser software (or via a free app if you use a phone or table like an iPad). So if you can use the internet you can use the webinar software, called GoToWebinar.
Looks wonderful! Can’t wait to sign up. I’ve wanted to visit your garden for years and this will be a great substitute. Talk to you soon :-)
I’m so sorry that I won’t be able to attend any of your Webinars. I hope in the future you will be able to vary the days a bit. I work on Mondays and Wednesday at the time of your offerings. I will just have to continue enjoying and learning from your newsletters. Keep up your wonderful efforts! I’ve learned a lot.
Hi, Mary. Noted! I did a survey ahead of time and started with the most popular days from those responses, but will plan to make the next section on a Tuesday or Thursday. Will post new ones soon, promise. I want to do one more section of the 365-Day Garden in later February or early March.
This is great Margaret!! Thank you!
Awesome webinar and your speaking skills are outstanding. This was the fastest lecture I’ve ever attended and your humor is great! Looking forward to more webinars!
I tried to download the webinar software. My tablet is an android device . . . How more common can it get? Any suggestion?
Hi, Dixie. I will email you to try to help.