Speaker's Bureau Topics
In keeping with the Missouri Botanical Garden's emphasis on sustainability, two new Speakers Bureau topics have been added to the List of Topics. Rain Gardening and Sustainable Gardening-Holistic Gardening are now in the 'List of Topics' as well as existing programs on composting, organic gardening, and three programs on native plants and shrubs.
Also, there is a section under, 'Tours' that features group, walking/teaching tours through six 'specialty' gardens at Missouri Botanical Garden: daylily, iris, shade native, sun/prairie native, woodland, and the Orchid Show. With the exception of the Orchid Show, these are outdoor programs, all focusing on the care and cultivation of plants in your home garden. They last approximately 1 hour and cost the $50.00 Speakers Bureau fee. They are booked directly with the Master Gardener and are available for a 4 - 6 week period during their peak bloom or growth period. Scroll down to 'Tours' in the alphabetical list of Speakers Bureau Topics to find details on the tours.
Additional details on each program in the List of Topics, as well as information for contacting the speaker directly, are found by clicking on an underlined program title.
If you have suggestions/questions about Speakers Bureau programs, contact the Speakers Bureau point person, Betsy Alexander at betsyace@earthlink.net
The modern daylily gives a spectacular display of color, color patterns, and bloom size when other garden plants are wilting in the heat and humidity.
Orchids, the largest of all plant families, are the most diverse, fascinating and exotic plants on earth.
This session gives you an opportunity to learn the differences between annuals and perennials and the care needed for each.
From the ancient Babylonians to today's Tea Tree craze, why do humans crave nature's smells? How do scents affect our brains and bodies?
Composting yard waste is one of the most environmentally sound things you can do.
Bamboo!
What IS the big deal about growing bamboo? The wonder and the fear of growing bamboo is covered in this presentation. Participants will learn the ins and outs of growing and maintaining this fascinating grass.
Ever wonder about the bird making the wonderful songs you hear while working in your yard? Can't tell the difference between
Don't wait for someone to bring you flowers! Fill the vase with water and learn how to grow your own bouquets in this program designed for gardeners of all skill levels.
Butterflies - Amazing Flying Flowers
This presentation is all about the butterfly. The structure and beauty of the Lepidoptera will be explored as well as its relationship to the environment it which it thrives.
Why not have a garden that will remain spectacular the year round? The key to winter beauty lies in choosing plants that also provide texture, color and structure during the cold and barren months; accentuating your particular garden.
A humerous look at desiging her perennial garden includes the struggles encountered when putting in a new garden.
"Roses are red, violets are blue, flowers are for eating, when you know what to do!"
Native plants attract birds, butterflies, and other wildlife. The presentation covers the most popular native flowers of the St. Louis area, with slides of flowers growing in naturalized areas and gardens.
Everything Bamboo
Did you know bamboo can be used to make housing, clothing, bio fuel, food and so much more? This presentation demonstrates the versatility of this most remarkable grass. Participants are encouraged to explore bamboo through the handling of items made of bamboo and an A to Z slide show of the many uses of bamboo.
This presentation enlightens the gardener to the new, "easy to grow" generation of shrub roses.
As we move through summer, days get shorter, fall starts, it is time to consider the steps we need to take to prolong the beauty of our gardens.
Feng Shui is the ancient Chinese art of bringing harmony and balance to a garden. Slides and handouts will demonstrate the practical Feng Shui principles.
Would you like to add some color to your foundation plantings? Or add structure to a perennial garden? How about creating a focal point near the front door to welcome guests?
A history of Forest Park from the region's shaping by glaciers to the present landscape renovation efforts on Government Hill, Pagoda Circle.
Non-native plant invaders are taking over garden and woodland, crowding out native wildflowers and shrubs. Learn effective removal technique for 5 of the invasives and the alternative shrubs and vines that are suggested replacements.
Peek your curiosity about rock gardening, learn the basics of installation.
Hungry for something new in your garden? Enjoy the dark rich foliage and flowers in the chocolate group of brown, purple, and bronze plants.
This session will explore factors considered in site selection and preparation of a vegetable garden.
This program gives you the information to 'grow' quality soil for a lush, beautiful garden.
There are many common, edible mushrooms in Missouri. This program gives information on finding mushrooms in the wild or even in your own backyard!
Do you want to change your outdoor space? Revise or modify what you have? Increase your property value?
Landscape II will assist gardeners with steps to enhance and finalize their own landscape plan by providing ideas for developing an entire garden of one or more garden beds.
Ready for low maintenance, plus more birds and butterflies in your garden? Incorperating native shrubs and trees into your yard will achieve both.
As you prepare your garden for winter, it is time to think ahead about the coming spring. This program is designed to help you determine the basic steps needed to prepare your lawn, ornamentals, trees, shrubs, and overall garden for the spring.
Learn how to take care of your lawn with less effort.
This slide presentation gives an overview of Japanese and Chinese gardens.
Organic gardening promotes a healthy, sustainable environment. Enhance your gardening, your plants, and your life with these simple and effective techniques.
This program will assist you in picking the ornamental grasses best suited for your landscaping.
This workshop will explore the importance of personalizing your garden within sound design principles.
The 2008 program covers this year's selection of the St. Louis area's Plants of Merit.
Ever wonder the best time to prune that favorite shrub? This basic primer will help you determine the right tool for the job, the type of cuts to make, and when to prune certain flowering plants to ensure lasting beauty.
What's all the talk about 'rain gardens'? The 'Rain Gardening' program gives an overview of the concept and outlines details for creating one in your home garden.
Go on a photo spring hike looking for Missouri wildflowers with advanced Master Gardener, Carol Gravens.
This program offers an outline of points to consider for use in your home garden to create an attractive, peaceful garden that rarely needs pruning, watering, fertilizing or pest control.
Find out what it takes to 'put on' the annual orchid show at the Missouri Botanical Garden. Learn how the Botanical Garden's world famous orchid collection is maintained.
This talk discusses one orchid hobbyist's favorites and how to grow them in the home, without a greenhouse or special equipment
Walking/teaching tour through the MBG Jenkins Daylily garden.
Walking/teaching tour through the Iris gardens at MBG
Walking/teaching tour through the Native Shade Garden at M.B.G.
Walking/teaching tour through the Native Sun/Prairie gardens of M.B.G.
Walking/teaching tour of the Orchid Show at M.B.G.
Walking/teaching tour of the St. Louis Herb Garden at MBG.
When we visit a Chinese/Japanese garden, often we feel a sense of peace and serenity.
This presentation covers factors to consider for a successful shade garden, including degrees of shade, moisture, soil composition, and maintenance of trees.
This session briefly reviews basic vegetable gardening practices followed by a discussion on raised beds, soil pH and crop rotation.
This presentation will review the history of the Henry Shaw House Victorian herb garden and describe in detail the recent renovation and installation of the new garden.
This informational tutorial will remove the fear and encourage you to get your feet wet.
While you are snug in your home on a winter evening, there are several types of damage can be happening outside in your garden.
