Chapter Events

Fellow gardeners - I'm delighted to invite you to my very-much-in-progress acre being converted to a native plant retreat.  We are into the third year and battling lots of invasives (and beginning to see the progress of the native perennials, shrubs, and trees).  Lots of new things are getting planted and established.  Some have volunteered or been uncovered as the years of debris, thickets of vines, and conventional lawn are being given the opportunity for regenerating. I'm looking forward to your suggestions and criticisms!

 I'll have some refreshments on the deck in the back, so come any time after 8:30 - just walk around on the walkway to the back. The wonderful landscaper from Restoration Landcare, *Sam Mohnkern, will be with us and we'll check out our near-acre at 328 Union St in Hanover. He has been gardener for all sorts of local folks including a college Aboretum and Kristen from Blue Stem.

We'll have some food and time for conversation on the deck after the tour!

*Samuel Mohnkern has been working in the fields of arboriculture and ecological restoration for over 14 years. Having spent 8 of those years at Eastern Nazarene College where he began his tree care trade and also specializing in green space conversion with a focus on native woodland gardens. During the last six years he started his own business, Restoration Landcare, where he manages projects and properties throughout the north east focusing primarily on South Eastern Massachusetts and Western Pennsylvania where he and his family resides. His experience in arboriculture as a tree care specialist has diversified his range of work from tree climbing, trimming and removal services, to select timber harvesting, managing forest succession and invasive species control. This aspect of his business directly compliments his background in landscape design and property management with an ecological perspective. Samuel’s family is directly involved in his work with the support of his wife and 3 daughters as well as his youngest sister who is one of his primary project managers. 

We will email registrants address & parking instructions prior to the event

Registration due before July 11

From our hosts:

We have MANY native plants and shrubs.  We try our best to buy straight species plants, though some cultivars or nativars are also here.  We are very focused on helping birds and other pollinators.  We never use pesticides or herbicides and only organic fertilizers.  

I became a master gardener in 2015 and have been the project manager at Manomet Gardens For Wildlife, since 2017.  My husband Art, is also a gardener,  though not certified like I am.  He is very focused on growing organically and he grows a lot of plants that are known to have medicinal value.  Art is also a volunteer at the Marion Community Garden.  We have hosted several garden tours, for the local garden groups and for the Mass Master Gardeners.

Our property is 3/4 acres.  We have a ‘mini meadow’ in the front yard where we have gradually been reducing the lawn.  

We have many paths that go uphill and into a woodland garden area with a few different ‘rooms’.  We have a lot of rock walls built mostly by Art with some help.  There is also a whimsical element to our garden with various sculptures, etc.  it is always changing and evolving and it’s exciting for us to e able to share it with other gardeners.  

Looking forward to hosting. 

Kathy & Art

*Reminder that Chapter Members get a 10% discount at nearby Tree Talk Natives in Rochester (summer hours show nursery open 1-4pm)

We will email registrants address & parking instructions prior to the event

Registration due before July 26

From our host:

Snake Hill Farm is a two acre property at the summit of Snake Hill in
Marshfield, MA.  It has been an evolving project for the last 34 years
we've lived here. When we moved in, there was no garden and only
brush, briars and woods with a tiny yard.  Over the years we've added
several gardens and borders on one acre, as well as tried to maintain
an acre of forest.  Along with our gardens we have 18 chickens, 2
beehives and 2 cats who guard and enjoy the property.  The property is
an old chicken farm from and the vegetable garden sits on top of one
of the foundations. Surrounded by a stone wall on 3 borders, many wild
plants and bushes live among some non-natives.  I've only recently
been exposed to the concept of planting native species, and am working
to identify as well as introduce new ones as I continue my gardening
and farming journey. Many species like goldenrod, milkweed, queen
anne's lace and spillane volunteer themselves and have been welcome
residents in the garden. I have no intentions of ripping out what I
have, but as things don't come back, I will be introducing native
plants in their place, and suggestions are welcome.

I will have light refreshments and beverages for everyone on the back
deck as you arrive, and I look forward to seeing you!