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Massachusetts Bays Program

Salem Sound Coastwatch
is a regional coordinator of the Massachusetts Bays Program.

GREENSCAPES 2008 Greenscapes North Shore Coalition Community Partners Participating Nurseries and Garden Centers 23 Greenscapes-Recommended plants Free Workshop Series __________________________________________________________ Greenscapes North Shore Coalition Salem Sound Coastwatch, Ipswich River Watershed Association, Eight Towns and the Bay Committee of the Merrimack Valley Planning Commission joined the Massachusetts Bays Estuary Association to bring the Greenscapes Program to the North Shore in 2007 and again 2008. Started by the North and South Rivers Watershed Association and the Mass Bays Program in 2004, Greenscapes is in communities across Massachusetts, including the North Shore, South Shore, and Connecticut River Valley. Now called Greenscapes Massachusetts, the Massachusetts Bays Estuary Association centrally coordinates the Greenscapes Program on behalf of all the regional partners. For more information about Greenscapes and to sign up for the Greenscapes e-newsletter, visit www.greenscapes.org __________________________________________________________   Community Partners Half of the Greenscapes North Shore program is funded by municipal governments. There would be no program without this community support. We welcome the following fifteen communities and want to thank them for supporting Greenscapes: Andover, Beverly, Boxford, Danvers, Essex, Georgetown, Middleton, Newbury, Peabody, Rowley, Salem, Salisbury, Topsfield, Wenham, and West Newbury. The 20 page Greenscapes Guide will be mailed to single-family households in each of these communities. The Guides will also be available to residents at their town halls and at special events. We also look forward to giving a Greenscapes 101 presentation in each one of these communities over the next couple of months.

1. Saturday, May 3 – “How and Why to Use Native Plants in Your Garden”
9:30 – 11:30 am
In the store at Brooksby Farm, 38 Felton Rd, Peabody, MA 01960

Join landscape architect Peter Phippen, and designer Mary Ann Malarkey, for a presentation on the “who, what, where and why” of gardening with native plants. Native plants provide beauty, enhance wildlife habitat and are drought tolerant. Mary Ann will discuss native plants in her designs and show how they can be incorporated. There will be plenty of time for questions and answers.

2. Saturday, May 10 – “Soaking Up the Rain”
9:30 – 11:30 am
In the store at Brooksby Farm, 38 Felton Rd, Peabody, MA 01960

When it rains, pavements and rooftops shed water containing sediments and chemicals that eventually pollute our rivers, streams, ponds and coastal waters. These impervious surfaces also increase the likelihood of flooding.

This workshop will present different strategies for homeowners to put rainwater to good use. Curtis Dragon, certified organic landscaper, will discuss how to create a rain garden; Karen Weber of Earth Our Only Home will talk about green roofs (planted roofs) that soak up the rain, and Lou Iuliano of Ideal Pavers will talk about permeable pavers that allow infiltration of rainwater and recharge of groundwater.

3. Tuesday, May 13 – “Lawn Care Basics and How to Phase Out Chemicals”- Co-sponsored by the Topsfield Fair
7:00 – 9:00 pm
Topsfield Fairgrounds, Bee Building
Rte 1 (207 Boston St.), Topsfield, MA 01983

Did you know you can have a healthy lawn without using potentially toxic chemicals? In this workshop, Curtis Dragon, certified organic landscaper with over 30 years experience, will teach proper mowing techniques, how to select proper seed, how to control pests, when to water, and the basic steps to achieving a beautiful chemical free lawn that also conserves water and saves you money.

4. Tuesday, May 20 – “Easy Composting for Healthy Landscapes” –
Co-sponsored by the Topsfield Fair
7:00 – 9:00 pm
Topsfield Fairgrounds, Bee Building, Rte 1
(207 Boston St.)Topsfield, MA 01983

Home composting with yard waste and kitchen scraps is the least expensive and most environmentally sound method of managing organic waste and fertilizing your yard. Ann McGovern from the MA Department of Environmental Protection will give a lively presentation on the ins and outs of composting, including composting with worms. Curt Dragon, certified organic landscaper will talk about how to make compost tea for an inexpensive fertilizer that is “nature’s perfect food.” Both novice and experienced composters are encouraged to attend.

Directions are posted on www.greenscapes.org
For more information, contact Salem Sound Coastwatch - info@salemsound.org or call 978-741-7900
Special thanks to Brooksby Farm and Topsfield Fair for donating the use of their facilities.