This time of year, I always enjoy visits to the New York Botanical Garden, because the gardeners there really know how to push the seasons. Take a stroll through the Ladies Border or the Perennial Garden and you’ll see blooms in all directions. It must still be mid-summer, you think.

On a recent visit, all of the fall-blooming salvias caught my eye, especially one called ‘Phyllis’ Fancy.’ It stood nearly 6 feet tall and was completely covered with purple spikes of fuzzy lavender blooms.

Named for Phyllis Norris, this particularly elegant and long-blooming salvia was recently introduced by the University of California Santa Cruz Arboretum. It will start blooming in mid-summer and keep going strong until a hard frost knocks it down.

Like other members of the sage and mint families, salvias are great plants for Hudson Valley gardeners — deer resistant, low maintenance, drought tolerant and very vigorous all summer and fall. Favorites of hummingbirds, bees and butterflies, they prefer full sun but tolerate some shade.

In mild winters, experienced gardeners in the Lower Hudson Valley might get ‘Phyllis’ Fancy’ to survive until next spring, but generally speaking, you should treat it as an annual in our climate. It’s definitely one I’ll be looking for in nurseries next year.

To learn more:

“Splendid Salvias—14 Tender Perennials for Summer and Fall Bloom,”
by Bob Hyland, from the Brooklyn Botanic Garden Web site

Fall calendar, from the Horticultural Society of NY”

Monday, November 9, 16, 23, 30
and December 7
Interactive Botany
Classroom Series for Children

An innovative blend of hands-on science, reading
and artistic expression

60 minute class + 30 minutes for personalized
library study, individualized inquiry discussion
and healthy snack

For Children Ages 6-8 years

Cost: $20 per session or $90 for all five sessions*

*Enrollment of all five sessions will also include a
free library pass granting borrowing privileges for
the duration of the program.
———————————————————————————————
Tuesday, November 10
BOOKED TONIGHT
“Farm City: The Education
of an Urban Farmer”

Novella Carpenter discusses her memoir about starting a farm ten years ago on the mean streets of Oakland. Learn more about her experience in a recent New York Times interview.

6pm at The HSNY Library
$10 at the door, waived with book purchase
RSVP to Katherine Powis at (212) 757-0915×109 for more information

“Design an Engaging Entryway,” from Fine Gardening

“Improve Your Soil by Raking Less,” from Fine Gardening

“Fanciful Gardens Emerge in a Land of Tan and Gray,” from the NYTimes

Event Announcement from Cary
From the Cary Institute in Millbrook, with their photos:

Sunday, November 8th, 2009
Noon – 2:00 p.m.

CHANGING SEASONS:
A FAMILY FRIENDLY NATURE WALK

On Sunday, November 8th at noon join Cary Institute educators for a late fall walk along paved trails that weave through lowland habitats.

Participants of all ages will look for birds, observe signs of the changing seasons, identify stream invertebrates, and make a bird feeder to take home.

The trail is suitable for strollers and wheelchairs. Sturdy shoes are recommended. Be sure to bring your binoculars and camera!

To ensure that we have enough craft supplies, please RSVP to (845) 677-7600×121 or freemanp@caryinstitute.org. The walk will begin in our auditorium parking lot, located at 2801 Sharon Turnpike (Rte. 44) in Millbrook, N.Y.

Events are free and open to the public

Copyright© 2009 Cary Institute | Cary Institute PO Box AB, 2801 Sharon Turnpike Millbrook, New York 12545-0129 | 845 677-5343

From Nancy Inzinna at the Native Plant Center in Valhalla:

“Native Plant Center Lecture
This lecture is selling out quickly!

“Fax or mail your registration form   by Monday, November 9
Limited Seating

Tuesday, November 17
Invasive Species in the Northeastern United States
James D. Lewis
10:00 a.m. – 12 noon at WCC
Fee: $25 non-members

Invasive species have been identified as one of the three greatest threats to biodiversity worldwide. In the northeastern U.S., invasive species have dramatically altered the composition of native ecosystems, resulting in the near loss of native species including American chestnut, American elm, and the spread of purple loosestrife, phragmites and other species. Some current threats to native plants in our region will be discussed, as well as ongoing research into the effects of some invasive species on native and urban ecosystems.

James D. Lewis is the Assistant Professor for Plant Ecology at The Louis Calder Center Biological Station in Armonk, New York. He holds a Master of Science in Ecology from Pennsylvania State University and a Ph.D. in Botany from Duke University.
Confirmation and directions will be sent November 10, be sure to include your e-mail address.

REGISTRATION FORM
May, 2010 Garden Tour to Washington D.C.
NPC WEBSITE
September, 2009 Newsletter
www.nativeplantcenter.org
Nancy Inzinna
Assistant Director
(914) 606-7870 Phone
(914) 606-6143 FAX
75 Grasslands Road
Valhalla, NY  10595
www.nativeplantcenter.org

From the Garden Education Center of Greenwich, Conn.:

“Look what is happening in November !

Red and Green: Jewels that are not just for
Christmas.
Thursday, November 5  10:00 a.m.

Simon Teakle will heighten the senses discussing the glamour and
folklore of rubies and emeralds as well as other red and green
gemstones. In addition to gems, Simon will explore the variety of
jewelry design with this color theme ranging from exquisite
17th century Indian spinels to Art Deco enameling of Cartier.
Who said that red and green was a cliché?  Cost: M $35 N/M $45

Carri Raven Orchid Trunk Show
Thursday, November 12
10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

The OrchidPhile is comin’ to town! Carri Raven is back with some
of her most unique orchids. Come see what is new and exciting in
the world of Orchids. There is always something to catch your eye.
Exquisite plants will be for sale.     FREE OF CHARGE

Design with flowers from the supermarket
with Miriam Landsman
Thursday, November 12   10:00 a.m.

Making ordinary flowers into extraordinary arrangements
with emphasis on flowers for the holidays. Miriam will demonstrate arrangements for
the mantels, tables and centerpieces. From ShopRite to Whole Foods a world of creativity
in your cart!  Cost: M $40 N/M $50
Photo taken at Cos Cob Farm

Event Announcement (and photos) from the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies in Millbrook:

Friday, November 6th, 2009
7:00 p.m.

OVER: THE AMERICAN LANDSCAPE
AT THE TIPPING POINT
A Lecture and Visual Journey by Alex S. MacLean

On Friday, November 6th at 7:00 p.m., take a visual journey with author, pilot, and photographer Alex S. MacLean.

Using dramatic aerial photographs, his book, OVER: The American Landscape at the Tipping Point, catalogs our culture’s excessive use of energy and natural resources, highlighting the need for sustainable solutions.

MacLean is the recipient of the American Academy of Roma Prix de Rome Award. His book of powerful photographs compels us to reconsider how we live, work, and play, and reveals that our future depends on our commitment to use our land and resources wisely.?
The event will be held in the Cary Institute auditorium, located at 2801 Sharon Turnpike (Rte. 44) in Millbrook, New York. For more information, call (845) 677-7600×121 or e-mail freemanp@caryinstitute.org. Books will be available for purchase by Merritt Bookstore.

Events are free and open to the public

Copyright© 2009 Cary Institute | Cary Institute PO Box AB, 2801 Sharon Turnpike Millbrook, New York 12545-0129 | 845 677-5343

The NY Botanical Garden will host a free Career Information Session on Wednesday, November 11, 6–8 p.m. in the Arthur and Janet Ross Lecture Hall. Pre-registration is encouraged; call 718.817.8747 or 800.322.NYBG (6924). More info at nybg.org, under EDUCATION.

Here’s a link to the nybg blog, with a post from Sarah Lusardi about how the school helped her floral design business.

Nov. 9
Crompond: Herbal Solutions for Getting Through the Flu Season. Speaker: Andrea Candee. $15. 7 p.m. Garden Road School, 99 Baron de Hirsch Road. 914-526-4033.

Nov. 11
Armonk: Bow Making and Table Arrangement. Green Acres Garden Club. Free. 10 a.m. North Castle Public Library, 19 Whippoorwill Road East. 914-273-3887.
Yonkers: Hudson River Audubon Society Field Trip. A tailgate party for birders. Free. 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Lenoir Nature Preserve, 19 Dudley St. 914-968-5851.

Nov. 12
Katonah: “Farmerettes” Lecture at John Jay Homestead. Elaine F. Weiss will discuss her book, “Fruits of Victory: the Woman’s Land Army of America in the Great War,” about the nationwide movement movement that began in Bedford in 1917 to train women to farm when men were going off to fight in World War I.  Registration, 9:30 a.m.; lecture, 10, reception to follow. Free. Reservations required. 400 Route 22. 914-232-8119, friends@johnjayhomestead.org.

Nov. 18
Chappaqua: The Taconic Garden Club. Topic: “Provocative Perennials.” Speaker: Ellen Zachos. Discover some of the best varieties for form, color and texture, and learn which plants do best in sun and shade. Free. 7:30 p.m. Chappaqua Public Library, 195 S. Greeley Ave. 914-238-4779.

Nov. 19
Spring Valley: Become Acquainted with Rockland County’s Water Birds. Speaker: Lorrie Pallant of the Rockland Audubon Society. Free. 7 p.m. Finkelstein Memorial Library, 24 Chestnut St. 845-352-5700.

From the folks at Wave Hill, the great public garden in Riverdale:

“November events at Wave Hill:

Sun, Nov 1

Sunday Brunch
Family Art Project: River Masquerade/Celebrando el río Hudson
Andree Brown Jewelry Trunk Show in The Shop at Wave Hill
Wool-Dyeing Demonstration with Artist Robyn Love

Fri, Nov 6
Memoir Writing–Seasonal Writing Series: Session 5

Sat, Nov 7
Family Art Project: Dances with Leaves/Baile con las hojas del otoño
Garden Walk: Trees of the Muhheakantuck Read more of this entry »