Arboretum Arborist/Answer Man Fred Breglia Leads

ESPERANCE, NY (07/10/2007)(readMedia)-- August. Time for those storied “dog days” when the ravages of plant pathology are most evident. Time, as well, when inquiring minds look to experienced experts for new ideas and an Rx to healthier plants. The final two classes in the joint 2007 Horticulture Certification program produced jointly by the Arboretum and SUNY Cobleskill offer both.

For horticulturalists, environmentalists, master gardeners, arborists, and “earth watchers” alike, the name Fred Breglia conjures up near-instant associations with several established entities: the Landis Arboretum, where he serves as director of horticulture and operations; the Earth Charter Roundtable, for which Mr. Breglia is a highly visible, active, and passionate advocate; and the New York Old Growth Forest Association, of which he is cofounder and president. Mr. Breglia is also a recurring guest on WAMC’s Vox Pop Gardening Show with Larry Sombke. Mr. Breglia, who was voted among the Capital Region’s 40 Under Forty young entrepreneurs as well as the 2007 Distinguished SUNY Cobleskill Alumnus, will lead the final two classes of the 2007 Horticulture Certification program by popular request.

PLANT HEALTH CARE – The Experts’ Choice! August 14, 21, 28, and September 4; 6 – 8 p.m.; Landis Arboretum Meeting House

Discolored or dropping leaves? Dead branches? These are just a few of the most common reasons plants owners reach out for the expertise of a seasoned arborist.

But whether the cause of concern is an easily diagnosed and corrected problem – or a more complex scenario that requires extended treatment -- participants will find real-life answers in this highly focused look at plant health by an experienced and well known subject-matter expert.

Participants will learn how to maintain or improve a landscape’s appearance and health using cost-effective and environmentally sensitive practices.

TREE AND SHRUB IDENTIFICATION September 25 and October 2, 9 & 16; 6 – 8 pm; Landis Arboretum Harkness Herbarium Complex

Using the outdoor laboratory of 548-acre Landis Arboretum, participants will learn how to recognize major trees and shrubs of the Northeast. They will learn too the basic plant structures used in identification.

This course includes an introduction to many new and unusual ornamental trees that are available for use in the landscape.

Broader knowledge and understanding of plants will guide participants in plant maintenance and health-care decisions.

Wide-ranging Appeal Spearheaded by Arboretum Education Committee chair Anne Donnelly and heavily supported by Linda Karker and Shirley Lawyer of the SUNY Cobleskill Office of Conferences & Training, the Certificate in Horticulture curriculum was developed for wide-ranging appeal from the seasoned professional and those working in the garden industry desiring further education – to the homeowner wanting to improve his/her property, and for the individual who loves gardening in all its diversity.

Content of the courses reflects informal feedback received over the past year, especially from those attending the Spring and Fall Plant Sales at he Arboretum who asked for courses with more challenging content and greater interaction between participants and instructors.

Register Now Registration with payment is due one week before each course begins. All Horticulture Certification courses are $110. To register, contact SUNY Cobleskill Office of Community Outreach, Warner Hall Room 208, Cobleskill. NY 12043. VISA, MasterCard or Discover payments accepted at 518-255-5258. Students and Arboretum members receive a 10% discount.

Past registrants say that they enjoy participating in these courses in small groups or with close friends.