March at Landis: Best of Two Seasons

ESPERANCE, NY (03/02/2010)(readMedia)-- Despite the recent snowstorms, we are feeling that cosmic tug toward spring. March brings you the best of both seasons at the George Landis Arboretum.

Second Sunday Snowshoe

The last in the Second Sunday Snowshoe series will be held on Sunday, March 14, from 12:00 noon to 2:00 PM. Lead by Landis' arborist Fred Breglia, participants will learn to recognize major trees and shrubs of the Northeast in winter. No snow? We'll take a hike. Adult and children's snowshoes are available – or bring your own. Meet at the Barn. Cost to members is $5 a person or $15 for a family; non-members, $10 a person or $25 a family. Sign-up at www.landisarboretum.org.

Two of the Arboretum's educational offerings will put you in the mindset for spring. Register at www.landisarboretum.org.

Stonemasonry

"Introduction to Basic Stonemasonry Techniques" will be given in two parts by Roy Melby of Ichiban Gardens Landscape Design and Construction. The first session, on Saturday, March 20, from 1 – 4 PM, will include a PowerPoint presentation covering preparation for re-laying drystone walls, as well as some consideration of soil mechanics and the use of geo-textiles. The course will also cover the use of such tools as hammers and chisels, power saws and grinders. Part II will be held on Saturday, April 17, 1 – 4 PM, and will focus on hands-on stonewall construction at the Arboretum. Bring work clothes to both sessions. The cost of both sessions to members is $50; to non-members, $65. Advanced registration is necessary. You can register online.

Winter Sowing

Biologist Gina Nielsen will capitalize on your spring gardening fever with "An Introduction to Winter Sowing" on Friday, March 26, 10 AM – 12 PM. Winter sowing allows you to sow seeds anytime in the winter. A brief presentation will be followed by a get-dirty planting session. The class, held in the Arboretum Greenhouse, is appropriate for both children and adults. Materials are included in the cost: members, $5; non-members, $10. Register by March 20.

Finally, the Arboretum invites you to two celebrations of the coming of spring. Additional information and tickets (for the Rite of Spring) are available at www.landisarboretum.org.

Arboretum Rite of Spring

The second annual Arboretum Rite of Spring will be held on Sunday, March 21 from 12 to 3 PM at the Settles Hill Tree Farm in Altamont, NY. Join us with your friends and associates to celebrate the vernal equinox with a little March madness. A special brunch and auction – and live music to swing into spring. Tickets are $25.

Capital District Garden and Flower Show

The Arboretum is once again participating in the 22nd Annual Capital District Garden and Flower Show, March 26 – 28. Show hours are Friday, from 10 AM – 8 PM; Saturday, 10 AM – 7 PM; and Sunday, 10 AM – 5 PM. Presentations will be given by two of our experts ISA certified arborist Fred Breglia will speak on prudent pruning (Saturday, 1 PM) and on new and unusual trees for the landscape (Saturday, 3 PM); Viktoria Serafin, long-time friend of the Arboretum, will speak on hostas and their companion plants (Friday, 1 PM). The Flower and Garden Show will be held McDonough Physical Education Center at Hudson Valley Community College.