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Science Series
Dates
- Saturday, May 18
- 1:00 pm
- Saturday, June 15
- 11:00 am
- Friday, July 19
- 6:00 pm
- Friday, August 16
- 6:00 pm
- Friday, September 13
- 11:00 am
Price & Tickets
Select Dates & Times
Conservatory Ballroom:
April, September
Visitor Center Auditorium:
May, June, July, August
May–September, 2024
Timed Admission Tickets required
Timed Reservations required for Members after 3:00 pm Thursdays–Saturdays
Reservations not required for Gardens Premium Members and Innovators
Become a Member and Attend this Event for Free
Learn about one of our many plant research and conservation projects and meet the talented staff behind the work.
Science Series: A Sustainability Story
Soils and Compost Manager Erik Stefferud
The beauty that our guests enjoy is supported by the beauty of previous displays—and by our enduring commitment to sustainability, as we’ve practiced composting since 1956 and today create nationally certified compost.
Join Soils and Compost Manager Erik Stefferud and explore how compost serves as a sustainable, eco-friendly, cost-effective practice that not only closes the waste loop but also elevates the overall health and resilience of a garden. Delve into how compost production improves the circularity of the materials we generate here at Longwood and how it enriches our Gardens—and how it could enrich yours.
Science Series: Stewardship Science
Research Specialist Kristie Lane Anderson
At Longwood, we're not just planting trees; we're nurturing local ecosystems. Reforestation is critically important for our region’s well-being, as it creates habitats for a wide range of plant and animal species, supports biodiversity, plays a crucial role in regulating water cycles, prevents soil erosion, and improves the health of our waterways.
Along with Research Specialist Kristie Lane Anderson, learn about our studies that test a spectrum of strategies for effective land management techniques with the end goal of supporting a healthy and thriving ecosystem. Explore some of the ongoing research trials in our natural lands that help inform future large-scale restoration projects for our region and beyond.
Science Series: Gardens Can (and Will) Save the World
Associate Director, Science Communications Jessica Turner-Skoff, Ph.D.
Plants are essential for life on earth. From the air we breathe to the food we eat, to the medicine we take, plants deserve recognition for how important they are. With a myriad of environmental challenges occurring, from climate change to habitat loss, we are currently in a biodiversity crisis; plants are going extinct at an unprecedented rate. The good news? Public gardens are here to change the world.
Join Associate Director of Science Communications Jessica Turner-Skoff, Ph.D., and learn how gardens like Longwood are in a unique position to conserve plants and save the day! Gardens have the expertise, facilities, collections, and opportunities to support a more verdant world. Learn how Longwood is contributing to this global future-focused movement to ensure that plants will continue to bring beauty, joy, and inspiration to everyone.
Science Series: Evaluating Trees for the Future
Associate Director, Collections Tony Aiello
Trees typically have a much longer lifespan compared to many other living organisms. Their growth, development, and response to environmental changes occur at a slower pace, often spanning years, decades, or even centuries. Like all living organisms, they are influenced by environmental factors such as temperature, precipitation, and extreme weather events. As the planet is going through large-scale changes, we need to be planning for the future of trees.
Along with Associate Director of Collections Tony Aiello, explore how, as a forward-thinking institution, we evaluate our existing trees here at Longwood for the future and decide what trees we should add, breed, grow, or manage in our collections to ensure we have a healthy canopy in 2044, 2064, 2104, and beyond.
Science Series: Creating Our Iconic Baskets
Senior Grower Michelle Hagerty
Our hanging baskets are nothing short of iconic—and a horticultural feat resulting from hours of collaborative efforts among our Horticulture and Facilities teams. The culmination of these efforts results in a visually stunning display of vibrant, gracefully cascading baskets, emblematic of our world-class horticultural excellence.
Join Senior Grower Michelle Hagerty and learn about the months-long planning process with our baskets, and how our experts source specialty materials, make use of our unique facilities, overcome challenging delivery issues, and maintain these incredible forms of living art. Discover how we create and care for our hanging baskets, from planning and selecting materials, to growing and maintaining them while on display.