Speakers Bureau

Master Gardeners are able to present virtual and in-person horticultural lectures for your club or organization. We are also willing to present in nursing home facilities and will format the presentation to abilities. The topics are listed below.

Presentations are 45 minutes in length and conclude with an additional 15 minute question and answer period. Please note – some presentations have limited availability throughout the year. All presentations have a speaking charge of $50, payable to Cornell Cooperative Extension of Monroe County.

Please contact us if you are interested in scheduling a presentation, or would like to explore another topic.

Virtual Summer/Spring 2021 Topics:

Presented through Zoom. Virtual Programs Flyer (PDF Version of List Below).

Attracting Pollinators to Your Garden

Pollinators play an important role in native ecosystems, home gardens, and global food production. This presentation will discuss the wide range of pollinators active in our gardens and what gardeners can do to make their yard more attractive to pollinators. We will discuss a variety of native plants and provide a plant list handout.

Basics of Organic Composting

A great garden starts with great soil! One way to maintain good health and high nutrient content of your soil is by adding garden compost. Composting is more than recycling garden waste or kitchen scraps – it’s a way of creating a healthy environment for all organisms. Participants will learn good composting practices to help drive sustainability and production in their garden.

Companion Planting

When planting in beds, there are benefits to combining varieties of plants. This approach mimics the way plants grow in the natural world. When certain plants are grown together, they can grow better, yield more fruit, and even taste better. These are called ‘companion plants’. Participants will learn how to maximize their vegetable harvest using companion planting strategies.

Gardeners Favorites – Growing the Most Popular Veggies

Smart gardeners know that growing fresh vegetables is anything but a Sunday afternoon idle pass time. Many factors need to come together, hard work applied and time spent to set the plants off to a good start. But once the scene is set, it is time to introduce the key players – your favorite vegie plants. In this class the participants will learn ‘all season’ care for the most popular members of your Garden of Eden. We will discuss some of the most popular vegetables from planting to harvest and how to grow them, their strength and weaknesses as well as ways of incorporating them into your seeding plan to maximize your harvest and your hard work. A part of the discussion will relate to the local food sources, including the Farmers Market Guide 2021.

Gardening with Native Plants

Gardening with native plants helps pollinators and other native species. The speaker will describe some of the other benefits of gardening with native plants. Native plants suggestions for sun, shade, wet and dry locations will be provided.

Herb Gardening

Herbs can transform ordinary meals into something special. Incorporating herbs into your garden design adds color, fragrances, and interest to your landscape. Participants will learn the benefits of herb growing from their beauty and use in cooking, to their medicinal uses and healing properties.

Invasive Plants in New York Gardens

What is an invasive plant? What are NYS’s regulations for invasives? What invasives am I likely to find as weeds in my garden and how can I control them? What common garden and landscape plants are now considered invasive? This presentation will answer all of these questions and provide suggestions for native plants to replace common invasives.

Monarch Butterflies

The population of Monarch butterflies has plummeted and there are concerns that they could become extinct. This presentation will discuss the fascinating life cycle of these insects, the multiple threats to their survival, and what upstate New York gardeners can do to help their survival.

Poisonous Plants in the Ornamental Garden

You may be surprised to learn that many of our favorite ornamental garden plants are poisonous and some have fascinating histories. The speaker will provide common sense precautions to safely grow these plants in your garden.

Raised Bed Gardening

This lecture will focus on the key steps to ensure a successful vegetable garden. We will also cover planting and harvesting techniques, the advantages of raised bed gardening and the top 10 vegetables for home gardening.

Rochester’s Olmsted Parks (available starting July)

This talk will present an introduction to the life and accomplishments of Frederick Law Olmsted, the pioneer of the modern urban park. We will first explore the history of urban parks, then move to the early life of FL Olmsted, leading to the creation of Central Park. Also covered is the major projects of Olmsted and the Olmsted firm after Central Park, and the Rochester (now Monroe County) Park System, partially designed by Olmsted.

Small Space Gardening

You can maximize your current indoor and outdoor space, no matter the size. Learn how to use every inch of space whether growing herbs, vegetables or flowers. Get suggestions for container plantings and DIY projects too.

In-Person Spring/Summer 2021 Topics:

In-Person Programs Flyer (PDF Version of List Below)

Basics of Organic Composting

Edible Landscaping

Food plants can easily become part of a decorative landscape. Benefit from including food plants in your landscape with increased flavor and freshness, decrease in food costs, and enjoyment in watching things grow! Participants will learn to assess growing conditions, choose appropriate plants, and determine best placement for optimal growth. Pest control, fertilization, and general care of food plants will also be discussed.

Herb Gardening

Indoor Gardening - Houseplants

Presentation Format: Growing plants indoors can provide gardening opportunities for those who don’t have outdoor garden space, require less physical activity, and allow cultivation of plants that can’t live outdoors in our growing zone. Basic requirements for houseplant growth, potting and repotting plants, and appropriate containers will be discussed. Participants will also learn about pest control, care and grooming, and characteristics of the more common plants traditionally grown indoors.

Demo/Workshop Format: Care of indoor plants doesn’t have to be a mystery! Learn what your houseplants need to succeed. Easy propagation techniques will also be demonstrated.

Organic Gardening

What is the definition of an organic garden? It is a philosophy of gardening that teaches us how to grow in harmony with nature. Learn the principles of organic gardening and how to use them in your own yard. Whether you start out small and make changes gradually over time or go whole hog, this program is for you.

Organic Lawn Care

Going organic can be easier than using chemicals, healthier for you, your family and pets as well as the environment and it can look great too! Learn some simple tips to transition to an organic landscape.

Perennial Gardening

This seminar overs the key considerations in planning and constructing a perennial garden. It also covers a historical perspective on perennial gardening.

Pollinator Friendly Gardens

Populations of all our pollinators are declining, including native bees, domestic bees, flies, beetles, and butterflies. They are affected by habitat loss, disease and contact with pesticides. But together we can make a difference. Learn how to provide food and habitat for native insects/animals. Pollinators will, in turn, provide the pollination needed to protect our plant diversity and food sources.

Putting the Garden to Bed (Fall)

This seminar covers the things you should do in the fall whether you have an annual or perennial garden to help ensure a successful garden the next year.

Raised Bed Gardening

Learn the key steps to ensure a successful vegetable garden as well as cover planting and harvesting techniques, the advantages of raised bed gardening, and the top 10 vegetables for home gardening.

Small Space Gardening

Spring Gardening

Spring gardening includes tasks that must be accomplished before planting begins as well as the joys of gardening after the ground has warmed up enough for planting. Preparing garden beds, pruning, and getting equipment ready for use before planting can begin will be discussed. Participants will also learn the basics of plant care, starting seeds indoors, lawn care, fertilization and choosing the right plant for the right place.

Summer Flowering Bulbs (May)

Spring planted bulbs produce some of the most dramatic garden color in your summer garden. Tuck them among your perennials to create a fuller looking garden bed. Many are also ideal in containers; use them to liven up your porch or deck. Learn about using begonias, dahlias, lilies, cannas and more.

Vegetable Gardening

This seminar covers the key factors that contribute to a successful vegetable garden, the top ten vegetables in a home garden and a variety of gardening concepts such as succession planting, crop rotation, composting and extending the growing season.