With the growing interest in incorporating native plants into our landscapes, it’s essential to understand how their care differs from more traditional garden maintenance practices. While native plantings are often described as “low maintenance,” they are not “no maintenance”—and supporting a healthy ecosystem requires a thoughtful approach.
In this lecture, we’ll explore the key differences between sustainable (native-focused) and conventional garden care, including soil preparation, irrigation practices, plant management, seed collection, seasonal cutting back, pest and disease resistance, mulching strategies, and more. Participants will leave with a clearer understanding of how to shift maintenance practices to better support biodiversity, soil health, and long-term resilience in the garden. including guidance and reference sources, to help participants confidently apply these techniques in their own gardens.
Instructor: Reed Pugh
With more than 25 years of hands-on experience on both coasts, Reed brings horticultural knowledge and real-world expertise to every garden he works in. His career spans San Francisco to Boston and includes work in multiple nurseries, ownership of design, installation, and maintenance businesses, management of a 30-acre historic private estate in Brookline, and leadership of one of New England’s premier fine-gardening companies.
Today, Reed focuses his passion on working one-on-one with gardeners through his company, Barking Dog Gardens, where he helps clients understand why plants behave the way they do and how thoughtful, well-timed care can transform a landscape. Known for his clear teaching style and practical approach, Reed emphasizes plant health, seasonal awareness, and long-term beauty—empowering gardeners to make confident, informed decisions in their own gardens.
Class/Program/Workshop: 260531 Rethinking Garden Maintenance: Native vs. Traditional Approaches
Date: Sunday May 31, 2025
Time Frame: 10am - 11:30am EDT
Location: Garden at Elm Bank, Cheney Classroom
900 Washington St. Wellesley 02482
You may also like the following events from Massachusetts Horticultural Society:
- This Wednesday, 25th February, 11:00 pm, Style and Purpose in the Native Garden: Using Cues to Care in Wellesley, Massachusetts
- Next Friday, 6th March, 09:00 am, Spring Perennial Plant Symposium in Wellesley
- Next month, 14th March, 10:00 am, Setting Up your Garden: Early Season Prep in Wellesley
Also check out other
Workshops in Wellesley,
Health & Wellness events in Wellesley.
