Plant shopping season is just around the corner or perhaps it has already begun. With a wide array of insects, diseases and invasive plant species to be mindful of, it’s more important than ever that gardeners know how to avoid bringing problems into their landscape. This webinar will offer tips on how to evaluate plants prior to purchasing and assess the health of mail-order plants when they arrive. Participants will also learn where to find current information regarding invasive plants, quarantines and invasive species updates. Additionally, we’ll talk about the importance of choosing the right plant for the growing conditions you’re working with and other strategies that can help you get off on the right foot in your next gardening adventure.
Instructor: Carole Neil earned a B.S. in Botany with a minor in Environmental Horticulture from the University of Maine in Orono. She worked her way up in the horticulture industry in several different roles such as production crew member, grower, nursery manager, and head waterer. For the last 13 years, Neil has worked as an Assistant Horticulturist with the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry. In this position, she inspects plant material being sold in Maine to be sure it is healthy and pest free. She also certifies plant material being shipped out of the state or country, and assists growers with plant pest and horticultural issues. A lifelong Mainer, Neil enjoys spending her free time in the outdoors gardening, exploring trails with her dog, swimming, camping, and finding unique natural areas.
Registration is required with a sliding scale program fee ($0 – $10). Participants will receive the Zoom information after registering for a webinar. All sessions will be recorded and shared with participants following the event. If you are unable to attend the live session, register to receive a copy of the recording and a resource list.
For more information and to register: https://extension.umaine.edu/gardening/webinar-series/.
