May 2011 -- Curt Naser demonstrates a professional, two-part method for clearing barberry.
At left, Naser cuts barberry to the ground with a brush saw. At right, he uses a flame weeder
to burn the plant. Naser is trained in the procedure, which took place on a rainy day at
the LeGallienne Bird Sanctuary in Weston. The demonstration was part of an outreach
event called "Operation Garlic Mustard Dawn," organized by the Aspetuck Land Trust (ALT).
A number of volunteers showed up to pull garlic mustard. Both barberry and garlic mustard
are considered invasive in Connecticut. ALT has embarked on an effort to raise awareness
of invasive plants. For more information, visit www.aspetucklandtrust.org

Trade Secrets

May 2011 -- We made the trip up to Sharon for Trade Secrets on Saturday and, fortunately,
the weather cooperated. We ran into a number of friends: Andy Brand of Broken Arrow
Nursery, Daniel Furman of Cricket Hill Garden and Sydney Eddison, who was there signing
copies of her new book, Gardening for a Lifetime: How to Garden Wiser as You Grow Older.

Connecticut Flower & Garden Show

Feb. 2011 -- Will Rowlands and Nancy DuBrule-Clemente of Natureworks at the Connecticut
Flower & Garden Show in Hartford. Nancy is holding a copy of Connecticut Gardener,
hot off the presses, with her story "Hellebore Heaven." The show was absolutely packed.
Everybody must have spring fever bad this year.

Ballek's Garden Center

Nancy Ballek MacKinnon and Anne Rowlands by the solar panels recently installed in front
of Anita Ballek's place in East Haddam. The array powers two houses adjacent to Ballek's
Garden Center. Ballek said the buy-back is about 20 years but, factoring in various grants,
tax breaks and credits, she is paying less on a per-month basis. Installing the panels on
the ground is cheaper than a roof installation and doesn't complicate matters when it's
time for a new roof. The farm has been in the family since the 1600s. They grow more
than 10,000 species of plants and pride themselves on gardening in harmony with nature.
Visit www.balleksgardencenter.com for more infromation.

100th Plant Science Day at The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station

The 100th Plant Science Day, sponsored by the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station
(CAES), was held Wednesday, Aug. 4, 2010, at Lockwood Farm in Hamden. There were
dozens of exhibits, ranging from booths with a wide array of information and expertise
to demonstrations and field experiments. Next year, the event will be held on Aug. 3.
Visit www.ct.gov/caes for more information.

Weevils Released to Control Mile-a-Minute Vine

Will Rowlands releasing weevils (Rhinoncomimus latipes) in Westport. The weevils are
part of the state's effort to control Mile-a-Minute Vine.
(Photo / Donna Ellis, UConn)

Fort Hill Farms & Gardens

Kristin Orr, left, of Quintessential Gardens at Fort Hills Farms & Gardens in Thompson
discusses lavender cultivation. The farm has a legacy that reaches back to 1683.
They have perennials, blueberries and lavender, all organic. For information on tours,
educational programs and the corn maze, visit www.forthillfarms.com

Woodland Trails Wildflower Nursery

Deborah Lee, left, of Woodland Trails Wildflower Nursery in Eastford is getting ready
for a May 1 opening. They specialize in native plants but also give presentations and
guided nature walks. Visit www.WoodlandTrailsWildflowers.com for more information.