Make a virtual visit to the 2020 Gardening Green Expo – The Boston Globe

It would have been in Scituate. Now it's virtually everywhere.

The 2020 Gardening Green Expo an annual event that spotlights organic and environmentally friendly growing choices for backyard gardeners was canceled after its organizers learned of government recommendations against holding large events.

In previous years the expo had drawn some 450 visitors. Citing concerns over the novel coronavirus, the events three sponsors the North and South Rivers Watershed Association, WaterSmart South Shore, and Kennedys Country Gardens (the planned venue) agreed to turn the live March 28 expo into a virtual event.

However, watershed association staff said, all the components of the event (aside from the crowd), including video talks by the scheduled speakers will become available http://www.nsrwa.org. Until then, virtual visitors can watch videos of last years presentations.

These resources offer a rich opportunity to learn about green gardening, said the groups communications director, Lori Wolfe, who raises monarch butterflies on milkweed leaves in her home.

I bring the eggs in, Wolfe said. They hatch. . . . Then I feed them leaves.

Acquiring seeds and growing milkweed are among the many environmentally strengthening garden choices promoted by the expo. This years videotaped speakers will include Kennedys Susan Leigh Anthony speaking on native and pollinator plants. Other experts urge the advantages of growing native plants, including entomologist Blake Dinius on native bees and Katie Banks Hone on re-landscaping.

Cape Cod preservationist Kristin Andres will address landscape choices for a changing climate, and Jon Belber of Cohassets Holly Hill Farm speaks on beneficial ecosystems.

Green gardening equipment rain barrels for water conservation and composters to turn kitchen scraps into fertilizer can be ordered from the website. And a $35 watershed association membership deal offers new members a $25 Kennedy Gardens gift card, plus a free map for finding nearby land preservers.

That map is an excellent source for finding green spaces to explore while avoiding crowds. Wolfe recommended Wompatuck State Park in Hingham. Ecologist Sara Grady pointed to the John Little Conservation Area near the North River in Marshfield.

Robert Knox can be reached at rc.knox2@gmail.com.

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Make a virtual visit to the 2020 Gardening Green Expo - The Boston Globe