Join us for an informative and hands-on seminar designed for gardeners, landscapers, and plant enthusiasts of all levels. This session will explore the vital role soil plays in plant health and garden success. You'll gain practical knowledge about different soil types, how to assess and improve soil quality, and the importance of soil amendments in creating optimal growing conditions.

We'll also cover the best practices for planting and transplanting – from preparing the site and choosing the right time, to techniques that minimize transplant shock and encourage healthy root development.

Whether you're starting a garden from scratch or improving an existing landscape, this seminar will equip you with the tools and confidence to grow thriving plants.

Topics Covered:

• Soil composition and structure
• Testing and interpreting soil quality
• Organic and inorganic soil amendments
• Proper planting techniques for annuals, perennials, shrubs, and trees
• Transplanting strategies for success

Who Should Attend:
Home gardeners, landscape professionals, urban farmers, and anyone interested in building healthier soil and stronger plants.

Format:
This program is taught in person.

• Lectures: Wednesdays, 11/5, 11/12 & 11/19; 5 - 7pm, at the CCCC Hyannis Center
• Nature Walk: Saturday, 11/22; 9 - 11am, location TBD

Questions?
Contact Elaine Brown at ebrown@capecod.edu or 508-375-5017. 

Start Your Journey Toward Eco-Friendly Outdoor Living!

Curious about creating beautiful, sustainable gardens but not sure where to start? This beginner-friendly course is designed to help you confidently step into the world of landscape design with a focus on environmentally responsible practices. Learn how to plan, plant, and care for outdoor spaces that are not only attractive and functional — but also good for the planet.

No prior experience needed — just a passion for nature and a desire to make your space more sustainable!

In This Course, You’ll Learn:

• The basics of landscape design — layout, color, texture, and structure
• How to choose the right plants for your climate and soil
• Simple ways to save water and reduce waste in your garden
• How to support pollinators and local wildlife with native plants
• Garden styles that are both beautiful and eco-friendly (like drought-tolerant, edible, or low-maintenance designs)
• Easy, step-by-step projects to transform your yard or balcony

Why You’ll Love It:

• No jargon — everything is explained in simple, easy-to-follow language
• Hands-on activities 
• Practical tips for gardens of all sizes, including small urban spaces
• Guidance from friendly, experienced instructors 

By the end of this course, you’ll have the confidence and knowledge to start designing your own sustainable garden — one that reflects your style, supports the environment, and grows more beautiful over time.

Who Should Attend:
Landscape professionals, master gardeners, groundskeepers, nursery staff, and homeowners with an interest in sustainable gardening.

Format: This program is taught in person.

• Lectures: Wednesdays, January, TBD; 5 - 7pm at the CCCC Hyannis Center
• Nature Walk: Saturday, TBD; 9 - 11am, location TBD

Questions?
Contact Elaine Brown at ebrown@capecod.edu or 508-375-5017.  

This engaging lecture explores the principles and practices of xeriscaping—a sustainable landscaping approach that reduces water use, enhances biodiversity, and mitigates the effects of urban development. Participants will examine the role of native and non-native drought-tolerant plants in creating resilient landscapes that align with regional climate cycles. Emphasis will be placed on sustainability, climate adaptation, and the ecological implications of plant selection.

The session also addresses the urban heat island (UHI) effect, illustrating how thoughtful xeriscape design can reduce surface temperatures, improve microclimates, and contribute to overall urban resilience. Through case studies and practical examples, attendees will learn how to integrate xeriscaping strategies in residential, commercial, and public spaces to conserve resources, support pollinators, and enhance aesthetic value while adapting to shifting climate patterns.

Whether you're a landscape professional, city planner, student, or homeowner, this lecture will provide the tools and insights needed to implement effective, climate-smart landscapes in a variety of environments.

Key Topics Covered:

• Fundamentals of xeriscaping and water-wise design
• Benefits and considerations of native vs. non-native plant species and pollinators.
• Understanding regional climate cycles and precipitation trends
• Mitigating the Urban Heat Island effect through landscape design
• Soil health, mulching, and efficient irrigation methods
• Real-world examples of successful xeriscape projects

Who Should Attend:
Landscape professionals, master gardeners, groundskeepers, nursery staff, and homeowners with an interest in sustainable gardening.

Format: This program is taught in person.

• Lectures: Wednesdays, February, TBD; 5 - 7pm at the CCCC Hyannis Center
• Nature Walk: Saturday, TBD; 9 - 11am, location TBD

Questions?
Contact Elaine Brown at ebrown@capecod.edu or 508-375-5017.