Our speaker this month will be Dr Elizabeth Elle speaking on "Putting the Garden to Bed: Remember the beneficials."
"Fall garden cleanup used to mean pruning, raking, and generally making everything clean and tidy for winter. The "rules" around cleanup were supposed to ensure control of pests, diseases, and weeds. More recently, we are being told this is a big mistake, and we shouldn't remove leaves, spent perennials, and branches in fall because it will be bad for bees, butterflies, and other beneficials. What is the real answer?
This presentation will provide you with an understanding of the beneficials in your garden, and how they use the space over the calendar year, especially during the winter months. You will learn what garden cleanup can look like in fall and spring so it supports beneficial insects and a healthy soil, while still controlling diseases and weeds. Our focus will be on practical advice for our gardens here in the Pacific Northwest. "

Guests are welcome. No charge for the first time, $5 drop-in fee for subsequent meetings. The annual membership fee is $25 per person / $30 per family.