Above: The OSPC invites you to create mini greenhouses to germinate native seedlings for planting this spring. (images previously contributed)
A Winter Sow Workshop will be held at next week’s meeting of the “Gardens that Work” group. The public is welcome to join them (even those who don’t have prior gardening experience).
The gardening group is a collaboration between Open Space Preservation Commission and the Southborough Library that focuses on nurturing native plants that support native pollinators. This month’s meeting* will be used for OSPC’s annual winter workshop.
While attendance is free, attendees are asked to pre-register by email ASAP, so that organizers can prepare supplies. The meeting will be held Thursday, January 25th from 6:30 – 8:00 pm.
The workshop focus is on sowing seeds to generate native plant seedlings. Participants will get to bring home their own mini greenhouse in a milk jug. By the spring, those who follow the instructions should:
have lots of plants to start or add to your own Native Plant Pollination Preservation Garden.
All seeds and equipment will be provided — but, I’ve been asked to note that it would be helpful for people to bring 1-2 plastic jugs with them.
The event will be run by OSPC’s Freddie Gillespie. In a past year she explained:
Most native seeds require cold stratification to germinate. That is, they need repeated freeze and thaw conditions after being planted.
The greenhouse jugs are placed outside, allowing the seeds to go through the temperature changes while being protected from birds and squirrels.
To register to participate, email jmaney@southboroughma.com.
*The Gardens That Work meeting was initially scheduled for tonight, but rescheduled to next week.
