The Wellesley Garden Study Group, jointly with the Wellesley Hills Garden Club, will host an illustrated garden program, “Images and Insights from a Vegetable Garden,” presented by Brooks Mathewson. The event will take place on Thursday October 19, at the Wellesley Free Library, 530 Washington Street, Wellesley. Coffee will begin at 9:30 a.m. followed by an interesting garden program on growing food in one’s own backyard.
In this presentation, ecologist and photographer Brooks Mathewson will share the practical and philosophical insights he has gained through gardening. In addition, he will explore the way in which gardens improve our understanding of important ecological issues. Topics which will be discussed include: soil conservation and how composting is one of our most powerful tools in fighting climate change; how growing our own food can reduce our carbon footprint; the value of growing plants directly from seed; the benefits of companion planting; how to encourage beneficial insects; optimizing small spaces through the implementation of “successional” gardening; nature’s deadlines; and what plant nutrition can teach us about living fuller lives. A backyard garden is more than a source of fresh, healthy food - it also provides opportunities for intellectual and spiritual growth.
