Evenings in the Garden is a series of classes on a wide variety of topics for the home gardener, taught by local and regional experts in their field.

All classes are held at the beautiful, historical MSU Tollgate Farm and Education Center
28115 Meadowbrook Road, Novi, MI 48377

6:30 - 8:30 p.m. -- $25 each class -- Refreshments will be served

Classes begin in our Conference Center and continue outdoors - weather permitting - to enjoy and learn from our extensive gardens and grounds. Please dress for the weather. Arrive early for best seating.

Sign up for one or more classes. Advance registration is required. Space is limited - register early! Cancellations fewer than 10 business days to the start date of the class will result in a $10 cancellation fee.
 
Native Shrubs &Trees
Mary Wilson

Come discover the usefulness of native woody plants in the landscape. Gardeners wishing to include more natives in their plantings have lots of beautiful options. Natives look good, often require less care, and can be more beneficial to native insects and other creatures than are non-native ornamentals. A component of this class will be a walk around the Tollgate grounds to view some of the plants discussed in the lecture. Mary has been an MSU Horticulture Educator for 30 years with a focus on environmental horticulture. She has worked with green industry and consumers in her roles as County Horticulture Educator, Emerald Ash Borer Education Coordinator, Southeast Regional Consumer Horticulture Educator, and State Coordinator for the MSU Extension Master Gardener Program. Her Bachelor of Science degree in horticulture is from MSU with an emphasis on landscape plants, and her Master of Science degree in horticulture is from University of Wisconsin with a specialization in woody ornamentals. She is also a member of the MSU Extension Consumer Horticulture Team working to meet the increasing statewide demand for gardening information through technology and highly-trained volunteers.