Our public programs provide an opportunity for visitors of all ages to come together to deepen their understanding of the connections between botany, horticulture, history, culture, and the natural world. These educational experiences are designed to be informative and engaging for all participants.
Led by Education Coordinator Andrew Sipple, our 2023 programs will be offered on select Sundays from 2:30 – 3:30 pm
Bittersweet Beauties
Unbeknownst to many gardeners, some of the most charming plants have a dark side. These sessions will explore some of the interesting nuances within the plant kingdom. Participants will learn about attractive but invasive species that should not be planted, and alluring poisonous plants that must be treated with caution. Building a deeper understanding of these plants can enhance our appreciation for the plant world.
May 7, 2023, 2:30 pm : Troublesome Temptations (invasive species)
May 14, 2023 2:30 pm : Dangerous Delights (poisonous plants)
Examining our Roots
Our community has a rich history of agriculture and ornamental gardening. In these sessions, we will delve into the past to explore early rural life in Edinboro and the legacy of the Goodell Family. Join us to learn more about the unique story of our town, where you will encounter the fascinating personalities of two women whose gardens live on as our organization enters its third decade.
This year, we are excited to partner with the Erie County Public Library to celebrate HistErie Week, which is an amazing opportunity to learn about local heritage! We are offering this series as part of a week of county-wide programming, and both sessions will take place the same day as a special double feature.
June 11, 2023, 2:30 pm : Early Rural Life
June 11, 2023, 3:30 pm* : The Goodell Sisters
Let’s Get Down to Earth – Green Practices in Gardening
Our natural world faces a barrage of threats. Pollution, waste, habitat degradation, and energy consumption continue to plague our planet at local, national, and global scales. We often think of gardening as a way to connect to nature, but many traditional horticultural practices can exacerbate environmental problems. In these sessions, we will examine how to minimize our impact on the earth through natural composting and organic pest control.
June 18, 2023, 2:30 pm: The Art & Science of Composting
July 2, 2023, 2:30 pm: Organize Pest Control
Nature’s Wonders Take Flight
Gardening is not just about plants. Many beneficial animals can add character and energy to ornamental landscapes. We will host two sessions to explore many of the winged creatures that enhance our outdoor spaces. In our first session, visitors will practice backyard birdwatching skills, and learn how to provide food sources and nesting habitat for our feathered friends. Our second session will focus on the immense diversity of insect pollinators and how to attract them with native plants.
July 9, 2:30 pm: Backyard Birdwatching
July 16, 2:30 pm : Planting for Pollinators
Pleasing Perennials
In the summer, daylilies are the mainstay of a colorful perennial border. Likewise, hostas are the backbone of many backyard shade gardens. In these two sessions, we will explore a dazzling array of cultivars and discuss ways to incorporate these hardy plants into the landscape. Participants will also learn about the methods that plant breeders use to develop new varieties.
July 23, 2:30 pm: Delightful Daylilies
Aug. 6, 2:30 pm: Handsome Hostas
It’s Time to Turn a New Leaf!
Are you tired of spending so much time indoors? Are you ready to get outside away from the screen? Come out to Goodell Gardens as we celebrate the colorful, delicious, and healing world of plants! We will investigate edible and medicinal plants and learn some identification tricks for both garden plants and the native flora. Let’s turn a new leaf together as we reconnect to the floral kingdom that sustains us.
Aug. 20, 2:30 pm: Edible Wild Plants
Sept. 3, 2:30 pm: Medicinal Wild Plants
Sept. 10, 2:30 pm: Wildflower Identification
Take your Plant Palette to the Next Level!
In these sessions, we will explore two special categories of flowering plants, each with a rich array of species that can enrich your gardening palette. After delving into the importance of trees as the backbone of many ornamental gardens, we will explore the many possibilities for adding depth, texture, and color with shrubs. These sessions provide an excellent opportunity to broaden your horticultural horizons beyond the common herbaceous perennials found in so many backyard gardens.
Oct. 1, 2:30 pm: Towering Trees
Oct. 8, 2:30 pm: Striking Shrubs
Beauty Beyond Blooms
In our quest for dazzling blooms, we often overlook the enchanting beauty of non-flowering plants. In these exciting sessions, we will explore the remarkable diversity of ferns, mosses, and conifers. Participants will learn how to recognize several distinctive species, and ways to incorporate their charm into the landscape. With their high tolerance for shade and low maintenance requirements, these ancient plants have so much to offer!
Oct. 15, 2:30 pm: Fantastic Ferns
Oct. 22, 2:30 pm: Miniature Mosses
Oct. 29, 2:30 pm: Cool Conifers
We offer discounted admission to all members of Goodell Gardens & Homestead, and free admission to members at the Patron & Benefactor levels. Want to join? Click here.
A Special Events Grant from the Erie County Gaming Revenue Authority helps make these programs possible.
