Connecting in the Garden, Growing Together Again | Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management

Hosted by the University of Rhode Island. This year’s Rhode Island Garden Symposium [emclick.imodules.com], the first since the pandemic, will feature prolific garden writers, expert speakers, educational exhibitors, and a vendor marketplace. Hosted by the University of Rhode Island Master Gardener Program [emclick.imodules.com] and designed for gardeners of all abilities, the event aims to inspire gardeners to take their gardens to the next level or start one for the very first time.

This year’s Rhode Island Garden Symposium [emclick.imodules.com], the first since the pandemic, will feature prolific garden writers, expert speakers, educational exhibitors, and a vendor marketplace. Hosted by the University of Rhode Island Master Gardener Program [emclick.imodules.com] and designed for gardeners of all abilities, the event aims to inspire gardeners to take their gardens to the next level or start one for the very first time.

Saturday, March 2

9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Center for Biotechnology and Life Sciences

120 Flagg Road, Kingston R.I.

Titled “Connecting in the Garden, Growing Together Again,” this year's symposium will feature two nationally known presenters:

•	Charlie Nardozzi will discuss, “Ecological Gardening and Companion Gardening.”
•	Karen Bussolini will discuss translating ecology into action in her talk, titled, “Ecological Thinking for Non-Scientists.”

This year's symposium will also feature an expert panel discussing "Perspectives on Environmentally Friendly Gardening." Panelists include:

•	Cassidy Need ’20 [emclick.imodules.com], owner, creator, and designer of Rhode Island’s own Native Edible Designs.
•	Rebecca Brown [emclick.imodules.com], faculty leader for URI's vegetable production research, teaching and extension program.
•	John Taylor [emclick.imodules.com], a descendant of five generations of Pennsylvania farmers, URI researcher and professor.
•	David Weisberger, URI extension agent who supports local farmers and commercial growers in production techniques.

The symposium is "bring your own lunch," with morning refreshments and all-day coffee and tea included with ticket purchase. A shuttle will be available to transport participants from the parking lot to the event.

Registration costs $50. A limited number of need-based, partial scholarships are available for those interested in attending. Please register by Feb. 23.