Last updated September 24, 2025
MCMG Coordinator Steve Dubik has approved all talks below for Continuing Education credit.
September 30, 7-9:00 pm. How Can I Help? Saving Nature with Your Yard. Don’t miss this opportunity to see Doug Tallamy, a national leader of the native plant movement, speak in person. He’ll discuss his new book on ecological landscaping and share insights on biodiversity, native plants, conservation, and how we can help restore ecosystems at home. Brookside Gardens Visitor Center. $25 (FOBG: $22). Register.
October 1, noon-1 pm. Ask A Master Gardener Plant Clinic Updates. Join us for monthly updates from UME experts on the questions or hot topics you might encounter at your upcoming Ask A Master Gardener Plant Clinics. FREE. Register
October 1, 10 am-12:30 pm. Stages of Shut-Down: Autumn Plant Life Along the Canal. In early October, shortly after the fall equinox, the contracting days and lengthening nights spur changes in the plant community. On this walk, participants will notice color changes in the trees and shrubs and observe the plants in all stages of shutting down for winter. An abundance of autumn fruits feed the migrating birds and animals as they prepare for colder, harsher weather to come. Violettes Lock. $46 (Members fee $33). Register
October 9, 7-8:30 pm. Keystone Plants for the Home Landscape Join Virginia Cooperative Extension Master Gardener Elaine Mills to learn which trees, shrubs and perennials native to the Mid-Atlantic region will provide sustenance for birds and pollinators. Discussion includes ideas for landscape uses and pair plantings. Brookside Gardens, online. $15 (FOBG $12). Register
October 11, 10:30 am-noon. Seed Saving: Harvesting and Storing Your Garden’s Bounty Discover the art of seed saving in this hands on class with Kathy Jentz. Learn when and how to collect seeds, storage tips and seed lifespans. Brookside Gardens, Adult Classroom. $25 (FOBG $22). Register
October 14, 10:00 am-noon. Deer Resistant Garden Seminar. Visit the Baltimore County Master Gardeners' Demonstration Gardens to learn about the strategies to increase deer resistance in your landscape. Baltimore County Agricultural Center and Farm Park. Free; no registration required.
October 16, 7-8 pm. Next Steps for Nature. This webinar builds on Doug Tallamy’s newest book, How Can I Help?: Saving Nature with Your Yard, offering real-world solutions to the challenges people face when turning their landscapes into functional ecosystems. Tallamy addresses the most frequently asked questions about ecological landscaping. Topics include biodiversity, invasive species control, native vs. non-native plants, oak biology, monarch butterflies, urban habitat restoration, and more. Online. Free. Register
October 17, 10 am-2:30 pm. Introduction to Tree Identification. October is a great month to begin learning to ID our local trees and shrubs. With colorful leaves and this season’s seedpods hanging on, there are visible and fairly easy-to-find distinguishing characteristics to help sort out various species. Stephanie Mason will talk about techniques for tree ID, coupled with the introduction to and practice with a basic, easy-to-use ID key. Both beginners and those who want to brush up on their tree ID skills are welcome. Woodend Sanctuary Members $35 (nonmembers $49). Register
Oct 25, 10:30 am-2:30 pm. Techniques, Tips, and Tricks for Winter Seed Sowing. Unleash your winter sowing potential with this hands-on make-and-take learning experience that's economical and uses limited space. Harford County Public Library - Bel Air branch. Free; registration opens October 11. Register