Speakers Bureau

For questions about inviting a speaker to your event, please contact Marilyn Walsh at mfw5705@psu.edu. We encourage all organizations who can to make a $100 donation to our organization so that we may continue to run our programs throughout the county. Our speakers are volunteers, so any events scheduled are dependent on availability. We will do our best to meet your needs. We are not requesting a donation for our Spotted Lanternfly presentation.

Please complete this form when you've found the topics of interest to you.

Speaker Request

Hot Topics

Spotted Lanternfly is Here!

Learn why these insects are fearsome pests. What do they look like? How do we fight them? Be ready for their arrival, if they haven't already appeared in your community. This presentation includes the latest research and statistics from Penn State and other researchers, as well as relevant information for homeowners. Learn how to detect, identify, and remove these pests from your property. (30 minutes, In-person or Virtual)

Certifying Your Property as "Pollinator-Friendly"

Pollinators need our help. Both native bees and domestic bee populations are declining, affected by habitat loss, disease, and contact with pesticides. Penn State Extension Master Gardeners are taking action to protect pollinators by planting pollinator-friendly gardens and providing education for the gardening public. You can join this effort by providing food and habitat for native insects/animals. Pollinators will, in turn, provide the pollination needed to protect our plant diversity and food sources. Certifying your property as "Pollinator Friendly" will help support a healthy ecosystem for our community and our future. This presentation will cover all of the reasons and steps necessary to apply for this important certification. (60 minutes, In-person or Virtual)

Basic Gardening Skills

Compost Happens!!!

Compost is a natural process that more often than not, home composters manage to impede! We will look at the basics of home composting from bin selection to the use of the finished product. We will have samples of healthy compost and samples of compost sadly gone wrong! You will learn to judge your compost by eye and nose and how to make necessary corrections. We will cover both kitchen and landscape composting. After the class, you will be able to confidently select a compost bin that meets your needs, know what tools you need to work your compost, know what is safe and practical for composting, and judge the health of your compost. (60 minutes, In-person)

Cool Tools - Other Stuff - Tool Care for the Gardener

Do your garden tools do most of the work? Or do your tools make you do most of the work? If your tools are the boss, and not you, then this program is designed for you! It is a 'show-n-tell' that highlights interesting gardening products: unusual/ergonomic tools (pruners, spades, weeders, etc.), accessories (gloves, tool carriers, kneepads, etc.), bio-friendly chemicals, and publications. As with any tool, keeping it in tip-top shape not only maximizes its effectiveness, but saves money by extending the life of the tool. We will also highlight the maintenance steps for a garden tool(s) - cleaning, protecting, sharpening, lubricating and disinfecting. A handout will include the name, model #, approximate cost, where to purchase, and a summary of the salient features of each of the items discussed, as well as some products that are useful for tool maintenance. (60 minutes, In-person. Available in North Hills area only.)

Frugal Gardening: Reduce. Reuse. Recycle.

You can incorporate these three 'R's into your garden. Many of us are looking for ways to save money. Others are looking for ways to live more ecologically-friendly lives. Come to this class and learn a host of frugal gardening tips. Following the yearly garden calendar, we will discuss ways to reduce costs and save time (And isn't time just another form of money?) (60 minutes, In-person or Virtual)

Gardening from Seed

Gardening dilemmas: buying a packet of 50 seeds or a four-pack of plants for the same price; choosing a special variety of tomato versus taking what the box store offers; or knowing whether the emphasis on your seedlings was on healthy roots or appealing foliage? We'll help you address these life quandaries. In Gardening from Seed, we will cover: buying quality seeds, preparing them for success, optimizing their growth, and ultimately transplanting them to the garden. In summer, you can enjoy your garden all the more knowing that you cultured your plants from seed. You will save money, display unique plant varieties, and enjoy healthier plants. (60 minutes, In-person)

Hugelkultur Gardening - Classy and Cheap!

Hugelkultur is a German gardening technique that has become popular among no-till, no-dig enthusiasts worldwide. It is a proven process that follows the permaculture principles. You've heard about many kinds of beds, but have you heard about a mound bed or a hill bed? Well, that is what "hugel" means: a hill bed. It's been around for over 100 years, mostly in Germany and Eastern Europe, but its roots really go way further back into biodynamic agriculture and the philosophical and esoteric teachings of Rudolph Steiner. It's a fascinating subject and technique that will help you fill your raised beds economically with composting logs and debris. It works on soil fertility, irrigation, and longer growing surfaces, and it uses resources in your own backyard. (45 - 60 minutes, In-person or Virtual)

Mulch Madness

Let’s talk mulch … and all the ways that buying it and spreading it can be easier on you and healthier for your soil and plants. Mulch is critical for soil health and for protecting tree and plant roots. It improves the soil and protects plants from the sun and rain, unless there is just too much of it! In this talk, we emphasize mulch in the landscape rather than in vegetable gardens. You know, the ten cubic yards of moldering wood chips that are dumped in your driveway for you to spread around, creating mulch volcanos, mulch deserts, and mulch glaciers. This talk covers the benefits of landscape mulch as well as its inherent problems. Topics include: 1) buying the correct quantity, 2) using mulch sparingly for the health of the soil, plants, and trees, 3) spreading it safely, and 4) knowing your mulch alternatives.

Straw Bale Gardening

Intrigued by Straw Bale Gardening? Come and learn about the many advantages of straw bale gardening including accessibility, start-up savings, minimal maintenance (NO WEEDING), early and late planting possibilities, and pest and disease resistance. This class will cover the various ways to set-up, condition, trellis and irrigate the bales. We will also discuss the Allegheny County Penn State Master Gardeners' straw bale gardening trials with veggies, herbs, and companion herbs and flowers. (60 minutes, In-person or Virtual)

Weeds!

What is a weed? A noxious weed? An invasive weed? Learn to identify those and other bad and not-so-bad weeds, and how to apply IWM, Integrated Weed Management. (45 minutes, In-person or Virtual)

Wetlands 101

What is a wetland? What is the difference between a marsh, a fen and a bog? What flowers grow there? Are they any examples in our area? Learn the answers to these questions and more. (45 minutes, In-person or Virtual)

What's Wrong with My Plant?!? How Master Gardeners Diagnose the Problem from Pests, Diseases, and Cultural Disorders

No garden, whatever its size, is free of plant problems such as pests, diseases and cultural (abiotic) disorders. In this workshop, you will learn methods to keep your plants healthy and prevent problems by making your plants more able to withstand potentially harmful organisms. Learn about appropriate plant choices, favorable growing conditions, and good gardening practices. But when the inevitable problem does develop, you will want to be able to identify and control what specifically has damaged your plant. This presentation will discuss some of the common plant problems in the home garden and the integrated approach to controlling pests and diseases by using organic cultural, physical, mechanical, and biological tactics, as well as the sensible use of pesticides. (45 to 60 minutes, In-person or Virtual)

Edibles

Culinary Herbs in the Home Garden - For Use and For Delight!!

Culinary herbs are easy to grow and are used for their flavor and fragrance to season food. They are also showy in the garden and as container plants. In addition, their nectar-producing flowers attract butterflies and beneficial insects, and a few are host plants for caterpillars of the beautiful black swallowtail butterfly. This talk provides practical information on different aspects of culinary herb gardening, including identification, hardiness, cultivation, disease-resistant cultivars, pollinators, propagation, harvesting, and suggestions for using them in the kitchen with selected recipes (pesto anyone?). Grow herbs in your garden for fragrance and beauty, to attract pollinators, and to add delight to your everyday cooking! (45 to 60 minutes, In-person or Virtual)

Edible Landscaping

With an increased interest in growing your own food, heirloom fruits and vegetables are now mainstream. Seed companies and nurseries are providing homeowners with many more options of attractive edible plants for the landscape. Fruits and vegetables can easily be incorporated into a shrub border providing both beauty and a source of quality food. If space is limited, edibles can be grown in containers or window boxes. Consider planting a flowering fruit tree rather than a purely ornamental specimen. It is fun to experiment with edibles and the rewards are delicious! (60 minutes, In-person or Virtual)

Flavor Your Life: Growing Your Own Herbs and More

Growing and harvesting your own herbs can add wonderful flavor and fragrance to dishes, beauty to your garden, and a touch of nature to your home. This presentation details all aspects of herb horticulture from selection to harvest. New varieties and best varieties will be discussed. Recipes will be provided along with handouts for home reference. Learn how to grow, maintain, propagate, and extend the season so you can enjoy these attractive and useful plants both outdoors and indoors. (60 minutes, In-person)

Growing Figs in Your Garden of Eden

Did you ever eat a luscious, juicy, fresh fig? It tastes nothing like that Fig Newton! Come learn about the origin and cultural history of figs, their unusual characteristics as well as varieties specific to northern climates. Yes. It is possible to grow fig trees in Pennsylvania! We will explore how and when to propagate, prune, harvest, and preserve figs. And finally, we will look at several ways to overwinter and protect figs. (60 minutes, In-person or Virtual)

Growing Small Fruit

It is very satisfying to eat fruit that you have grown and harvested from your own garden. This program explores the requirements of growing small fruits and a limited discussion on varietal choices. For the purpose of this class, small fruit includes berries, currants, and rhubarb. These fruits are easily integrated into your garden because they do not require a great deal of space. (60 minutes, In-person or Virtual)

Heirloom Vegetables

What are heirloom vegetables and why grow them? Learn what defines a plant as an heirloom, and cherish their stories. See and taste the difference. (45 - 60 minutes, In-person)

Succession Planting and Year-Round Gardening

Gardening is not necessarily a summer-only activity. The growing season in Western PA usually refers to the number of days between the last spring frost and the first frost in the fall. Typical spring frosts can occur between April 1-June 1, while fall frosts can occur anytime between September 1- October 31. This is a wide range and specific weather patterns need to be observed. But with planning and some aid, it is possible to grow a variety of crops from April-October and beyond. (45 - 60 minutes, In-person)

A Taste of India!! Spices and Herbs Used in Indian Cuisine

Indian cuisine is as old as the civilization (~4,000 years) and as varied as its population. Typical of the cuisine is an integral role of aromatic spices and herbs. There is a penchant for spicy curries eaten daily with rice or wheat bread, depending on the region, as well as the widespread practice of vegetarianism among some religious groups. The cuisine reflects the remarkable regional diversity caused over the centuries by varied topography, climate, religions, and cultural customs, as well as the historical influences of India's occupation by Portuguese, Mogul (Muslim), and British regimes. This presentation will discuss the description, cultivation, propagation, and culinary use of common and unique spices and herbs used in Indian cooking and factors that contributed to the regional diversity will also be reviewed. (45 to 60 minutes, In-person or Virtual)

Tomatoes!

Tomatoes are the most popular vegetable that gardeners grow each summer in Pennsylvania. What do the terms determinate and indeterminate mean? Can tomatoes be grown in containers? When can they be planted? Do they need to be staked? Do they need to be pruned? From seed to harvest, we will discuss how best to grow tomatoes here in southwestern Pennsylvania and answer all of those questions. Favorite varieties will also be discussed. (45 - 60 minutes, In-person)

Vegetable Gardening

Growing your own food is one of the most satisfying forms of gardening. In today's economy, many are now turning to their backyard vegetable plots to help lessen high grocery bills. Vegetable gardening provides the opportunity to select the varieties you like. It provides your family with fresh produce that is free from harmful pesticides. This class will cover the basics of planning your vegetable garden, preparing the soil, selecting plant and seed varieties (including hybrids and heirlooms), starting plants from seed, planting, tending your plants, troubleshooting problems, harvesting, extending the season, getting the most out of small plots, and putting the garden to bed for the winter. (45 - 60 minutes, In-person or Virtual)

Garden Design

Perennials: Three Seasons of Color in the Garden

In this presentation, we will look closely at an example perennial garden and how it changes throughout the growing season. There will be a discussion of appropriate plants for the 3-season garden as well as care and maintenance of the perennial border. (60 minutes, In-person or Virtual)

Garden Guests: From Pollinators to Pests

Gardening for Butterflies

The name says it all! If we want to attract butterflies to our gardens, we have to supply them with the proper habitat, host plants and nectar opportunities. Learn which butterflies are native to western Pennsylvania and what they look like as caterpillars. Learn the plants that will lure them to our gardens and what plants will provide nectar is for every month of the growing season. (45 minutes, In-person or Virtual)

It's for the Birds!

This presentation will look at the seven basic needs of our feathered friends, why we should care, and how we can help support them in our gardens. Native plants that are beneficial to the health and welfare of our birds and gardens will be highlighted. We will also discuss why invasive plants should be avoided. (45 - 60 minutes, In-person or Virtual)

Landscaping in Deer Country

Is there anything we can do to discourage deer from destroying our gardens? In this presentation, the facts about our 'enemy' and how to use these facts to the gardener's advantage will be discussed. Plants highlighted are those recommended as deer resistant in Western Pennsylvania by Master Gardeners. This is a 25-minute presentation. (25 minutes, In-person or Virtual)

Native Bees: Overlooked and Important

Forget the honeybee and its much-publicized decline for a moment. Pennsylvania is home to over 400 species of wild bees who aid in pollination and who lead diverse and fascinating lives.  Find out something about where and how they live.  Learn what differentiates them from flies and wasps.  You will come to appreciate these lesser-known bees who visit your garden and learn how you can help prevent their decline.

Operation Monarch

In this hands-on class, we will discuss the importance of Butterfly Weed (Asclepius tuberosa) in the lifecycle of the monarch butterfly. The process of starting the beautiful perennial butterfly weed (Asclepius tuberosa) from seeds will be demonstrated. Also, a discussion of the care of butterfly weed in the garden will be included. Your group will provide the materials for this session. (30 minutes, In-person)

Organic Pest Control

Is your garden out of control? Have you done all the "right things", but are still losing the war against insects and diseases? Are you worried about the bees and other pollinators? Are you looking for safe, organic solutions? If so, it is time to take a look at research-based, organic pest control strategies and products. (60 minutes, In-person or Virtual)

Poisonous Plants

Vegetation sustains life. People eat a variety of plants every day but there are some plants that are toxic to people. This presentation will include the identification of plants that are far from beneficial to humans. Learn about the plants that are toxic when ingested and those that cause dermatitis to sensitive humans merely by touch. (45 minutes, In-person or Virtual)

Tree Pests and Diseases

From scale, borers, and beetles to scab, cankers, wilts, and rots, we will explore the most common tree pests and diseases. How can a diagnosis be made? What can you do yourself? When is it time to call in the professionals? (45 minutes, In-person or Virtual)

Ornamental Plants

Bulbs for Spring and Beyond

This presentation covers all aspects of bulb gardening with plenty of pictures and suggestions to help you develop a garden that blooms for you nearly all year-round. You will learn about the various types of bulb structures, expected bloom sequence, dealing with critters, planting guidelines, and more. There will be time for discussion and questions, too, to help you get started with adding this valuable component to your home garden. (60 minutes, In-person)

Dahlias are Dramatic!

Almost everyone loves dahlias. With their many sizes, shapes and colors, dahlias are a wonderful addition to the garden. They can be used as anything from a main focal point to a complementary companion. With the variety of cultivars available, dahlias will bring a wow factor to almost any garden. Dahlias should not be overlooked! (45 – 60 minutes, In-person)

Hydrangeas for the Home Garden – Culture, Flower Color, Pruning, Pests, and Propagation

Hydrangeas are a mainstay of the summer garden ranking high among flowering shrubs. Grown worldwide, they are versatile plants with long bloom periods and a range of flower colors. They are ideal as specimen plants, in shrub or mixed borders, in woodland or pollinator gardens, and in containers. Hydrangea blooms are long-lasting cut flowers and dry well, too. Learn how to identify the different types of both native and non-native hydrangeas, as well as the new remontant (reblooming) cultivars. This presentation covers how to grow, prune, and propagate these incredible shrubs, their pests, and related FAQs, such as how to change flower color, what causes yellowing of leaves, and reasons why they don’t bloom.

Peonies and the Glory of the June Perennial Garden

Almost all of us grow peonies or know someone who grows them. But how do we care for these beloved plants? Throughout this presentation, we will explore the care of the peony, as well as highlight companion plants that complement these glorious flowers. (60 minutes, In-person or Virtual)

Small Spaces: Can I Fit That Container Here?

This presentation will reveal the wonderful world of container gardening, especially in small spaces. Various types of containers will be explored, identifying the pros and cons of each type. We will also delve into design options using the container and the plant(s) in it. Many tips will be highlighted that will help you use containers as design elements in your own garden. We will discuss the care and maintenance needed to keep your container gardens healthy. (45 - 60 minutes, In-person or Virtual)

Too Many Hostas?

While used most often as an edge plant or a ground cover, hostas are overlooked as a potential primary plant in the garden. With over 7,000 different hostas registered with the American Hosta Society, there is a wide range of size, color, textures, and shapes available for use. In this presentation, we will see several gardens where hostas are the primary focus, as well as gardens where hostas are used to accent the garden. (45 – 60 minutes, In-person) 

Trees of Pennsylvania

An overview of the trees typically found in a Pennsylvania forest. In this presentation, the common uses of trees, preferred environments, pests, and the interrelation of trees, will be discussed. (45 minutes, In-person or Virtual)

Wildflowers of Pennsylvania

Take a virtual hike with me to discover the many wildflowers native to western Pennsylvania. We will explore by season, learning the wildflowers' folklore, preferred habitat, and culinary/medicinal benefits, if any. (60 minutes, In-person or Virtual)