Events

Landscaping with Native Small Trees and Shrubs          

Presenter: Connor Shaw, Possibility Place

Trees and shrubs can get overlooked when we are thinking about gardening, but as we learned from Doug Tallamy and Rick Darke, they are extremely important for helping the environment and the many, many animals that depend upon them.  Many of us don't always have enough space for a large tree like an Oak in our urban landscapes, but we could incorporate smaller trees and shrubs.  Conor, who is an expert on native trees and shrubs, will discuss the many woody species that have potential for smaller landscapes.  He will discuss height, width, flower, seed, positive insects, fall color and winter structure, as well as cultural practices for successful planting.

Blue Beech's Fall Color Photo: Possibility Place

Connor Shaw and his wife Jo reside in Monee, Illinois at their place of business, Possibility Place Nursery.  Established in 1978, the nursery has specialized in growing native plant material that is indigenous to the Chicago area.

With degrees in Forest and Wildland Hydrology, Connor acted as resource consultant on zone changes in the Chicagoland area. He determined what effect proposed developments would have on water, soils and vegetation in the report area.

Connor has taught classes on Arboriculture and Plant I.D. at Joliet Junior College and has taught seminars at the Morton Arboretum, and the Chicago Botanical Garden. Connor is invited to give many lectures each year at garden clubs, golf courses, association meetings, and arborist meetings.