Plant ID & Ecology: Conifers

What exactly is a conifer? A deceptive question—what’s an evergreen, yet not always an evergreen? In this field-study class, Jeff O’Donal, nurseryman and conifer grower, will explore this extensive world, including native and non-native species, specimen plants and those great for naturalizing into our native landscapes. Diverse, conifers grow in all sorts of shapes and sizes, and the needle species offer so many options: variations of gold and blue, soft or coarse textures, varieties of needle lengths, deciduous or evergreen, fragrant or neutral—there’s something for every style and landscape, from gardens to containers.

Please note this class requires participants to show proof of having received all eligible Covid-19 vaccinations, as recommended for their age by the CDC, in order to participate. Because of the dynamic nature of this situation, we ask that you agree to abide by potential future changes in CMBG’s Covid-19 policy designed to address evolving public health recommendations.

To say he’s lived as a nursery grower all his life is not an understatement, Jeff O’Donal grew up on the premises of what is today’s O’Donal’s Nursery in Gorham, Maine. In 2005, Jeff bought the nursery from his father, Royce, who purchased the nursery in 1959 from what was Jackson Nursery and Landscaping (circa 1850). The nursery is legacy and landmark for many thousands of New Englanders to procure plants annually. Jeff, a graduate of Stockbridge School of Agriculture, is incredibly passionate about growing plants, as you’ll see when you attend any of his workshops or lectures, particularly about daylilies and evergreens.