by Jill Berry, posted by Deb Shaw
Looking up into the canopy of Platanus racemosa, or Western Sycamore. Photo by Deborah Shaw, 2014.
The Los Angeles Arboretum is offering an opportunity to learn about the botany of trees in a series of workshops:
ALL ABOUT TREES with Dr. Matt Ritter Workshops for Homeowners, Landscape Professionals & Plant Lovers
Each workshop will be held from 9:30 am – 12:30 pm. $25 Arboretum members per class; $30 non-members per class (includes Arboretum admission). Please call the Class Registration Line at 626.821.4623 to register, or you may register at the door.
Saturday, June 21: The Botany of Trees This workshop is specially designed for homeowners as well as landscape professionals, and will teach you everything you need to know about how to pick, plant, grow and understand trees.
Saturday, September 6: Tree Diversity and Natural History Learn about the remarkable tree diversity in Southern California, including natives, how to identify trees, and how to appreciate them.
Saturday, October 11: Trees for the 21st Century in So. California The focus in this class will be on the most appropriate trees for both small yards and for Southern California’s climate…in addition to undeservedly rare trees for this region and how to find them.
The Los Angeles Arboretum is located at 301 North Baldwin Avenue in Arcadia, California 91007.
Matt Ritter has a bachelor’s degree in microbiology and a Ph.D. in plant biology. He has authored numerous scientific papers and botanical treatments, including the second edition of the Jepson Manual, the Flora of North America Project, and a natural history guide to San Luis Obispo plants. He is a professor in the Biology Department at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, and director of the plant conservatory there. He holds a Kenan Fellowship at the National Tropical Botanical Gardens, is the chair of the City of San Luis Obispo Tree Committee, and editor-in-chief of Madroño, the journal of the California Botanical Society. http://www.baobabbotanical.com/Ritter