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Native Plant Garden Design and Plant Selection
This educational session, led by Peter Scavongelli of FoxRock Farms, explores the critical role of native plant habitats and pollination systems. The program covers how to design gardens that foster biodiversity by creating “ecological matches” between plants and specialist pollinators, such as at-risk Massachusetts bumblebees. Participants will learn practical design and maintenance strategies, including soil “ribbon tests” and sun tracking, to support the entire food web—from honeybees to native pollinators.
There will be plenty of time for questions and discussion and you’ll receive a PDF of the slideshow after the program.
This program will take place rain or shine and will be held inside the Heald Center at the J.K. Lilly III Automobile Gallery.
This program is free with museum admission or membership. No advance registration required.
About FoxRock Farms
The mission of FoxRock Farms is to build community through education and food accessibility. They strive to educate people on the importance of natural habitats, pollination systems, and sustainable practices through hands-on experience. Their hope is that their produce and wildflower honey will deepen our connection to our food and where it comes from.
The team at FoxRock Farms has planted over 14,500 native plants to feed not only their honeybees, but also at-risk pollinators like butterflies, birds, moths, beetles, flies, and wasps. They have 500 hives up and down the South Shore of Massachusetts, with up to 17 million bees in their hives during peak season! In addition to their true wildflower honey, they grow fresh organic produce at their farm in Norwell. They also have a 56-acre working cranberry bog farm in Kingston, and take great pride in their sustainable agriculture practices.
Location: The Heald Center at the J.K. Lilly III Automobile Gallery
- MEMBER: Free with Admission
- NON-MEMBER: Free with Admission
- EMAIL: programming@heritagemuseums.org
Speaker
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Steven FlackMaster GardenerOriginally from Paramus, New Jersey, Steven spent most of his professional career in Atlanta, Georgia as a corporate patent attorney. More recently, Steven worked in Albany, New York as a patent attorney for a biotechnology company that developed innovative uses for mushrooms (and mycelium in particular), including sustainable packaging, vegan bacon, and vegan leather products formed from mycelium.
During the COVID pandemic, Steven embraced remote work and, together with his wife, relocated full-time to Yarmouth Port four years ago. They purchased and restored an 18th-century Captain’s home, designing expansive perennial, herb, fruit, and vegetable kitchen gardens inspired by designs from the colonial era. Steven’s passion for gardening stems from his childhood and in 2022 he obtained his certification as a Master Gardener.
Steven’s herb garden features more than 60 varieties, arranged in both formal and cottage styles. The fruit and vegetable garden showcases espaliered fruit trees, native fruit trees, and raised beds built with traditional peg construction. Steven frequently lectures on the history of gardening, heirloom “herb” and other perennial plants, and traditional cultivation techniques.
