Calling all gardeners.

Winter or not the Grosse Pointe Garden Center is hosting a special event Feb. 25 at 7 p.m. at the War Memorial in Grosse Pointe Farms featuring the United Kingdom’s Garden Editor Claire Mitchell.

She will be talking about what the science of climate change means for gardeners while also offering tips as an experienced horticulturist.

“It’s an inspiring and uplifting talk,” said Richard Thomas of St. Clair Shores, the horticultural director for Oudolf Garden Detroit. “Claire is an extremely creative person and filled with joy.”

He’s also worked with Mitchell.

The professional horticulturist runs Garden Editor, a horticulture advice and design consultancy focused on sustainable practices to help people improve their gardens and was commissioned by Britain’s Royal Horticultural Society to review Oudolf Garden Detroit. Of particular interest to the RHS was the maintenance process that has enabled Oufolf Garden Detroit to keep up with the changes caused by Michigan’s climate while keeping the original design by the renowned Dutch gardener and author intact.

Thomas said she’s very equipped to speak on the topic of climate change, especially since Britain has been dealing with their own version long before the U.S. They also have a garden designed by the Dutch nurseryman that’s three times the size of Oudolf Garden Detroit and is likely to talk about the principles they’ve used to adapt to climate change.

“I’ve seen her presentation and it’s brilliant,” Thomas said.

For more information or to register for the event visit gpgardencenter.org/. The War Memorial is at 32 Lake Shore Dr., in Grosse Pointe Farms.

Virtual gardening programs

If you’re looking for more events to inspire your passion for gardening Oudolf Garden Detroit will be hosting a Virtual Winter Lecture Series through April including:

The Technology of Oudolf Garden Detroit

Hosted by Duncan Campbell, Sean Loos and Chuck Milligan on Feb. 24 at 6:30 p.m. this event will feature a tour of the behind the scenes technology that supported the 2020 planting and supports the ongoing management of Oudolf Garden Detroit. Audiences will explore the geographic information system (GIS) database system that not only tracks plants, trees and scrubs but also maps infrastructure, irrigation and plant growth patterns and water usage. Drone imagery will allow visitors to see the plants grow before their eyes.

Beauty in Four Seasons

Grab your favorite beverage and take a visual romp through four seasons of texture, bloom and beauty at the Oudolf Garden Detroit on March 10 at 6:30 p.m.. Audiences will see the garden through the professional eye of photographer Ryan Southen with narration by horticulturist Richard Thomas. It’s a swift hour to spend online with friends, enliven memories and get recharged for the next season of growth.

The Oudolf Native Meadows

Meredith Simpson will host an overview of the beautiful Jean Wright Hudson Peace Meadows—a unique lakeplain wet prairie habitat on April 7 at 6:30 p.m. Simpson will discuss the who, what and how the efforts of Oudolf Garden Detroit have been able to rehabilitate this low-lying area surrounding the Nancy Brown Peace Carillon, and highlight some of the beautiful native plants in the Oudolf plant palette.

For more information visit oudolfgardendetroit.org.