Asked to speak in response to the question, “How has being a garden photographer all these years made you a better gardener?” prompted Karen Bussolini to dig deep into the importance of slowing down and seeing well. In the morning, we’ll explore how focus, framing and light are integral to both, what makes for a good photo (and how that applies to gardens), considering both details (close-up lens) and the big (wide angle) picture, and lessons brought home from close encounters with gardens across the country. The afternoon session will delve into Karen’s thought process as an eco-friendly garden coach helping people see their properties with new eyes. Before and after photos will illustrate how she considers visual, practical and environmental considerations all at once, in an “eco-friendly garden coach problem-solving brainstorm” encouraging stewardship and enjoyment of the natural world in our own yards.

This program is being offered in collaboration with the UConn Extension Master Gardener Program. To receive Advanced Master Gardener (AMG) credit, Master Gardeners must register for this program via the Garden Master Classes website. Everyone else may register below.

Commuter: $60 includes lunch

Karen Bussolini is a nationally known garden photographer, writer and speaker and eco-friendly garden coach. Her art background and focus on environmental topics - ecological landscaping, native plants, biodiversity, xeriscaping, organic gardening, planting for wildlife, pollinators and other beneficial insects – inform every aspect of her work. Slide talks combine beautiful original images, environmental science, personal observations, hands-on experience and a touch of humor. Her email newsletter, Eco-Friendly News, Views, Clues and How-To’s  is available at www.karenbussolini.com.