Speaking Programs

FRESH START HERBS - JONESVILLE MICHIGAN

Susan Betz is pleased to present these topics to garden groups and audiences upon request. All are available virtually!

To learn more & reserve your time, please contact Susan.

Herb Program Topics

Herbal Houseplants, How to Grow Beautiful Herbs Indoors, For Flavor, Fragrance, and Fun!

Hey, houseplant lovers: Are you ready to up your growing game? Whether your green thumb is weathered and worn or shiny and new, get ready to branch out and step into the world of growing your own herbs—indoors! Susan Betz lets you in on a little secret: Herbs make great houseplants. New techniques, efficient grow lights, and herb varieties specifically bred for compact spaces offer those in urban situations a better and easier way to grow these lovely plants indoors. In this presentation, you’ll learn: which herbs perform best as houseplants, how to care for them, and even how to harvest and use your homegrown herbs for culinary creations, household cleaning products, herbal teas, handmade crafts, and more.

Very inspiring!

This is the fifth time I have heard Susan before an audience and I have never been disappointed.

— Dee C.

A Green Revival: Cultivating Gardens For People, Place and Plants

The finest outdoor spaces are created in harmony with nature and demonstrate a respect for the web of life. Good design begins with understanding of the relationships between plants to place, plants to people, and plants to other plants. Everyone can have a garden – just not the same garden. Choosing plants that attract a variety of birds and other wildlife helps the environment as well as people by providing a rich, sensory experience in which to play, work, relax, grow food, and enjoy the benefits of being in nature. The focus of this presentation is how to plan and cultivate gardens and green spaces that honor the green bonds between people, place and plants. Climate and plant culture are different across the U.S., so it makes sense that in order to grow well, our landscapes need to be different too. It’s time to “localize” yards and create gardens and outdoor spaces that work in synergy with regional climate and plant culture. Because after all, good relationships give our lives meaning and worth. Handout included with talk.

Magical Moons & Seasonal Cycles: Garden Phenology

“Anyone in close sympathy with flower and tree and shrub and has a general acquaintance with Nature’s moods could tell the time of year without any reference to a calendar” -Gertrude Jekyll, Home, and Garden, Magazine 1900

Phenology is the exploration of the timing of natural periodic events in the plant and animal world influenced by the local environment, especially weather, temperature, seasonal cycles, and climate. Plant and animal life cycles are predictors of reoccurring events in nature. Examples include the first dates of budding and blooming flowers, insect hatching, bird migration, and fall color. By tracking changes in the timing and cycles of seasonal events, scientists, gardeners, and nature lovers can better understand climate change and its effects on our local ecosystems. Phenology enlightens gardeners with sustainable approaches to foster & partner with nature’s potential. Drawing from her decades of gardening experience and nature study Susan will discuss how to use “nature’s calendar.” When to plant and perform seasonal garden tasks and initiate preventive measures to control and prevent unwanted weeds, insects, and plant disease.

Catch the Enchantment: Growing and Using Scented Geraniums

Scented-leaf Pelargoniums are known for the extraordinary fragrance in their leaves and have been captivating gardeners for centuries. You can grow geraniums that smell like roses, nutmeg, peppermint, orange, lemon, and lime! Scented geraniums are easy to grow, both indoors and out. These nostalgic plants come in various shapes and sizes, each with a distinctive leaf form, texture, and flower. They have something to offer the adventurous gardener, cook, or crafter; their foliage is wonderful for bouquets, for scent, and in food or drink. Handout provided.

Neighboring With Nature: Native Herbs for Purpose and Pleasure

Let nature be your guide! In this presentation, Susan will introduce you to native plants from an herbal perspective. The defining characteristics of these delightful multitasking plants are their past or present uses in the home and garden. Native landscapes are diverse, sustainable, and beautifully paced to the seasons. From ground cover to the canopy, native herbs contribute to sustainable earth-friendly communities by attracting beneficial insects, birds, and other wildlife. Every backyard and neighborhood has a spot just waiting for the right neighborly native herb. Some fit perfectly into rock gardens, while others provide pleasing edges along garden paths. Others are useful for plantings along roadways, and many are well behaved enough to grow among the flowers in your beds and borders. Native herbs that will easily adapt to an existing landscaper garden and the Herb Society of America’s collection of Notable Native Herbs are highlighted in this lecture. Attendees will receive a handout with native herb resources, plant lists, and recipes.

People, Plants and Pollinators - The Herbal Connection

As gardeners, we are often reminded of the vital role that pollinators and beneficial insects play in our landscapes and food supply. There is much information about pollinator- friendly flowers, but what about herbs? Herbs are multi-task- ing plants in and out of the garden. Their flowers and fragrant foliage have something of value to offer both people and pollinators. Blending herbs into your yard and garden will in- crease biodiversity and ecological function. In this presentation, Susan discusses herbs to grow that will support and nourish people and wildlife in your backyard and beyond.

Susan would love to speak with your group!
Email her at michiganherbs007@me.com to get started!

“Excellent Presenter.”

Olbrich Botanical Gardens, Madison Wisconsin

Susan Betz was not only an exceptional speaker for our Membership Appreciation Week Herb Celebration, she was also an outstanding partner. She engaged in all aspects of planning, brought fresh ideas to the discussion, and enhanced her own planned presentation in a number of ways to suit our audience. Her presentation was friendly, informative, and engaging. She has tremendous knowledge and is generous with her time and talent. Thanks to her the celebration was a big success!

– Eva Stefanski, Horticultural Librarian, Olbrich Botanical Gardens

“Great speaker and delightful person!”

We had Susan speak for our annual symposium. She spoke on Mystical Moons and Seasonal Circles. She was such a delight . Her lecture was very engaging. She talked about the cycles in nature and how to become aware of the little things you look past every day. Her book is just wonderful. If you have children or are just crazy about being outside and witnessing nature's wonder, you will love this book. In addition to her being such a great speaker she is also a delightful person. Our guests just loved her!

— Lisa D.