Dates
Learn about our Science and meet the talented staff behind the work.
Sunday, July 26, 2026 at 1:00 pm
Training Flowers to be Trees
Kevin Murphy
Conservatory Ballroom
From lantana to poinsettia to Clerodendrum and more, Longwood’s experts transform flowers and vines into stunning tree forms—known as standards—through years of meticulous care. These iconic plants are more than artistic displays—they’re living examples of scientific precision and horticultural skill. Join Longwood Floriculture Manager Kevin Murphy to uncover the science behind the training, the species that make these designs possible, the design techniques that add height, and the teamwork that brings each display to life. Explore how research, patience, and creativity combine to turn horticultural science into breathtaking beauty.
Sunday, August 16, 2026 at 1:00 pm
How Beauty Shapes Scientific Discovery
Jessica Turner-Skoff, Ph.D.
Conservatory Ballroom
At Longwood, beauty is more than an outcome—it’s a catalyst for curiosity, creativity, and scientific discovery. Join Longwood Associate Director of Science Communications Jessica Turner-Skoff, Ph.D., and explore how visually compelling landscapes, elegant plant forms, and artful design sharpen observation, inspire research, and enrich the scientific process. Drawing from Longwood’s tradition of display-driven discovery, and global examples where aesthetics and science intersect (from botanical art that advances taxonomy to garden design experiments that reveal ecological patterns), consider how beauty helps us see more clearly, think more imaginatively, and pursue solutions that connect people, plants, and place. This talk invites you to consider beauty not as ornament, but as an essential partner in scientific exploration.
Sunday, September 20, 2026 at 1:00 pm
Digging into Compost Science
Erik Stefferud
Fountain Room
Compost is more than garden gold—it’s a driver of innovation and sustainability. Join Longwood Soils and Compost Manager Erik Stefferud for an inside look at Longwood’s composting research, including trials that evaluate which food-service products—utensils, cups, plates, bowls, and more—can successfully break down within our composting system. Explore how we transform waste into a resource through thoughtful compost formulations that support a circular approach to soil health. Plus, learn practical tips for turning everyday materials into living compost at home, creating healthier plants and a healthier environment.