Whether your audience is picking up a trowel for the first time or has decades of growing experience, Massachusetts Horticultural Society has a talk for them. Our speakers bring MHS's nearly 200 years of horticultural expertise to your garden club, library, community group, senior communities, and more—sparking curiosity, deepening knowledge, and connecting people to the plants and landscapes around them.
All presentations are available in person or virtually, making it easy to bring MHS expertise to your group wherever you are. Availability and lead time vary throughout the year—we recommend booking 6 to 12 months in advance to secure your preferred date.
Gretel Anspach is a data-driven, retired systems engineer who brings an engineer’s precision to every horticultural endeavor. A mathematics graduate of MIT, she spent her career at Raytheon before channeling her analytical mindset into the world of horticulture. She currently serves as a trustee of Massachusetts Horticultural Society and is a Lifetime Master Gardener, recognized with MMGA’s 2016 Lifetime Achievement Award.
With over two decades of experience in food pantry gardening, Gretel first led Raytheon’s company garden initiative, then went on to independently establish and maintain a 20,000-square-foot production garden serving the Marlborough and Maynard food pantries.
Gretel is known for demystifying the science behind gardening, combining her background in math and systems thinking with a passion for sharing knowledge. Her work bridges the gap between data and dirt—proving that logical thinking and healthy soil can grow more than just plants.
Price ranges from $250-$350
Melissa Pace is an award-winning horticulturist, competing in numerous flower shows nationwide - from the Philadelphia Flower Show to specialized cacti and succulent showcases. A University of Rhode Island Master Gardener since 2003, she also maintains an active membership in the Cactus and Succulent Society of Massachusetts.
For over 30 years, Melissa has always been eager to share her knowledge of plants. From working with local garden clubs and civic organizations to giving hands-on tours for nationwide conferences and symposia, her engaging talks blend practical insights with her passion for plants, captivating audiences from all walks of life.
Holding a Master’s degree in teaching from Bridgewater State University, she seamlessly integrates her roles as a teacher and horticulture enthusiast at Massachusetts Horticultural Society (MHS), where she engages with learners of all ages using her dynamic approach to plant education. She embodies the mission of MHS by encouraging everyone to become active growers.
Price ranges from $250-$350
Invite a member of the Massachusetts Horticultural Society's leadership team to bring nearly two centuries of horticultural history directly to your group. An MHS Executive Talk offers an engaging, insider perspective on America's first established horticultural society—from its founding in 1829 and legendary flower shows to the community-rooted programming and hands-on growing initiatives that define the Society's work today. Your speaker will explore MHS's enduring role in shaping horticulture in Massachusetts, highlight current garden and community initiatives, and speak to the organization's deep expertise in both the art and science of growing. Whether your group is curious about local garden history, the evolution of horticultural practice in New England, or the Society's ongoing work for the public good, this is a rich and compelling talk tailored to the interests of your audience.
Pricing available upon inquiry.
Our lecture topics span the full range of horticultural interest—from the science of soil to the joy of container gardening. Whether your group is new to growing or has years of experience, our speakers tailor each presentation to meet your audience where they are.
Looking for something specific that isn't listed here? We're happy to work with you to develop a custom talk that fits your group's interests and goals.
Topics in this category range from Gardening Basics and Vegetable Gardening to Companion Planting, Herbs, Bulbs, and Container Garden Design.
A full list of lecture topics and descriptions is available upon inquiry.
Topics in this category include Urban Gardening, Lawns and Lawn Alternatives, and New England Native Flora.
A full list of lecture topics and descriptions is available upon inquiry.
Topics in this category range from Soil Preparation and Composting to Pruning, Propagating, and Seed Saving.
A full list of lecture topics and descriptions is available upon inquiry.
Topics in this category include Botany 101, Botanical Nomenclature, Garden Math, and an exploration of GMOs.
A full list of lecture topics and descriptions is available upon inquiry.
Topics in this category range from Gardening Basics and Vegetable Gardening to Companion Planting, Herbs, Bulbs, and Container Garden Design.
A full list of lecture topics and descriptions is available upon inquiry.
Topics in this category include Urban Gardening, Lawns and Lawn Alternatives, and New England Native Flora.
A full list of lecture topics and descriptions is available upon inquiry.
Topics in this category range from Soil Preparation and Composting to Pruning, Propagating, and Seed Saving.
A full list of lecture topics and descriptions is available upon inquiry.
Topics in this category include Botany 101, Botanical Nomenclature, Garden Math, and an exploration of GMOs.
A full list of lecture topics and descriptions is available upon inquiry.
Please submit this form to receive information on our available lecture topics and next steps for booking.
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