Avon Library To Host Composting, Native Plant Workshops This Fall

AVON, CT — Avon residents interested in sustainable gardening, backyard composting, and native plants will have two opportunities to learn from local experts during upcoming programs at the Avon Free Public Library.

The library, located at 281 Country Club Road, will host a backyard composting workshop Wednesday, Nov. 4, and a native plant seed swap and workshop Saturday, Dec. 5.

Both programs will take place in the library's Community Room at 281 Country Club Road and are being offered in partnership with local environmental organizations.

The programs are designed to help residents develop practical gardening skills and learn ways to support the environment.

Backyard Composting Made Simple

The Avon Sustainability Commission and Avon Free Public Library will present "Backyard Composting Made Simple" on Wednesday, Nov. 4, at 6:30 p.m.

The in-person program will be led by Bob Lavorgna, a University of Connecticut Advanced Master Gardener and UConn Master Composter.

Lavorgna has taught "Composting for the Backyard Gardener," a multi-week course through the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at UConn's Waterbury campus.

He has also mentored students in UConn's Master Gardener Program and presented gardening and composting programs throughout northwestern Connecticut.

The workshop is designed for gardeners of all experience levels and will provide practical information about backyard composting.

Event details:

• Date: Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2026
• Time: 6:30 p.m.
• Location: Avon Free Public Library Community Room, 281 Country Club Road
• Presenter: Bob Lavorgna, UConn Advanced Master Gardener and Master Composter
• Sponsors: Avon Sustainability Commission and Avon Free Public Library
• Registration: Register online

Native Plant Seed Swap & Workshop

The library and Avon Land Trust will co-sponsor a Native Plant Seed Swap & Workshop on Saturday, Dec. 5, at 11 a.m.

The program will feature Lisa Newell of Rewild Native Plant Nursery, who is also a Xerces Society ambassador, and Tom Kassan, a master woodland manager and president of the Avon Land Trust.

Participants will learn about the benefits of native plants and how to collect, exchange, and grow seeds for their home gardens.

The workshop will include:

• Learning about the environmental benefits of native plants.
• Discovering how and where to collect native plant seeds.
• Learning how to sow seeds for home gardens.
• Receiving seeds of selected native plants, including asters, coneflowers, and milkweeds.
• Bringing seeds from home to exchange with other participants.

Event details:

• Date: Saturday, Dec. 5, 2026
• Time: 11 a.m.
• Location: Avon Free Public Library Community Room, 281 Country Club Road
• Presenters: Lisa Newell of Rewild Native Plant Nursery and Tom Kassan, president of the Avon Land Trust
• Sponsors: Avon Free Public Library and Avon Land Trust
• Registration: Register online

The workshops are part of the library's community educational programming, developed in collaboration with local environmental organizations, including the Avon Clean Energy Commission and Avon Land Trust.

Residents can learn more about library programs by visiting the Avon Free Public Library website.