Class Schedule
December 2019 – April 2020

Basic Residential Landscape Design | January 18, 25, February 1, 8, Studios: January 26, February 2

Learn the basics of site and structure then proceed with analyzing climate and setting. An emphasis on design theory includes color, texture, line, form and function. Plant selection, soil analysis, material selection and ecological responsiveness (resiliency) are also discussed and incorporated into your landscape design.

---

Soils Series

Soils, Part 1: The Properties of Soil and Life in the Soil | January 18

In this class, instructor Karin Stretchko discusses the physical properties of soil, and explains that soil is far from inert, hosting a myriad of chemical and life processes.

Soils, Part 2: Organic Matter and Sustainable Gardening | February 15

Karin Stretchko discusses organic matter in soil, including the process of decay, factors that affect organic matter content, how to manage it, and amendments to the soil.

Soils, Part 3: pH and Fertilization | March 14

Discuss soil pH and the many factors affecting it within soil chemistry, plant nutrition, and the nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium cycles, including how to read fertilizer labels with instructor, Karin Stretchko.

---

Selecting and Caring for Indoor Plants | February 1

Join Elise Benhase to discuss different types of houseplants, how to keep them alive, and how to find a place for them in your home.

---

Planning and Planting a Cutting Garden | February 22

Lewis Ginter horticulturist Laurie McMinn discusses how to plan and plant a cutting garden that is attractive, colorful, fragrant, and useful!

---

Organic Vegetable Gardening | February 22

Organic gardener Heather Veneziano discusses how to ‘go green’ with your garden, including soil amendments, plant maintenance and pest control.

---

Boxwood Care | March 7

Learn best management care for your boxwood from planting, pruning, rejuvenating older plants, to scouting for pests and current information on Box Blight.  Instructor Laurie McMinn

---

Planning and Designing a Kitchen Garden | March 7

Kitchen gardens are made for intensive cultivation, so they are usually smaller than traditional vegetable plots, can easily be fenced to deter deer and other critters, and they can look lovely! Mark covers planning, preparation, and plant selection, with a trip to the Garden’s Kroger Community Kitchen Garden for inspiration.

---

Digging In: Tips and Best Practices | March 26, April 2, April 9

Instructor Beth Burrell helps you take your home landscape to new places in this class. Step-by-step advice on plants best suited for the Richmond area, site preparation, proper planting techniques, and the finishing touches are discussed.

---

Herb Basics | April 4

Join foodie, world traveler and herbal expert Mark Ragland to learn how to make and maintain a successful herb garden. Mark offers tips for starting your garden, from selections—including some different ones and what works well in our area—and maintenance.

---

Roses 101 | April 5

Join Rose Garden Horticulturist, Laurie McMinn, for this introduction to rose gardening. Learn best practices for pruning and spend time in the Rose Garden for hands-on demonstrations.

---

Plants for Pollinators: Spring | April 11

Learn how to support honey bees and other important pollinators in your own yard through companion planting and pesticide-free practices. Elise Benhase looks at plants providing support to pollinators from spring to summer.

---

Spring Container Workshop | April 18

Garden horticulturist Dean Dietrich, responsible for the many spectacular container plantings in the Central Garden, shows you how to plan your container garden, from soil mixes and planting techniques to design tips and succession planting for seasonal color. Then, create your own container garden under Dean’s guidance.

---

The Beginner’s Perennial Garden | April 23

This workshop introduces you to hardy perennials, simple starter plans, and the basics of soil preparation. Instructor Beth Burrell (The Giving Tree) shares her years of experience as a landscape designer—including how to create a garden on a site with bad soil!

 

The Spring/Summer 2020 season of classes will publish on April 1, 2020.