Class Schedule December 2021 – April 2022

Winter Botany | January 10, 11 VIRTUAL

This course reveals all of the characteristics that woody plants leave behind during the winter months. Learn how to use this information to identify woody plants to the species level. The Winter Botany curriculum focuses on use of dichotomous keys and familiarizing attendees with the technical terminology surrounding identification of plants in winter.  Instructor: Dr. Doug DeBerry

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Planning and Planting a Cutting Garden | January 29 IN-PERSON

With many people concerned about the carbon footprint of commercially produced flowers or simply trying to save money, there is growing interest in cutting gardens. Lewis Ginter horticulturist Laurie McMinn discusses how to plan and plant a cutting garden that is attractive, colorful, fragrant, and useful!

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Soils Series

Learn about the life under your feet in this three-part series.  Take one or all three.

Soils, Part 1: Properties of Soil and Life in the Soil | February 5 IN-PERSON

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 | March 5 IN-PERSON

Instructor 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 | April 2 IN-PERSON

Karin Stretchko discusses 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.

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All About Perennials | February 18, 25, March 4 IN-PERSON

Learn how to design, select, plant and care for perennial plants in a year-round garden. Learn which plants thrive in the Richmond area and which are more challenging. The course covers perennial identification, soil preferences, how to plant and care according to the growth habit of plants.  Instructor: Christie Barry

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Boxwood Care | February 19 IN-PERSON

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

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Roses 101 | March 5 IN-PERSON

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. Laurie also discusses region-specific rose gardening and highlights some new, successful cultivars.

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Creating a Kitchen Garden | March 12 IN-PERSON

Mark Ragland helps you realize your kitchen garden in time for you to get your hands dirty and creative juices flowing for the spring thaw. Mark covers planning, preparation, and plant selection, with a trip to the Garden’s Kroger Community Kitchen Garden for inspiration.

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Creating a Backyard Wildlife Habitat | March 25, April 1, April 8 IN-PERSON

Learn to incorporate native plants into your landscape, through site evaluation and how to place the right plant in the right place. Specific trees, shrubs, perennials, grasses and vines are discussed, along with how each plant interacts with nature and which wildlife they would support and attract. Learn how to identify invasive species growing on your property. Instructor: Beth Farmer