Class Schedule
August-December 2018

NOTE: online registration opens Wednesday, August 1, at 7 am

Plant it Now! Fall Vegetable Gardening | July 28

Horticulturist Heather Veneziano describes how to plan a fall garden and which plants work best in our climate. Veneziano describes organic gardening techniques and provides pointers for those who want to grow vegetables year-round.

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Plants for Pollinators: Fall | September 8

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 in late summer and early fall

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Vines and Groundcovers for Virginia Gardens | September 13

Vines and groundcovers add height, structure, and layers of interest to gardens while providing settings for showier plants. Instructor Beth Burrell reviews the use of these plants in the landscape and provides suggestions for use in our area.

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The Beginner’s Perennial Garden | September 20

Perennials can provide almost year-round color in an easy-care garden. This workshop introduces you to hardy perennials, simple starter plans, and the basics of soil preparation. Instructor Beth Burrell

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All About Honey Bees and Beekeeping | September 29

Those contemplating beekeeping can join Jesse the Beekeeper with East Coast Honey to find out what it takes. Jesse surveys the importance of honey bee pollination to our food supply, how consumers can take personal action to protect honey bees, and explains to aspiring beekeepers various aspects of beekeeping as a hobby and a business.  NOTE: This is an informational class, not a how-to course.

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Pruning Shrubs and Small Ornamental Trees | October 6

Instructor Janine Lester, a Board Certified Master Arborist, Municipal Specialist, and Qualified Tree Risk Assessor, will show you the basic “rules” of structural pruning, appropriate pruning seasons for various trees and shrubs, and demonstrate pruning techniques.

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Fall Container Workshop | October 13

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.

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Building Good Garden Soil | October 27

Find out how to build your soil for spring gardening. Learn the characteristics of basic soil types, and how to analyze your own soils, including amendment techniques, drainage, and more.  Instructor: Karin Stretchko

 

The Winter/Spring 2019 season of classes will publish on November 28, 2018.