When moving into a new home, figuring out what to do with the landscaping can be quite overwhelming. This class will take you through the process starting with assessing everything in your yard, both the hardscaping — sidewalks, patios, driveways — and the softscaping — flowers, shrubs, tree, lawn. We will then discuss how to create a long-range plan for your yard and how to start making changes. In the event of inclement weather, this class will be held virtually via Zoom.

Saturday, February 11^th @ 9:00 am

Learn about the history, benefits, and proven best practices for growing Shiitake mushrooms on logs at home or for small scale commercial use. In the event of inclement weather, this class will be held virtually via Zoom.

Saturday, March 11^th @ 9:00 am

Pruning is easy when you can identify how a plant grows, understand the purpose of pruning, and know proven pruning techniques. This class is designed to provide a solid base in the science and practice of selective pruning so you can enhance the beauty and vigor of your shrubs and trees.

Saturday, March 25^th @ 9:00 am

Not sure what to do with your kitchen, garden, and yard scraps? Would you like to start composting at home? Come learn the basics of home composting including what, where, and how to compost. We also will provide proven suggestions for your home compost bin design and discuss vermicomposting (composting with worms).

Saturday, May 13^th @ 9:00 am

During this class you will learn all about vegetable gardening from deciding where to put your garden to when to harvest your bounty. You will also learn about numerous crops that grow well in our area, how and when to plant them, and how to care for your garden throughout the year.

Saturday, June 10^th @ 9:00 am

Whether you are looking to grow vegetables and herbs, create a beautiful living screen, or just beautify your home, this class will help you get your container gardens off to a great start. Learn how to choose your containers, select and arrange plants, and maintain your containers so they look fabulous throughout the garden season.

Saturday, August 12^th @ 9:00 am

When is the best time to fertilize your lawn? What variety of grass seed grows best in the shade? How often should you lime your lawn? How do you know if you have a grub problem? Come learn the answers to these questions and more as we discuss how to make your lawn an attractive environmental asset.

September

This program has been canceled. We hope to reschedule it for next year. Picturesque lawns require vast inputs of time, energy, lawn care products, and water, but offer little wildlife habitat or food for people. This program will cover the basics of lawn reduction or elimination for the homeowner. We will discuss your goals, budgeting time and money, site assessment and site preparation, as well as the selection of appropriate plant material, including tips for establishing a wildflower meadow.

Saturday, October 14^th @ 9:00 am

Preparing a garden for overwintering is an art and a science. Removing dead leaves from some plants is healthy; others require them for winter protection. Many species, though dead, contribute food and form and creature protection; others benefit from wrapping against harsh winds and hungry deer. Learn the basics and apply them to your own garden.

Saturday, November 11^th @ 9:00 am

Integrating  Native Plants in Your Garden

Native plants can enhance your garden by adding structure, color, and texture, as well as food for native fauna such as pollinators and birds. During this class we will explore plants native to our region and how you can successfully integrate them into your current gardens transforming them into beautiful native sanctuaries.

Participants are encouraged to bring photos, site plans, and plant lists from their current gardens. After a short presentation we will work together to develop a multi-year plan to integrate natives throughout the landscape.

Saturday, December 9^th @ 9:00 am

During this introduction to the process of maple syrup creation, learn how to make real maple syrup as we touch briefly on the history of syrup production, discuss tree identification, learn about tree tapping and the collection and processing of sap into syrup.