CE - Complete Overview of Gardening & Landscaping for Novice

The class will examine all the primary concepts for both gardening and landscaping with emphasis on home gardening. The instructor will lecture for approximately the first half of class, with visuals, and students will join in conversation for the second half, seminar style. Week 1 – 6/12: Plant selection (criteria) — Plant Sourcing (seasonality) Micro climates, soil types (drainage), drought tolerance, maintenance issues (species specific), pest vulnerability, light requirements, temperature requirements and limitations, personal preferences. Sources of information. Week 2 – 6/26: Gardening vs Landscaping, Part One (gardening) Garden philosophies, seasonality, style/theme, elements of design: hardscape, focal point(s), formality, practicality/utility, permanence/versatility, maintenance issues (general). Week 3 – 7/3: Getting to Know Plant Names and “Families” Common names vs. Botanical (Latin names), genus-species-selections-cultivars, annuals-perennials-herbaceous perennials-ground covers-shrubby perennials, sub-shrubs, shrubs, vines-trees (and cacti, succulents), commercial nursery marketing and practices, propagation (cloning-cutting-slipping). Week 4 – 7/10: Gardening vs Landscaping, Part Two (landscaping) Garden philosophies, seasonality, style/theme, elements of design: hardscape, focal point(s), formality, practicality/utility, permanence/versatility, maintenance issues (general). Week 5 – 7/17: Vegetable and Fruit Gardening, Organic Gardening, Herbs Paying attention to the calendar, soil and cultural requirements by species, pest management, propagation, working with and saving seeds, sourcing, harvesting, and preserving our favored crops. Pruning (trees). Bare root vs. container grown, transplanting, container gardening. Week 6 – TBD: Nursery Visits (Saturday or Sunday to be discussed with students) At least two local retail nurseries in one afternoon, most likely on the weekend. CLASS SCHEDULE: Subject to Change: Due to their very nature, our classes are “subject to change”. Class change notices will be sent via email to the email address on file. Please check your email OR check class status at the Community Programs website before your scheduled class.