Tuesday, May 14, 2013

May and June Savvy Gardener Classes!

Savvy Gardener Class Catalog - Spring 2013
Updated 5/2/2013
Join us for May and June Savvy Gardener Classes!
We have added new classes. Come get inspired and learn from trusted gardening experts on what you can do next in your garden. We hope to see you soon.
Please note that most of these classes require pre-registration through Brown Paper Tickets. Just click on the link for each class and register online or call Brown Paper Tickets for friendly help. These classes are brought to you by the Saving Water Partnership, Cascade Water Alliance and the many local water utilities that comprise these organizations.

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Edible Landscapes for the Homeowner
Jessi Bloom,Owner and lead designer of N.W. Bloom EcoLogical Landscapes
Would you like to grow your own food but think it’s too much work or takes too much time? Join award- winning landscape designer Jessi Bloom and learn how to employ design strategies from nature, so you can grow easy peasy edibles that are low maintenance, resilient, and sustainable. Plant once and enjoy the harvest from your edible landscape for years. Jessi will cover basic food forest design and show her favorite low maintenance edibles for the Pacific Northwest. This class is guaranteed fun!
Secrets of Companion Planting in Your Edible Garden
Laura Matter, Seattle Tilth
Everything in the garden is connected! Instead of combining plant varieties that compete with each other for water and nutrients, learn how to choose communities of plants that grow well together and encourage each other’s growth. In this class, we will discuss characteristics of your annual and perennial food crops, and how to group them together into mutually beneficial plant communities for maximizing space and harvest. We will explore the permaculture concept of “guilds” and use nature as a model for expanding your garden.

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Container Gardens with a Twist
Marianne Binetti, Radio host, author, columnist
Learn how to design and maintain colorful containers that don't require constant care and water. Meet fantastic foliage plants, new bloomers that don't have drinking problems, and creative ways to grow edibles and ornamentals for year-round color in pots. You won't be able to contain your enthusiasm with these great ideas. Some free samples included for all class participants.
Designing the Northwest Garden
Greg Rabourn, Educator, radio personality, author or Marianne Binetti, Radio host, author, columnist
Thoughtful garden design creates a healthy, relaxing space for people, pets, and wildlife. Whether you are starting from scratch or just want to improve your existing landscape, you will be shown how to design a true northwest garden that will allow your family time to relax and enjoy their surroundings while keeping maintenance time low.
Favorite Northwest Natives for Sun and Shade
Greg Rabourn, Educator, radio personality
Add beautiful color, texture and wildlife benefits to your garden by incorporating stunning northwest natives. Greg Rabourn will show you different plants that will thrive in sunny hot spots or shady corners. Follow Greg's tips and you will be amazed at the birds and butterflies that visit your garden while also reducing your yard maintenance.
Native Splendor in the GardenEmily Bishton, Landscape designer and environmental educator
Learn about Pacific Northwest native plants that are beautiful, easy to care for, and thrive in our unique climate and soil conditions. We’ll focus on plant selections for a variety of growing conditions including challenges such as dry sun and shade, how to use natives as the foundation for a new landscape or incorporate them into an existing landscape, and maintenance practices that keep them healthy and growing strong.
  • Saturday, May 18; 10am-11:30am
    Foster High School, Commons Area
    4242 S. 144th St, Tukwila
    Register Online | Phone: 1-800-838-3006
Sustainable Garden Design
Jessi Bloom, Owner and lead designer of N.W. Bloom EcoLogical Landscapes
Landscapes and gardens offer a wealth of benefits if designed and managed well. Jessica will teach you how to look at your garden as an ecosystem and explore the possibilities to make your space more sustainable. She will cover building healthy soils, good design and planning, as well as proper maintenance strategies to reduce work while preserving our natural resources. The class will go through the design process, how to choose plants and prioritize uses for your space. You’ll see examples of beautiful, sustainable landscapes for inspiration. After taking this class you will have the tools to begin a journey towards making your own garden more sustainable.
Sustainable Gardening…a better way to beautiful
Peggy Campbell, Horticulturist
Healthier gardens of easy-care plants with fewer weeds, less watering, and no chemicals? It’s possible! Learn from horticulturist Peggy Campbell successful techniques and practical tips for transitioning your garden to a sustainable one. And discover how to select plants that will thrive in your garden.
Transform Your Dry Shade into Lush Beauty
Marianne Binetti, Radio host, author, columnist
Dry Shade? No Problem. Learn how to add color and drama to your landscape even in the most difficult situations such as the north side of your house or under cedar and fir trees. We’ll discuss key ingredients for success such as improving your soil, selecting the right plants, and practical watering methods. The class will include beautiful photos and a plant list that will inspire you to love your shade.
Wildlife-Friendly Gardening for Beauty and Sustainability
Emily Bishton, Landscape designer and environmental educator
Welcome songbirds, butterflies, and beneficial insects into your yard while conserving natural resources at the same time. Discover how urban wildlife can provide you with year-round natural pest and weed control and better pollination. Then, learn about design techniques and maintenance practices that can attract and nurture beneficial wildlife in your garden for years to come.

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Advanced Soils
Ladd Smith, Co-owner of In Harmony Landscape Services
Healthy soil is the key to our planet’s future. This class will cover the biology and structure of soil and show you how to introduce, nurture and replenish beneficial organisms that will help your soil produce a beautiful and healthy landscape.

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Natural Yard Care
Ladd Smith, Co-owner of In Harmony Landscape Services
By working with Mother Nature, you can have a great looking landscape that’s easier to care for and healthier for families, pets, wildlife, and our great Northwest environment. Come learn what Natural Yard Care is all about and how to create a healthy, beautiful yard.
Strategies for Weed Control
Ladd Smith, Co-owner of In Harmony Landscape Services
Strategies for weed control; learn about Integrated Weed Management. This class will explain why weeds are the toughest pests to control in gardens. Long-term success with weed control means understanding why weeds are successful and then developing a plan using a variety of weed control methods. Learn how certain weeds are Mother Nature’s signs of underlining challenges in the landscape.

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Drip Irrigation 101
Susie Egan, Owner of Cottage Lake Gardens, Master Gardener or
Carey Thornton, Seattle Tilth
Drip irrigation can be 50% more efficient than a regular sprinkler system. This class will teach you how to install a simple, inexpensive drip system without electrical wiring or the need for a professional. Plus, all the components are available at your local hardware or home improvement store. Your plants will be healthier with drip, and you won’t have to worry about dragging around hoses, turning on sprinklers or having your water bill break the bank.
  • Sunday, May 19; 1pm-2:30pm (Carey Thornton)
    McLendon Hardware
    440 Rainier Ave. S, Renton
    No pre-registration required. Seating is first-come, first-served.
Drip Irrigation Design
Carey Thornton, SeattleTilth
In this workshop we’ll delve more deeply into designing a drip irrigation system that makes sense for your home garden. We will practice calculations and troubleshoot different design scenarios that include containers, raised beds and ornamental gardens. This class is for gardeners who already understand drip but need help with design details. If you are new to drip irrigation, we recommend you attend Drip 101 or Drip Irrigation for the Home Gardener beforehand. Please bring a scaled drawing of the area you plan to install drip irrigation including the location of your outdoor spigot.
Drip Irrigation for the Home Gardener
Carey Thornton, Seattle Tilth
This class will cover the basics of design, installation and use of a drip irrigation system in the home garden. Carey will discuss how to decide if a drip system is right for you. Then, she’ll walk you through what parts you’ll need, how to put it all together and finally get it running. Soaker hoses and other low-pressure options for your garden will also be discussed. This class will include indoor and outdoor components; please dress for the weather.
Rain Barrels and Drip Irrigation: A Perfect Pairing
Carey Thornton, Seattle Tilth and Dan Borba, Owner of Natural Rain Water
Rainwater is pure, plentiful and your plants love it. Best of all, it’s free! Rainwater harvesting is the practice of collecting and storing rainwater for use in your yard. Drip irrigation is an extremely efficient and effective way to water your plants. This class will teach you how to utilize both technologies to help you save money and keep your landscape looking great!