Usually by this time of year, I've already placed on-line orders with Klehm's Song Sparrow and Plant Delights nurseries. This year I've decided to hold off buying anything to see what the garden is like after last year's drought and this winter's storm damage.
Instead I've decided to put my garden money into me. My plan is to attempt to become a better gardener by taking a couple of classes at Olbrich Botanical Gardens. Though I always check out their listings it's been a while since I've actually signed up for anything.
Maybe it's age or maybe the result of the brutal 2012 garden season, but it seems like it's time to update my skills. When I mentioned I was considering these two classes, a gardener with more experience than me said she's signing up for them also. I guess I'm not alone in thinking it's time for a little garden refresher course and that Olbrich is the place to get it. Here's what I'm taking:
"SPRING INTO GARDENING: GET READY FOR THE SEASON": Thursday, April 4 , 5:30-7 pm
This is a late afternoon/early evening walk through the outdoor gardens with one of the Olbrich horticulturists, Samantha Peckham. She'll tell us some of the best ways to get our gardens ready for the season. What I am particularly interested in hearing will be her time-saving tips since I feel I often do things the slowest way possible. And she'll share sustainable techniques — another area where I am weak.
"GARDENING BESIDE THE EXPERTS HANDS-ON WORKSHOP": Friday, April 12, 9 am-12:30 pm
This class is literally a chance to work side-by-side with Olbrich's horticulturists. Nothing beats seeing how the pros work up-close and personal like this. Again, this is all about learning the techniques and tricks they use to make Olbrich's' gardens beautiful as well as sustainable. This class offers enough time to give participants a chance to rotate throughout Olbrich's numerous specialty gardens. We'll learn basic skills like how to divide perennials and prune trees and shrubs. Dress to be outdoors and to get a little dirty during this hands-on workshop. This class takes place rain or shine, so I am hoping for good weather but will dress for the worst in full gardening gear.
These two programs probably will be a bit similar but I like the idea of a garden walk-through, after which I can walk through my garden and make connections with what I've just learned. And then I can find out how to do these tips and tricks hands-on. Space is limited for both of these classes, so register early. I've already got my confirmation notice so I am much more able to cope with our wintry weather knowing I have something to look forward to in April!
Find a list of all Olbrich's class offerings here.
Note: If I was doing my usual on-line shopping, the tree above would be at the top of my Klehm's wish list. You can find lots of posts on Klehm's Song Sparrow via my categories list. Find info on Plant Delights by typing their name into the search box.
These classes sound like they have a lot to offer you. They will be fun too no doubt. Being in a garden with a real horti will be the bees knees. Edu must be in the air. I am taking a Master Naturalist class. It is fun too.
Posted by: Lisa at Greenbow | Sunday, February 24, 2013 at 03:23 PM
Lisa — Sometimes a class just seems like the right thing to do. If you are taking one also, then I think this is a case of great minds . . . !
Posted by: Linda Brazill | Sunday, February 24, 2013 at 07:04 PM
Those classes sound great. Are you sad like me that Klehm's has suspended printing their catalog? I completely understand the decision, but it was a favorite of mine for eye candy purposes. More than a couple of the plants I bought from them were ones I never would have sought out on the website but fell in love with after seeing a photo in the catalog.
Posted by: Erin @ The Impatient Gardener | Sunday, February 24, 2013 at 11:44 PM
This sounds like fun. I like being in the position of a learner from time to time; it opens the world in a new way.
Posted by: Altoon | Monday, February 25, 2013 at 05:33 AM
Erin — I agree about the catalog. I think they are having a pretty rough time financially at the moment with the downturn in the economy. Hope they are secure as they are about the best in the biz.
Posted by: Linda Brazill | Monday, February 25, 2013 at 07:10 AM
Enjoy your classes - they sound great. How wonderful to be starting fresh, in a sense, after the changes 2012 wrought in the garden. I wonder how or if your viewpoints of your garden will change.
Posted by: Barbara H. | Monday, February 25, 2013 at 11:32 PM
I always seem to get energized by taking gardening classes. They make we want to go home and do something.
Posted by: Les | Sunday, March 03, 2013 at 06:59 PM