Garden workshops, classes and lectures

Here are some upcoming workshops and classes to keep your green thumb in shape during the winter:

Winter Workshops Sponsored by Homestead Gardens

Sunday, January 30
11am: Proper Pruning Techniques($5) – Education Coordinator Gene Sumi provides an informative demonstration on when and how to prune trees and shrubs. Dress warmly as this workshop is outside.
2pm: Proper Pruning Techniques($5) (Severna Park)
2pm: Bird House Workshop($10) – Kids get to decorate their own birdhouse and pinecone feeder to help out their feathered friends during the coldest months of the year.

Saturday, February 5
8:30am: Small Flock Poultry Party ($5) – University of Maryland Cooperative Extensions presents everything you need to know about the fun new trend of raising backyard chickens, including flock health and nutrition.
11am: Orchids for Beginners ($35) – Orchid expert Dr. Clark Riley shares his insights into raising & nurturing these graceful flowers. (Includes a take-home orchid.)
2pm: Orchids for Fanatics ($35) – Feed your orchid addiction with this seminar from Dr. Riley that will educate collectors of these tropical beauties. (Includes a take-home orchid.)

Sunday, February 6
11am: Soil Amendments($5) – Education Coordinator Gene Sumi takes you beyond basic light and water requirements to discuss the process of creating a rich and nutritious mix to get your whole garden in great shape.
2pm: Soil Amendments($5) (Severna Park)
2pm: The Wonderful World of Herbs ($5) – Annuals Manager Kerry Kelly discusses the history, functionality and botany of herbs and their many uses, from culinary additions to aromatherapy to decorative home accents.

For more events, click here for full calendar of Winter Workshops from Homestead Gardens.

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Upcoming Events sponsored by Behnke Nurseries:

Saturday, Jan. 29, 11 a.m. to noon in Beltsville
Talk on “Raising & Cultivating African Violets”by Sonja Behnke Festerling. Sonja grew up at Behnke’s and has worked with African Violets most of her life. She has a wealth of knowledge to share and will discuss how to care and propagate them from home. Everyone attending the talk will go home with an African Violet plant. $10.

Sunday, Jan 30 at 1 p.m. in Beltsville
Workshop on “Building a Terrarium”
Find out why some plants work better than others for terrariums as you build one to take home at the end of class. Learn which plants work best together and how to care for your new micro-garden. Cost: Your cost will depend on the terrarium and plants you choose from our supplies. All other materials for this workshop are free.

Saturday, Feb. 5 at 11 a.m. in Beltsville
Talk: “Attracting Birds to Your Winter Garden” by with Master Gardener Natalie Brewer
During the cold winter months, birds are a sweet reminder of Spring. Natalie will talk about how to attract feathered friends to your yard with supplemental feeding and the right kind of plantings. Free.

Saturday, Feb 5 at 1 p.m. in Beltsville
Children’s Workshop: “Build a Birdhouse” for ages 7 and up.
Build a birdhouse from a kit to hang outdoors for your feathered friends. Then personalize it with paint. All materials included. $25.

For more events, click here for Behnke's full calendar.