Lecture on bee biology, bee behavior, how to maintain a bee colony, and bee diseases and pests.  Participants will gain knowledge to start their own colony and learn how to inspect a colony safely.  Optional field trip, separate from this class, offered Saturdays, 10am-12pm April 4 & 11 at a Bethlehem, CT, apiary location announced in class.

Pruning is an art & a science that requires practice. Learning sound techniques applied at the right time for the right plant can take the mystery out of pruning. Topics also discussed are pruning & training of common garden shrubs, the rationale of pruning, & the fundamentals of good pruning practices. A discussion of the rationale behind pruning will help the home gardener achieve a result that is both horticulturally sound & aesthetically pleasing.

Whether it’s a family heirloom or a tag sale special, we can replace your chair with a cane, rush, or splint weave seat.  Make it a special piece of furniture again!  Bring your own chair to class.  A supply list will be given at the first class.

Pruning is an art & a science that requires practice. Learning sound techniques applied at the right time for the right plant can take the mystery out of pruning. Topics also discussed are pruning & training of common garden shrubs, the rationale of pruning, & the fundamentals of good pruning practices. A discussion of the rationale behind pruning will help the home gardener achieve a result that is both horticulturally sound & aesthetically pleasing.

Compare window products and prices. See how windows are properly installed! Want to save on your heat and air-conditioning bills and take advantage of incentive programs available, but don’t know where to start? Examine Low-E, Argon, Triple Pane, Wood, Vinyl, Composite. How much should I pay for a good quality window? Confused? Don’t be! Come learn from an experienced Master Carpenter. This workshop is a must for anyone thinking about having windows replaced or replacing windows themselves.

Learn traditional and modern techniques to sharpen anything dull, like pesky kitchen cutlery, garden tools, scissors, etc. Topics to be covered include types of stones, gadgets, wet or dry, machines, all types of steel. Instructor will provide all instruments for demonstration and teach methods for students to try out.

This introductory class is geared to those curious about honeybees and who may be considering starting hives of their own. Topics discussed will be honeybee behavior, cost, time commitment (by season), equipment, and types of hives.

Raising chickens can be a fun activity for an urban homesteader. This class will have first-hand funny stories and practical dos and don’ts. Upon successful completion of the course, students will know what kind of food to feed chicks, how to take care of an adult hen, and how to buy a hen house.  Topics include where to buy your fertilized eggs for hatching your live chicks, what kind of food to feed egg laying hens, how much room chickens need to roam, the laws on selling the eggs, and zoning laws.