There is a misconception that the art of bonsai is a specialized Japanese horticultural art form with no relationship to garden design. The truth is that bonsai design principles are universal design principles. An overview of the art of bonsai, bonsai display, and design elements in the Japanese garden will help the home gardener understand the basic concepts of Eastern design principles. This lecture shows how these design principles can be applied in conjunction. It is recommended, but not required, that participants attend “Taming of the Shrubs” class prior to this class.

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.

If you have limited time, space or poor soil, container gardening may be right for you.  Get all the information you need to start vegetable gardening, herbs, perennials and annuals in containers from choosing the container, the right soil to water and fertilizer needs.  Find out how to choose plants and get some creative ideas for containers.

The water feature is a vital element in the Japanese Garden.  This lecture will discuss water features are created and the principles of their design and installation. Special emphasis will be put on how even the smallest gardens can incorporate a water feature. Topics include site selection, design, waterfalls, creating rivers, pump and filter selection and fish and plants for the water garden.

Don’t give up on the garden you love.  If injury or arthritis has hindered you, learn about ways to modify your garden and the tools and gadgets you can use. Discussions include raised flower and vegetable beds, flowerpot and hanging gardens, even gardening with a friend or relative to share duties. Let’s make gardening fun again!

What is a native plant?  Why and how should you use them in your yard and gardens?  Learn about some of the native plants that are available for those problem spots in your yard.  Get information on how to design and plant your yard using natives so that it looks as though it has been there forever. 

The water feature is a vital element in the Japanese Garden.  This lecture will discuss water features are created and the principles of their design and installation. Special emphasis will be put on how even the smallest gardens can incorporate a water feature. Topics include site selection, design, waterfalls, creating rivers, pump and filter selection and fish and plants for the water garden.

The most common question asked in this seminar is:” Why don’t my apple trees have any apples?”  Spend two evenings in this seminar, and you will have your answer and know why and how to correctly prune and balance your tree back to health.  If you are new to fruit trees, start here.