Events for State-by-State Gardening

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To submit your gardening event to our staff, submit it using our contact form or send an email to calendar@statebystategardening.com.

Upcoming Events:

AL AR GA KY LA MS NC/SC OK TN VA

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February 11
Jemison

Tree Fruits in the Home Garden
Petals from the Past Nursery
10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Dr. Powell will discuss variety selection, care and maintenance of tree fruits such as apples, pears, figs, oriental persimmons, peaches and nectarines. 

12:00 p.m.

Lunch: You may bring your own or order a box lunch for $12.00. Reservations are required if you wish to order the box lunch. Please call the retail shop at 205-646-0069 before 3:00 p.m. on Friday, February 10, to make your reservation. 

12:30 p.m.

Walking tour of Petals’ tree fruit gardens and pruning clinic.

205-646-0069

petalsfromthepast.com

February 20
Birmingham

Pruning for Effect: Japanese Maples
Birmingham Botanical Gardens

Instructors: John Floyd, Mike Rushing and Bob Wendorf.  0 a.m. -- 12 p.m. $10 Members, $12 Non-Members. Register online: www.bbgardens.org/adult.php. 205-414-3950

February 24
Pell City

Rain Barrel Workshop
Pell City Civic Center

This workshop is being presented by the AL Cooperative Extension System, St. Clair County office, in partnership with the Middle Coosa Watershed Project and the Coosa Basin Clean Water Partnership. Registration forms available at the Extension Office or online at www.aces.edu/StClair. Cost covers lunch and a rain barrel to take home. Please pre-register by Friday, February 17th, 2012. 10 a.m. -- 2 p.m. $40. Pell City Civic Center: 2801 Stemley Bridge Rd. 205-338-9416, pinkscb@aces.edu.

February 25
Birmingham

The Urban Chicken
Birmingham Botanical Gardens

Even city dwellers can keep chickens. Most city ordinances allow it. Once you start, you'll never purchase an egg from a store again. The quality is unmatched. Hens make great family pets, are easy to care for and relatively low cost. Learn the basics, choosing the right breed, housing and feeding. Participants will even have the opportunity to pre-order chicks after class. Instructor: Andrew Krebbs. 9-11 a.m. $10 Members | $12 Non-Members. Register online: www.bbgardens.org/adult.php. 205-414-3950

February 25
Birmingham

Urban Forestry and the Care of Native Trees (elective in Native Plants Study Program)
Birmingham Botanical Gardens

The built environment is woven into a patchwork of native trees, remnants of the original forest, which are not widely available in commerce. Smaller native urban forests may decline due to heightened exposure to environmental stresses. The most challenged forests are those composed of large, older, isolated trees, typical of our parks. This class will cover native species and tree selection to match planting and growing sites, seed propagation, planting and establishment methods, watering and fertilizing techniques, pruning and wound treatments, and the eventual decision to remove trees that have become hazardous. Best management practices for building near native trees and forests will be covered.

The class will include approximately two hours class time and two hours field time. Instructor: Henry Hughes. 12:30-4:30 p.m. $40 Members, $45 Non-Members. Contact Kaul Wildflower Garden Curator John Manion at 205-414-3985 or jmanion@bbgardens.org for details.

February 25
Jemison

Antique Roses in the Garden
Petals from the Past Nursery

10:30 a.m. – 12:00

Jason will discuss variety selection, care and maintenance of antique and old garden roses. 

12:00 p.m.

12:30 p.m.

Join Jason in the garden to learn the proper pruning techniques for all your roses.

205-646-0069

petalsfromthepast.com

March 3
Spanish Fort

Master Gardener Seminar
Five Rivers Delta Resource Center

The Master Gardener Association in Mobile is hosting a seminar at Five Rivers Delta Resource Center. The featured speakers for the day are Pamela Crawford speaking on "Easy Combos for Herbs and Flowers" and Dr. Arlie Powell, Pomologist, speaking on "Small Fruits in the Home Garden." The seminar is from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. with registration at 9:30 a.m. The cost is $28 with a box lunch provided. Deadline to register is Feb. 24. For more information email jrc1530@aol.com or call 251-633-2738. www.aces.edu/Mobile/mg

March 8
Birmingham

2012 Spencer Lecture
Birmingham Botanical Gardens

The 14th annual Spencer Lecture will be held at 6:30 p.m. in the Linn-Henley Lecture Hall, with a reception to be held prior from 5:30-6:30 p.m. This free annual event brings award-winning and New York Times best-selling author Andrea Wulf to Birmingham Botanical Gardens for an intriguing talk titled "Founding Gardeners: The Revolutionary Generation, Nature, and the Shaping of the American Nation." This beautifully illustrated talk looks at the lives of the founding fathers and how their attitude toward plants, gardens, nature and agriculture shaped the American nation. In a unique retelling of the creation of America, Wulf will show how plants, politics and personalities intertwined as never before. Guests will have a chance to meet

Ms. Wulf at a reception in the Hodges Room at 5:30 p.m. prior to this lecture, where she will also be signing copies of her books, including Founding Gardeners: The Revolutionary Generation, Nature and the Shaping of the American Nation. Tickets to this event are extremely limited, and it will reach capacity quickly. We encourage you to register for this event soon. For more information or to reserve your seat, please contact Special Events Coordinator Shelly McCarty at 205-414-3965, or smccarty@bbgardens.org, or register online: www.bbgardens.org/spencer-lecture.php.

March 10
Hoover

Native Azaleas and Their Use in the Sustainable Landscape
Aldridge Botanical Gardens

Have you ever tried to grow native azaleas in your garden without much success? This is your chance to learn how to care for them in your residential landscape. As gardens are designed today, sustainability must be considered in addition to the classical concerns such as symmetry and proportion. Knowledge of plants is an absolute requirement to achieve sustainability. Alabama is blessed with an abundance of native azaleas that are very adaptable to the residential landscape. Recent breeding programs have yielded multitudes of cultivars from which to choose.

An overview of our native azaleas and many of their cultivars will be presented allowing the participant to intelligently incorporate these native wonders into today's residential garden. 9:30-11:30 a.m. Instructor: George Duquette, M.D.

FREE for Members/$15 Non-Members. Contact Audrey Ann Wilson, aawilson@aldridgegardens.com, 205-682-8019, ext. 3.

March 24
Jemison

Citrus in the Home Garden
Petals from the Past Nursery

10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Dr. Powell will discuss variety selection, care and maintenance of citrus plants such as Satsuma oranges, Meyer lemons and kumquats.

12:00 p.m.

12:30 p.m.

Pruning clinic and tour of Petals’ orangery.

205-646-0069

petalsfromthepast.com

April 20-21
Jemison

Antiques in the Garden
Petals from the Past Nursery

9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

There will be many antique dealers as well as crafts people with lots of great treasures to buy. Several food vendors will be here as well as a petting zoo. Don't miss these fun two days!

205-646-0069

petalsfromthepast.com

May 12
Jemison

Mother’s Day Tea
Petals from the Past Nursery

12 noon and 3 p.m.

We offer two teas on this Saturday. The lunch tea at 12:00 noon includes quiche, salad, the tea tray with scones, sandwiches, desserts and of course tea. $25.00. 

3:30 p.m. Afternoon Tea – In the afternoon we offer just the tea tray for $15.00. Weather permitting, we serve on the deck at our Educational Barn. Please call the retail shop 205-646-0069, to make your reservations for the tea.

petalsfromthepast.com

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February 7

Pine Bluff

Schoolyard Habit Outdoor Classroom Teacher Workshop

Delta Rivers Nature Center

9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Make and take sessions, field experiences, hands-on activities, networking opportunities. Free resources, including curriculum correlated to state frameworks.

1400 Black Dog Road

Cost is free but registration is required. Bring a sack lunch. To register, email info@deltarivers.com with the following information: Name, Organization, Email Address, Phone Number, Workshop Name or call the nature center at 870-534-0011.

February 10

Hot Springs

Gardening 101 Workshops

Garvan Woodland Gardens

Soils, Composting and Vermiculture – 9:30 a.m. to 12 Noon

Propagation – 1-3 p.m.

Magnolia Room

Advanced Master Gardener Larry Averill and Garden Director Bob Byers will tell how to start now to get your beds ready for spring planting by preparing the soil. They’ll also discuss “nature’s way of recycling” by composting and vermicomposting.

GWG horticulture supervisor Paula Wallace and Kristin Warner give hands-on lessons in propagation including various grafting, root cutting and layering techniques. The class, limited to 20, will meet in the Magnolia Room before going to the Garden’s Greenhouse.

Gardening 101 sessions are free to Garden members and previously registered volunteers; regular Garden admission applies to non-members. Advance reservations are recommended.

Call 501-262-9300/800-366-4664.

www.garvangardens.com

February 15 - March 7
Hot Springs

Daffodil Days, Garvan Woodland Gardens
Enjoy the dance of more than 200,000 daffodils in various shades of yellow when these happy blooms make their annual appearance in the Gardens. Open daily 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Regular Garden admission applies. Call the Gardens for peak bloom times at 501-262-9300/800-366-4664. www.garvangardens.com

February 18
Hot Springs

Off the Garden Path

Garvan Woodland Gardens

10:00 a.m., Magnolia Room and Gardens

Take a stroll down memory lane with Garden Director Bob Byers as he shares some of the early history of the Gardens. He’ll take you “off the garden path” for a view of some of the first plantings made by Verna Garvan and visit the site of the Gardens’ first entrance where visitors came by boat. Mrs. Garvan, alias Susan Harper, will also make an appearance and share her life story.

www.garvangardens.com

February 25
Fayetteville

Home Greenhouse for $100, Botanical Garden of the Ozarks
Workshop with Gerald and Lissa. Learn how to build your very own greenhouse for $100. $5 raffle tickets will be available at the door for a chance to win the demo greenhouse. 10 a.m. to noon. 479-750-2620, www.bgozarks.org

March 13
Hot Springs

Mrs. Garvan’s Tea, Garvan Woodland Gardens
This delightful afternoon tea features a living history presentation of Mrs. Verna Garvan, the Gardens’ benefactress. Enjoy traditional tea fare and be entertained by Susan Harper, alias Mrs. Garvan. Teatime is 3 p.m. in the Magnolia Room. Cost is $20 for GWG members and $25 for non-members (includes applicable tax and admission to the Gardens). Seating is limited so make your reservations early by calling 501-262-9300/800-366-4664. www.garvangardens.com

March 15 - April 7
Hot Springs

Tulip Extravaganza, Garvan Woodland Gardens
Depending on the mood of Mother Nature, the Gardens’ annual exhibit of spring color, including 121,000 vibrant tulips, daffodils and tens of thousands of fragrant hyacinths, hundreds of red, pink and white azaleas and thousands of delicate dogwood blossoms will be on center stage for a show like no other in the Natural State. Open daily 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Regular Garden admission applies. Call the Gardens for peak bloom times. www.garvangardens.com

March 17
Springdale

Language of Flowers, NWAR Technical Institute
Joyce Mendenhall, president of Flower, Garden and Nature Society of Northwest Arkansas, Master Gardener and garden writer, will discuss the “Language of Flowers.” Social time begins at 9:30 a.m. Programs start around 10:00 a.m. and last about an hour, including Q&A. Meet in Student Center of NWAR Technical Institute, 709 S. Old Missouri Rd. (red light at Ford and Hwy 265), Springdale. Meeting is free and open to the public. Contact: Lynn Rogers, 479-521-9090.

April 6-7

Mountain View

Herbal Field Trip & Medicinal Herb Workshop

Ozark Folk Center

Pre-registration is required by March 30, 2012. On Friday, bring a sack lunch, water, walking stick and dress for the weather. Come rain or shine, wild plant enthusiasts will board the Ozark Folk Center bus at 9 a.m. for a fieldtrip to the homestead of local Stone County plantsman, Paul White. His property showcases greenhouses, ephemeral wildflowers and herbs, spring-fed creeks and a restored wetland. The trails range in difficulty between easy and very challenging. Walk lightly used, rocky, footpaths along wooded mountainsides to visit sensitive plant communities. Expect frequent resting and interpretive programming. Sasha Daucus, of the Golden Light Center in Doniphan, Missouri, is one of the featured hike leaders and will present “Deep Ecology in Herbalism.” The practical study of plants and their uses is a particularly inviting door to experiencing deep appreciation and wordless connection; especially when you are with the herbs in their habitat.

On Saturday, enjoy a Spring Greens Cooking Class with Jeanette Larson and her students followed by a Seasonal, Wild Greens and Herbal Luncheon. Susan Belsinger will take on “The Bitters Truth.” Susan is a culinary artist who will bring a collection of bitters that she keeps on hand, including some of her own creations. She will discuss their medicinal uses and how they are incorporated at home, as well as how wildly popular they are now in the commercial restaurant and bar industry. Participants will learn the bitter herbs and spices, how to make bitters and will taste a variety of flavors in sparkling water and on ice cream. Tina Marie Wilcox will present “A Simple Introduction to Glycosides,” those valuable compounds in plants that herbalists need to cherish and understand.

www.ozarkfolkcenter.com

April 21

Mammoth Spring

Herbfest and Plant Sale

Mammoth Spring State Park

8 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Meeting place: Welcome Center

Mammoth Spring Garden Club members are out early with herbs and garden plants to sell. Enjoy a stroll through the park’s herb garden and see what your purchases may grow to be!

Admission: Free

Contact Mammoth Spring State Park: 870-625-7364 or mammothspring@arkansas.com.

April 21
Fayetteville

Amy Stewart, author of Wicked Plants, Fayetteville Public Library
Amy Stewart, author of Wicked Plants, Wicked Bugs, From the Ground Up and Flower Confidential, will be speaking on “Wicked Plants.” Program starts at 1:30 p.m. at the Fayetteville Public Library. Contact: Lynn Rogers, 479-521-9090.

May 5
Bella Vista

Spring Plant Sale, Tanyard Creek Pavilion
The Bella Vista Garden Club will have their Spring Plant Sale from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The plant sale is the main fundraiser for the club that supports the Dorothy Wallace Scholarships and their many other community projects. It is a great opportunity for the community to purchase wonderful plants grown in our area at great prices. 479-426-2749

June 22-23
Paris

Mount Magazine Butterfly Festival XVI, Mount Magazine State Park
Our future flies on the wings of pollinators! Join us for a weekend celebrating the park’s butterfly and wildflower diversity. Discover how everything in nature is connected through programs, guided walks and the ever-popular Bug Bonanza Pavilion. Don’t miss the special concert that closes this celebration. The Mount Magazine Butterfly Festival is one of the most popular nature-related family events in Arkansas! Contact the park for a detailed schedule as the event draws near. Admission: Free. 479-963-8502, mountmagazine@arkansas.com

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Ongoing

February
Pawleys Island, S.C.

Birds in Art Exhibition. Running through April 22. Brookgreen Gardens. (843) 235-6000. www.brookgreen.org.

Feb. 9, 16, 23 and March 1
Durham, N.C.

Basic Botany and Plant Growth. Led by Alex Motten, associate professor of biology at Duke University. 6 p.m. Sarah P. Duke Gardens. (919) 668-1707. www.gardens.duke.edu.

February 17-March 24
Greensboro, N.C.

Hellebore Days at Gethsemane Gardens. (336) 656-3096. www.gethgardens.com.

February 29-March 4
Charlotte, N.C.

Southern Spring Home and Garden Show. The Park Expo and Conference Center. www.southernshows.com/sss.

February

Feb. 17
Greensboro, N.C.

Garden Tour of a Woodland Garden. (336) 656-3096. www.gethgardens.com.

February 18
Durham, N.C.

Create Your Own Bonsai Plant. 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Sarah P. Duke Gardens. (919) 668-1707. www.gardens.duke.edu.

February 18-19
Asheville, N.C.
Books and Boots. Bring the family to the North Carolina Arboretum for great hiking and some fun speakers. Carolina Gardener Contributor Peter Loewer will present from his book "The Wild Gardener;" James Farmer, author of "A Time to Plant: Souther Style Garden Living" will also be there, along with other writers. (828) 665-2492. www.ncarboretum.org.

Feb. 20
Charlotte, N.C.

Roses: Selection and Care, presented by David Pike of Witherspoon Roses. Charlotte Garden Club at the Mint Museum. 7 p.m. (704) 846-8979. www.charlottegardenclub.org.

Feb. 21
Durham, N.C.

Durham Garden Forum: Great Perennials for the Garden Bed with Edith Edelmann. 6:30 p.m. Sarah P. Duke Gardens. (919) 668-1707. www.gardens.duke.edu

Feb. 22
Durham, N.C.

Sarah P. Duke Chapter 264 of Ikebana International monthly meeting. 1 p.m. Sarah P. Duke Gardens. (919) 668-1707. www.gardens.duke.edu.

Feb. 24
Durham, N.C.

Traditional Japanese Tea Gathering. 10:45 a.m. Sarah P. Duke Gardens. (919) 668-1707. www.gardens.duke.edu.

Feb. 24-25
Clarksville, Va.

2012 Hellebore Festival at Pine Knot Farms. (434) 252-1990. www.pineknotfarms.com.

Feb. 25
Greensboro, N.C.

Guilford Horticultural Society’s 27th Annual Symposium. Keynote speakers: Catriona Todor Erier, Brent Heath and Cole Burrell. Emerald Event Center. Email Lynda Waldrep at lyndawaldrep@aol.com.

Feb. 25
Rock Hill, S.C.

7th Annual Joy of Gardening Symposium. Sponsored by the Master Gardeners of York County. Keynote speaker Carol Reese. www.yorkmg.org.

Feb. 25
Wilmington, N.C.

Tidewater Camellia Show and Sale. Arab Shrine Club. 12:30-5 p.m. www.tidewatercamelliaclub.org.

Feb. 26
Durham, N.C.

Master Gardeners’ Extension Gardening Series: Native Plants in Our Gardens. 2 p.m. Sarah P. Duke Gardens. (919) 668-1707. www.gardens.duke.edu.

Feb. 29-March 4
Charlotte, N.C.

Southern Spring Home & Garden Show. Park Expo and Conference Center. www.southernshows.com.

March 1
Charlotte, N.C.

Garden to Table: Garden Living at its Finest, with Jenks Farmer. 9:30 a.m. Wing Haven. (704) 331-0664, ext. 108. www.winghavengardens.com.

March 1
Raleigh, N.C.

Express Yourself -- Garden Art that Enhances and Inspires, with Helen Yoest. Friends of the Arboretum Lecture. 7:30 p.m. JC Raulston Arboretum. (919) 513-7005. www.ncsu.edu/jcraulstonarboretum.

March 2
Clemson, S.C.

Bathtub Botany. 3:30 p.m. South Carolina Botanical Garden. (864) 656-3405. www.clemson.edu/scbg.

March 2-3
Bishop, Ga.

20th Annual Hellebore Days. Piccadilly Farms. (706) 769-6516.

March 2-3
Clarksville, Va.

Hellebore Festival. Pine Knot Farms. (434) 252-1990. www.pineknotfarms.com.

March 2-3
Kernersville, N.C.

Pearl Fryar Garden Topiary Demonstration. Paul J. Ciener Botanical Garden. (336) 996-7888. www.pjcb.org.

March 3
Charlotte, N.C.

Chicks in the City. Learn about starting an urban flock. Wing Haven. (704) 331-0664, ext. 108. www.winghavengardens.com.

March 3
Charlotte and Durham N.C.

How to Plant a "Premium" Rose Garden. Witherspoon Rose Culture. (800) 643-0315. www.witherspoonrose.com.

March 3
Wilmington, N.C.

Hobby Greenhouse Tour. Self-guided tour through New Hanover, Brunswick and Pender Counties. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. New Hanover County Arboretum. www.hobbygreenhouseclub.org.

March 3-4
Asheville, N.C.

Organic Growers School Spring Conference. Universtiy of Noth Carolina at Asheville. (828) 582-5039. www.organicgrowersschool.org.

March 6
Davidson, N.C.

Davidson Horticultural Symposium. "The Roots of Passion: The Inspired Gardener." (704) 892-9062. www.davidsonsymposium.org.

March 7
Durham, N.C.

Plants of Distinction: Spring Geophytes, with Jason Holmes. 1 p.m. Sarah P. Duke Gardens. (919) 668-1707. www.gardens.duke.edu.

March 9
Durham, N.C.

Spring Flower Walk in the Arboretum. 10 a.m. Sarah P. Duke Gardens. (919) 668-1707. www.gardens.duke.edu.

March 10
Charlotte, N.C.

Backyard Composting with Mary Stauble. Wing Haven. (704) 331-0664, ext. 108. www.winghavengardens.com.

March 10
Durham, N.C.

Children's Activity: Nature's Kazoos. 10 a.m. Sarah P. Duke Gardens. (919) 668-1707. www.gardens.duke.edu.

March 10
Fuquay Varina, N.C.

Chicken Talk with Bev Gelvin. Learn the basics of raising chickens. 11 a.m. The Garden Hut. (919) 552-0590. www. Nelsasgardenhut.com.

March 10
Raleigh, N.C.

Fourth Annual Triangle Camellia Show and Sale. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. JC Raulston Arboretum. www.americancamellias.org.

March 11-17
Brasstown, N.C.

The Eccentric Garden: found Art for Fun and Function. John C. Campbell Folk School. (800) 365-5724. www.folkschool.org.

March 13
Raleigh, N.C.

Plantsmen's Tour: Early Spring Perennials, with Mark Weathington. 1 p.m. JC Raulston Arboretum. (919) 513-7005. www.ncsu.edu/jcraulstonarboretum.

March 14
Clemson, S.C.

How to Create a Native Woodland Garden. 10:30 a.m. South Carolina Botanical Garden. (864) 656-3405. www.clemson.edu/scbg.

March 15
Charlotte, N.C.

One Writer's Garden: Eudora Welty's Home Place, with Susan Haltom. Wing Haven. (704) 331-0664, ext. 108. www.winghavengardens.com.

March 15
Clemson, S.C.

Plant a Miniature Landscape. 10 a.m. South Carolina Botanical Garden. (864) 656-3405. www.clemson.edu/scbg.

March 15
Raleigh, N.C.

Rednecks to Rocket Scientists: Botanizing in Alabama, with Tony Avent. 7:30 p.m. JC Raulston Arboretum. (919) 513-7005. www.ncsu.edu/jcraulstonarboretum.

March 17
Charleston, S.C.

Charleston Garden Tour. Organized by the Charleston Horticultural Society as part of the Art and Antiques forum. www.charlestonantiquesforum.org.

March 17
Charlotte and Durham, N.C.

Fertilizing: A Jump Start for Your Roses. Witherspoon Rose Culture. (800) 643-0315. www.witherspoonrose.com.

March 17
Clemson, S.C.

Improve Your Garden with Worms. 10 a.m. South Carolina Botanical Garden. (864) 656-3405. www.clemson.edu/scbg.

March 17
Greensboro, N.C.

Garden Tours of the Woodland Garden. Gethsemane Gardens. (336) 656-3096. www.gethgardens.com.

March 17
Raleigh, N.C.

One Writer's Garden: Eudora Welty's Home Place, with Susan Haltom. 9:30 a.m. Friends of the Arboretum Lecture. JC Raulston Arboretum. (919) 513-7005. www.ncsu.edu/jcraulstonarboretum.

March 17-18
Wilmington, N.C.

Coastal Living Showcase. Cape Fear CC Schwartz Center. (910) 251-5031. www.wilmingtonwomansclub.com.

March 18
Durham, N.C.

Master Gardener's Extension Gardener Series: Container Gardening. 2 p.m. Sarah P. Duke Gardens. (919) 668-1707. www.gardens.duke.edu.

March 19
Greensboro, N.C.

Bizarre Bontaincals: Weird and Unusual Plants, by Larry Mellichamp. Greensboro Horticultural Society. 7:15 p.m. Natural Science Center.

March 20
Durham, N.C.

Durham Garden Forum: Herb Gardening with Lisa Treadaway from The Little Herb House. 6:30 p.m. Sarah P. Duke Gardens. (919) 668-1707. www.gardens.duke.edu.

March 23-24
Charleston, S.C.

77th Annual House and Garden Tours sponsored by the Garden Club of Charleston. www.thegardenclubofcharleston.org.

March 23-24
Georgetown, S.C.

Plantation and Town House Tour hosted by the Women of Prince George, Winyah, Episcopal Church. www.pgwinyah.org.

March 23-25
Greensboro, N.C.

Southern Ideal Home Show. www.southernshows.com.

March 24
Columbia, S.C.

Springtime at the Garden Festival. Riverbanks Zoo and Botanical Garden. (803) 779-8717. www.riverbanks.org.

March 24
New Bern, N.C.

Real Gardeners' True Confessions, with Pat Stone, editor of Green Prints and Gardening Performer. 3 p.m. Tryon Palace. (252) 639-3500. www.tryonpalace.org.

March 23-25
Durham, N.C.

Grand Tea Gathering: Cherry Blossom Festival. 11:30 a.m. Sarah P. Duke Gardens. (919) 668-1707. www.gardens.duke.edu.

March 25
Hendersonville, N.C.

Bamboo Walking Tours. 1:30 p.m. Haiku Bamboo Nursery. (828) 685-3053. www.haikubamboonursery.net.

March 25-27
Charleston, S.C.

52nd Annual Symposium of the American Boxwood Society and the Charleston Horticultural Society. www.seecharlestonboxwood.com.

March 28
Clemson, S.C.

Creating an Herb Garden. 10 a.m. South Carolina Botanical Garden. (864) 656-3405. www.clemson.edu/scbg.

March 28
Durham, N.C.

Sarah P. Duke Chapter 264 of Ikebana International Meeting. 1 p.m. Sarah P. Duke Gardens. (919) 668-1707. www.gardens.duke.edu.

March 28
New Bern, N.C.

Behind the scenes tour of Tryon Palace. 2 p.m. (252) 639-3500. www.tryonpalace.org.

March 30-April 1
Brasstown, N.C.

Bonsai Express Workshop with Tim Ryan. John C. Campbell Folk School. (800) 365-5724. www.folkschool.org.

March 31
Charlotte and Durham, N.C.

Spice Up Your Life with Herbs: An Herbal Workshop. Witherspoon Rose Culture. (800) 643-0315. www.witherspoonrose.com.

March 31
Durham, N.C.

Duke Gardens Spring Plant Sale. 8 a.m.-12 p.m. Sarah P. Duke Gardens. (919) 668-1707. www.gardens.duke.edu.

April 1-October
Pawleys Island, S.C.
Whispering Wings Butterfly Experience. Brookgreen Gardens. (843) 253-6000. www.brookgreen.org.

April 12, 19, 26 and May 3
Durham, N.C.
Landscape Plants for North Carolina Gardens. 10 a.m. Sarah P. Duke Gardens. (919) 668-1707. www.gardens.duke.edu.

April 4
New Bern, N.C.
Behind the Scenes of the Tryon Palace Gardens. Tryon Palace. 2 p.m. (800) 767-1560. www.tryonpalace.org.

April 5
Durham, N.C.
Across the Pond: A Celebration of 300 Years of Anglo-American Gardening. 7 p.m. Sarah P. Duke Gardens. (919) 668-1707. www.gardens.duke.edu.

April 5
Durham, N.C.
Historic Gardens Color Walk. Sarah P. Duke Gardens. 3-5 p.m. (919) 668-1707. www.gardens.duke.edu.

April 6-7
Spartanburg, S.C.
Spring Plant Sale. Hatcher Garden and Woodland Preserve. www.hatchergarden.org.

April 7
Charlotte and Durham, N.C.
How to Plant a "Premium" Rose Garden. 10 a.m. Witherspoon Rose Culture. (800) 643-0315. www.witherspoonrose.com.

April 7
Durham, N.C.
Children's Program: Feathered Gardens Members and Spring Pruning with Jan Little, for adults, 10 a.m. Sarah P. Duke Gardens. (919) 668-1707. www.gardens.duke.edu.

April 7
Fuquay-Varina, N.C.
Carolin Stein's Gardener's Forum: Vegetable Gardening. 11 a.m. Register by March 31. The Garden Hut. (919) 552-0590. www.nelsasgardenhut.com.

April 10
Raleigh, N.C.
Plantsmen's Tour: Maples in Spring, with Mark Weathington. JC Raulston Arboretum. 1 p.m. (919) 513-7005. www.ncsu.edu/jcraulstonarboretum.

April 11
Pinehurst, N.C.
64th Annual Southern Pines Garden Club Home and Garden Tour. www.southernpinesgardenclub.com.

April 11-15
Wilmington, N.C.
North Carolina Azalea Festival. (910) 794-4650. www.ncaaleafestival.org.

April 12
Clemson, S.C.
Using Native Plants in Your Garden. 10:30 a.m. South Carolina Botanical Garden. (864) 656-3405. www.clemson.edu/scbg.

April 12-15
Raleigh, N.C.
Birdhouse Competition at the JC Raulston Arboretum, with a plant sale on Saturday. (919) 513-7005. www.ncsu.edu/jcraulstonarboretum.

April 13
Durham, N.C.
Traditional Japanese Tea Gathering: Spring Blossoms Tea. 10:45 a.m. and 1 p.m. Sarah P. Duke Gardens. (919) 668-1707. www.gardens.duke.edu.

April 13-14
Charleston, S.C.
Plantasia 2012: Charleston Horticultural Society's Premier plant Sale. Friday 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m.-2 p.m. (843) 579-9922. www.charlestonhorticulturalsociety.org.

April 13-14
Edenton, N.C.
Easels in the Garden. Historic Edenton. (252) 339-1321. www.cupolahouse.org.

April 13-14
New Bern, N.C.
Garden Lover's Weekend. Celebrate 300 years of gardens in Craven County with tours, and also the Heritage Plant Sale at Tryon Palace. New Bern Historical Society an the New Bern Preservation Foundation. (252) 638-8558.

April 13-15
Wilmington, N.C.
59th Annual Cape Fear Garden Club Azalea Garden Tour: Follow the Blooms. (910) 620-6958. www.azaleagardentour.org.

April 13-15
Wilmington, N.C.
Hobby Greenhouse Spring Plant Sale in Forest Hills. Saturday 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Sunday 12-5 p.m. www.hobbygreenhouseclub.org.

April 14
Anderson, S.C.
Master Gardener's Plant Sale. 8-11 a.m. Anderson Farmers Market. (864) 656-9999.

April 14
Concord, N.C.
7th Annual Herb & Plant Festival, sponsored by the Cabarrus County Master Gardener Volunteer Association. Piedmont Farmers Market. 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

April 14-15
Pawleys Island, S.C.
Plantacular Sale. Brookgreen Gardens. 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. (843) 253-6000. www.brookgreen.org.

April 14-15
Winston-Salem, N.C.
L.A. Reynolds Spring Open House. (336) 945-3776. www.lareynolds.com.

April 16
Greensboro, N.C.
Guilford Horticutural Society: A Couple's Guide to a Harmonious Gardening Experience, by Jasmin and Peter Gentling. Natural Science Center. 7:15 p.m.

April 17
Clemson, S.C.
Planting a Pocket Meadow. 10:30 a.m. South Carolina Botanical Garden. (864) 656-3405. www.clemson.edu/scbg.

April 17
Durham, N.C.
Durham Garden Forum: Vegetables as Ornament. 6:30 p.m. Sarah P. Duke Gardens. (919) 668-1707. www.gardens.duke.edu.

April 18
New Bern, N.C.
Behind the Scenes of the Tryon Palace Gardens. 2 p.m. (800) 767-1560. www.tryonpalace.org.

April 18-19
Charlotte, N.C.
Spring Plant Sale and Garden Tours. Wing Haven. Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. (704) 331-0664. www.winghavengardens.com.

April 19
Clemson, S.C.
Piedmont Gardening. 10 a.m. South Carolina Botanical Garden. (864) 656-3405. www.clemson.edu/scbg.

April 20-21
Clemson, S.C.
Plant Sale. Friday, Friends only, 2:30-6 p.m. Saturday 9 a.m.-1 p.m. South Carolina Botanical Garden. (864) 656-3405. www.clemson.edu/scbg.

April 20-21
Charlotte, N.C.
Spring Plant Sale. UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens. (704) 687-0721. http://gardens.uncc.edu.

April 21
Athens, GA
Piedmont Gardeners' 19th Annual Garden Tour. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. http://piedmontgardeners.org.

April 21
Columbia, S.C.
Party for the Planet. Riverbanks Zoo and Botanical Gardens. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. (803) 779-8717. www.riverbanks.org.

April 21
Havelock, N.C.
Havelock Appearance Commission's Plant Swap. 10 a.m.-12 p.m.. Havelock City Park. (252) 447-8327.

April 21
Pinehurst, N.C.
Sandhills Horticultrual Society Plant Sale. 8 a.m.-12 p.m. Sandhills Community College. (910) 695-3882. www.sandhillshorticulturalgardens.com.

April 21
Raleigh, N.C.
Falls River in Bloom, A Garden Tour. 1-4 p.m. Falls River Club. (919) 866-1845. www.fallsrivergardenclub.com.

April 21
Raleigh, N.C.
Lasting Impressions' 6th Annual Open garden Art & Plant Sale. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. (919) 787-6228.

April 21
Raleigh, N.C.
Friends of the Arboretum and Piedmont Chapter of the North American Rock Garden Society Lecture: Extra Dry, On the Rocks. 9:30 a.m. JC Raulston Arboretum. (919) 513-7005. www.ncsu.edu/jcraulstonarboretum.

April 21-22
Charlotte, N.C.
Charlotte Garden Club Tour. www.charlottegardenclub.org.

April 21-22
Raleigh, N.C.
Pi Alpha Xi Plant Sale. Saturday 8 a.m.-4 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m.-3 p.m. . JC Raulston Arboretum. (919) 515-3178. www.ncsu.edu/project/pialphaxi/.

April 22
Mt. Pleasant, S.C.
5th Annual Old Village Home, Garden and Art Tour, benefitting the American Red Cross. www.lowcountryredcross.org.

April 22
Nags Head, N.C.
North Carolina Coastal Federation's Earth Day Festival. Jennette's Pier. www.nccoast.org.

April 25
New Bern, N.C.
Behind the Scenes of the Tryon Palace Gardens. 2 p.m. (800) 767-1560. www.tryonpalace.org.

April 26-28
Burlington, N.C.
15th Annual Herb Festival sponsored by the Women's Resource Center in Alamance County. (336) 227-6900. www.wrcac.org.

April 27-29
Brasstown, N.C.
Growing Your Own Mushrooms. John C. Campbell Folk School. (800) 365-5724. www.folkschool.org.

April 27-29
Brasstown, N.C.
Beekeeping: How Sweet It Is! Weekend workshop with Virginia Webb. John C. Campbell Folk School. (800) 365-5724. www.folkschool.org.

April 28
Boone, N.C.
Early Bird Wildflower Walk and Plant Sale. Daniel Boone Native Gardens. 8 a.m.-12 p.m. (828) 264-6390. www.danielboonenativegardens.org.

April 28
Charlotte, N.C.
The Fledgling Experience with Harry Schmeider. Wing Haven. (704) 331-0664. www.winghavengardens.com.

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Wednesdays, February 1- February 29
Athens

Garden Geology
4:00 -- 6:00 pm
Visitor Center, Classroom 2 (members $40; non-members $45)
Dan Williams, Forest Manager, Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, UGA
The sessions will focus on rocks of Georgia's Eastern Blueridge and Inner Piedmont provinces. We will learn how they were formed by the processes of plate tectonics, how to identify them and how they affect plants, animals and people. Participants will make their own collection of Piedmont rocks and minerals. Participants will receive a copy of 'Rocks of the Piedmont', a companion to the sessions.

February 1 - February 26
Athens

Art Exhibit - "Nature-inspired Quilts"
free
Opening reception on Sunday, January 15th from 2:00-4:00 pm
Visitors Center -- Conservatory Gallery
This exhibit by the Mountain Laurel Quilters Guild of Clarkesville, Georgia will hang in the Conservatory Gallery in the Visitors Center beginning Sunday, January 15th and running through February 26th. The designs will range from the hand-pieced traditional to the more contemporary art quilts which encompass a variety of media and surface design techniques. The quilts will features flowers, trees and natural landscapes. The Mountain Laurel Quilters Guild is a very active group with over 60 members from Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina. Their works have been shown in galleries and juried shows throughout the region. We are excited to have them at the Garden to warm up our space during the cold winter months. They will host an opening reception on Sunday, January 15th from 2:00-4:00 for all to enjoy.

Thursdays, February 2 - 23
Athens

SBG's Circle of Hikers
9:00 am
Meet at the Shade Garden Arbor Free
Anne Shenk, Director of Education & Shirley Berry, Assistant Director, SBG
Exercise your body and mind and meet new people on Thursday mornings this February. Sessions will start with an inspirational reading from a nature writer such as Annie Dillard, John Muir or Janisse Ray. During the nature hikes on the Garden's trails, we will stop to view interesting and amazing plants along the way. Following the hike, consider joining your hiking friends at the Garden's new coffee shop in the Visitor Center. Hikers are encouraged to bring their own nature writings to share with the group. Join us for one or all sessions; these informal rambles are free but donations are accepted in the Garden's donation box at the entrance to the Visitor Center.

Saturdays, Feb. 4, 11, 18 & 25
Athens

Watercolor Painting Inspired By Nature
10:00 am -- 3:00 pm
The Gardenside Room members $200; non-members $220
Kie Johnson, Kie Johnson MAED, watercolorist and art educator
The natural world with its endless variety will be the focus of inspiration for this four-day workshop. This workshop is designed for students with a variety of experience levels with watercolors. Students should have basic knowledge and experience with this medium.
This class provides students the opportunity to develop compositions based on the elements and principals of design. After developing initial drawings, students will explore using value studies as important building blocks to a successful painting. Students may bring their own sketches or photos or use the many wonderful sources at the Botanical Garden for developing compositions. Students will develop their paintings based on what they find inspiring and interesting. There will be demonstrations during each class, which include various techniques and approaches to working with watercolor. Students will have individual work time during classes with one-on-one instruction. A material list will be provided.

Saturday, February 11
Athens

Beekeeping for Beginners Series (Unit 1-3)
9:00 am -- 12:00 pm
members $85; non-members $95 (fee pays for Units 1 - 3)
Dan Harris, Booger Hill Farm, Beekeeper, Danielsville

Have you ever wanted to harvest honey from your own beehive? Would you like to collect beeswax to make candles or soap? Do you have a touch of 'backyard biologist' in your blood? If so, we might have just what you need -- a series of workshops covering the fundamentals of beekeeping! This is the first half of a six unit series.

Unit 1 - Saturday, December 10: Beekeeping Basics
Unit 2 - Saturday, January 14: Care and Feeding of Honeybees

Unit 3 - Saturday, February 11: ABC's of Assembling a Beehive
This session meets at Douglas Farm, Bishop, GA.
Dan will demonstrate how to assemble a commercial beehive kit - from glue and nails to frames, foundation, and paint. He will also explain how to set up your hive.

February 11
Augusta

Basic Horticulture Workshop Series -- Seasonal Planting, Vegetables
Aldersgate Methodist Church

The Augusta Council of Garden Clubs, Inc. is offering seven Basic Horticulture Workshops led by Master Gardeners and local garden experts. Monthly workshops will be held on Saturdays 8:00 am -- 5:00 pm and start September 10. Morning classroom sessions will be at Aldersgate Methodist Church, 3185 Wheeler Road, and afternoon sessions will include a tour of a private garden or greenhouse. Workshops are open to any interested person, and preregistration deadlines are 10 days prior to each workshop. Maximum registration for each workshop is 35. www.augustacouncilgc.com.

Saturday, February 11
Athens

Natural History of Georgia Plants (a Certificate in Native Plants Core Course)
8:30 am -- 4:30 pm
Visitor Center, Classroom 2 members $95; non-members $105
Jim Hamrick, Research Professor, Department of Plant Biology, UGA
This course will introduce students to the wonderfully diverse natural vegetation of Georgia, emphasizing basic ecological principles of plant distribution, prehistoric and contemporary influences on Georgia vegetation, major vegetation types in Georgia, and common plant species that characterize each vegetation type. We will also discuss invasive species and their impact on natural plant communities, Georgia's rare and endangered species, and potential human and climate change influences on the vegetation of Georgia.

Saturday, February 11
Marietta

Georgia Native Plant Society's 17th Native Plant Symposium
Southern Polytechnic State University
8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Enjoy a day of topics devoted to native plants and the environmental communities that support them. Registration includes morning beverages and lunch. The event includes vendors and native plant sales. Limited seating, registration is required.
Speakers include Douglas Tallamy, Timothy Spira, Martin Cipollini, Bill Finch and Leslie Edwards.
Members: $50; non-members $55
To register or get speaker details, visit gnps.org/shortterm/Symposium_Announcement.php.
770-343-6000
www.gnps.org

February 17
Athens

The Heritage Garden at The State Botanical Garden of Georgia (photo courtesy The State Botanical Garden of Georgia)

Southern Garden Heritage Conference:
"Treasures Lost, History Saved: Our Southern Garden Heritage"
The State Botanical Garden of Georgia

Join us for this informative daylong conference that examines our Southern garden heritage. Several speakers will describe the importance of Garden Clubs and their efforts to stimulate understanding and appreciation of our garden heritage, perhaps the first step in successful conservation and preservation efforts--work which continues today in the form of cultural landscape inventories and public information.

Included in the program are presentations regarding three iconic Southern plantations--Carter's Grove, Magnolia Plantation and Stratford Hall, and the gardens each inspired. 9:00 am -- 4:00 pm, $105 (includes lunch), 706-542-6138.

Friday, February 17
Athens

Arbor Day Celebration--Tree Trail Ramble
2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Meet at the Shade Garden Arbor
Free

Linda Chafin, Conservation Botanist, SBG
In 1872, an industrious newspaper editor and political leader, J. Sterling Morton, began a campaign to plant trees on Nebraska's treeless prairie. The first Arbor Day observance was on Morton's birthday, April 10, of that same year, and by 1894 every state and some foreign countries participated in Arbor Day celebrations. In 1941, Georgia chose the third Friday in February to observe Arbor Day. Become involved in Arbor Day this year and discover humanity's true best friend! Join Linda Chafin to learn about and celebrate the trees at the Garden.

February 17
Griffin

University of Georgia Horticulture Presents: How to Prune Your Landscape Like a Pro
UGA Griffin Campus, Research Education Garden Classroom

This program will cover the A-Z of proper pruning techniques for all of your ornamentals and
will briefly cover pruning fruit trees. Equipment selection and care will be addressed in detail.
We will also cover the when, where, and how's to prune certain plants and different techniques
for creating a professional looking landscape. We will also spend some time addressing pest
prevention through proper pruning procedures. The class will consist of both indoor lectures and
outside hands-on demonstrations. Please dress warmly for the outside portion. Refreshments and
lunch are included in program. Registration required. Bob Westerfield and Bodie Pennisi, UGA
Horticulturists, will be the program speakers. 9:00am - 3:00pm. Cost: $49.00 includes lunch. Pre-registration required, for more information: 770-229-3458, mflorko@uga.edu, http://www.caes.uga.edu.

February 18
Snellville

Shady or Sunny -- What's the Right (Native) Plant?
The Mary Kistner Nature Center

Walter Reeves and Dr. Wilf Nicholls, Director of the State Botanical Garden of Georgia, are just the experts to help you make the right choices, whether your garden bakes in the sun, languishes in the shade or lies in between. Particular emphasis on selecting native plants for bird and pollinator friendly gardens. The GEORGIA PIEDMONT LAND TRUST presents this fun and informative event, sponsored by Buck Jones Nursery, Grayson. Pre- registration required. 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm. $35.00. gplt.org. 770-945-3111

Saturday, February 18
LaGrange

"Tweets" 101: A Birding Workshop
Hills & Dales Estate

Ever wonder "who" that beautiful "tweety bird" was flitting around the feeder or singing from a perch nearby? Spend a fun morning with local naturalist LuAnn Craighton to get a handle on bird-watching basics! You'll learn how to use binoculars effectively, understand how to choose a field guide, discover what features to actually look for to identify an unknown feathered friend or get to know some of the common birds living in our area. We'll have an indoor session and then take a walk on the grounds to put your new bird-watching skills into practice. 9:30 a.m. until noon. $25 per person. $20 per person for annual pass holders. 706-882-3242, www.hillsanddales.org

February 18
Milledgeville

Georgia Arbor Day Program
Lockerly Arboretum

The program begins at 9:00 AM with a presentation by Executive Director Jim Garner entitled "Tree Care for Georgia Landscapes." Following his presentation, refreshments will be offered. At 10:00 AM Flo Chaffin of Specialty Ornamentals will present "Cool Conifers for Hot Conditions: How to Choose and Use." Mrs. Chaffin will then lead a tour through Lockerly's Conifer Reference Garden. At 11:30 AM, Director of Horticulture Bradley Roberts will begin his workshop "Planting Container-Grown Conifers." Following the Arbor Day Program, there will be a bargain plant sale on the side lawn of Lockerly Hall from 12:00pm to 1:00 pm. Please note there is a $10 registration fee. To register, (478) 452-2112 or bradleyroberts@lockerly.org.

Monday, February 20
Lawrenceville

Walter Reeves -- Gardening For Everyone
Bethesda Senior Center
7 p.m.

The Gwinnett County Master Gardeners' meeting will proudly feature garden expert, writer, radio and television host Walter Reeves. A most respected Southern garden guru, Walter Reeves is the author or co-author of nine books on gardening, hosts "The Lawn and Garden Show with Walter Reeves" Saturday mornings on Atlanta's WSB radio and "Your Southern Garden" on Georgia Public Television. Walter also writes a weekly column for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, and distributes a biweekly email newsletter.
The meeting will be held at the Bethesda Senior Center, 225 Bethesda Church Road, Lawrenceville, Ga. The center is located at the intersection of Ronald Regan Parkway and Bethesda Church Road.
770-554-9873

February 21
Athens

The World is My Garden: The Gardens of Japan
The State Botanical Garden of Georgia

Noted horticulturist Allan Armitage will speak about gardens around the world in a series of talks at The State Botanical Garden of Georgia. This series is cosponsored by the Friends of the State Botanical Garden of Georgia and the Friends of the Athens-Clarke County Library, with proceeds benefiting the garden and library. 7:00pm - 8:00pm. $10. botgarden.uga.edu, 706-542-1244.

February 22
Atlanta

Susan Haltom, One Writer's Garden: Eudora Welty's Home Place
Cherokee Garden Library

Even in her earliest short stories, the writer Eudora Welty (1909--2001) wove images of southern flora and gardens into her writing, yet few outside her personal circle knew that they originated in her own passionate connection to her home garden in Jackson, Mississippi, designed by her mother. Near the end of her life, Welty recounted her memories of the lost garden to Susan Haltom, a local garden designer, who helped bring it back. When Welty died in 2001, a restoration of the garden was well underway--and with it, the untold story of the garden's place in the writer's artistic life. Woven throughout this fascinating story are passages from Welty's unpublished writing as well as excerpts from her personal letters.
Susan Haltom is a garden designer and Preservation and Maintenance Coordinator of the Eudora Welty garden. She has published in Mississippi Magazine, Old House Journal, and Magnolia, publication of the Southern Garden History Society.
7:00 PM. This special evening is a fundraising event for the Cherokee Garden Library endowment. Admission is $25 individual; $50 couple; $250 patron. Reservations are required. Call 404.814.4046 or email.

Thursday, February 23
Athens

Vegetative Plant Propagation (a Certificate in Native Plants Elective)
8:30 am - 12:30 pm

Horticulture Complex-Head House members $45; non-members $50
Melanie Parker, Greenhouse Manager, State Botanical Garden of Georgia
This course will focus primarily on vegetative propagation methods applicable to native plants, providing students with basic knowledge of plant growth and morphology, as well as the technical and mechanical skills required for successful propagation. Course will take place in the new greenhouse complex.

February 24
Griffin

University of Georgia Horticulture Presents: How to Prune Your Landscape Like a Pro
UGA Griffin Campus, Research Education Garden Classroom

February 25
A tlanta

2012 Perennial Plant Symposium
Atlanta Botanical Garden

The Inspired Gardener: A Symposium and Silent Auction, Presented by the Atlanta Botanical Garden and the Georgia Perennial Plant Association in Day Hall of the Atlanta Botanical Garden. Winter finds most gardeners starved for spring -- the season of new beginnings, a fresh opportunity to get the most out of our landscapes. As springtime approaches, immerse yourself in this full day of exciting garden inspiration. Come away with fresh ideas for making the garden of your dreams! This year's featured speakers are Katy Moss Warner, Steve Brady, Shannon Pable, Norman Kent Johnson and Stephanie Cohen. 8:00 am to 3:30 pm, $79, $5 Pre-paid parking / $12 Boxed Lunch (register by February 17 for discounted parking). Registration Deadline: February 17.
To register online: atlantabotanicalgarden.org.
To register by voice mail: (404) 876-5859 ext. 2558.
To register by mail, click here to download the brochure.

February 25
Kennesaw

Bonsai 101
Smith Gilbert Gardens

SGG caretaker Rodney Clemons from Allgood Bonsai will enlighten beginners who are interested in this ancient art. Class begins at 10:00 am. $15 includes admission to the Gardens. 770-919-0248, www.smithgilbertgardens.com.

February 25
Decatur

The Chicks in the City Symposium
Oakhurst Church

The Oakhurst Community Garden Project presents The Chicks in the City Symposium from 8:30 a.m. -- 4 p.m. at Oakhurst Church, 630 East Lake Drive. Topics include Symbiotic Nature of Chickens, Breeds of Chickens and Where to Find Them, Basics of Coop Construction with Predator Proofing Tips, What to Feed your Chickens, Baby Chicks, First Aid and Health, and Community Co-ops. Featuring Walter Reeves, Anne-Marie Anderson, Cassandra Lawson, Daniel Dover, Robert Leonard, Jen Cleere and Daniel Ballard. To register: $65, $50 Oakhurst Community Garden Project Members. Purchase your tickets at Oakhurstgarden.org. For more information: 404-371-1920.

Wednesday, February 29
Athens

Flower Arranging Unit 3: Design for Dining Table
9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Visitor Center, Conservatory Great Room members $40; non-members $45
Celia McQuaid Brown, The Garden Club of Georgia, Master Flower Show Judge
This is the third in a series of five units taught by a National Garden Club Master Flower Show Judge and will focus on dining table arrangements. Participants will be provided with a list of materials to bring to class. Limited to 20. Priority will be given to those participants that have completed Units 1-2. Bring a bag lunch.

March 2-3
Bishop

Hellebore Days
Piccadilly Farm

There are thousands of hellebores at Piccadilly Farm in Bishop, as well as an amazing conifer collection and more. Come wander the garden and find several new plants to take home. The masses of Lenten roses in bloom will be inspiring -- especially once you find out these are deer-resistant, drought-resistant, evergreen and one of the longest blooming perennials -- plus they reseed to establish colonies and create a groundcover. Piccadilly Farm 1971 Whipporwill Road, Bishop(south of Athens), 706-769-6516, 10:00 AM -- 4:00 PM.

March 3
Kennesaw

Successful Vegetable Gardening
Smith Gilbert Gardens

Is there anything tastier or more satisfying than a meal of home-grown vegetables? This class will give you the confidence to start your own vegetable patch. Class begins at 10:00 am. $15 includes admission to the Gardens. 770-919-0248, www.smithgilbertgardens.com.

March 3
Savannah

Natural Communities of Georgia
Savannah-Ogeechee Canal

This course will introduce students to the diverse natural communities of Georgia, from the Blue Ridge to the Barrier Islands, emphasizing basic ecological principles of plant distribution, prehistoric and contemporary influences on Georgia vegetation, major vegetation types in Georgia, and common plant and animal species that characterize each vegetation type. We will also discuss the impact of human activities and climate change. A portion of the class will be spent in the field, exploring some important coastal natural communities. This is a Coastal Certificate in Native Plants core course. Please dress appropriately for the weather and bring water, lunch, snacks, sun screen, and insect repellent. $105 (plus $2 park entrance fee), 9:00am -- 5:00pm, 706-542-6156, www.botgarden.uga.edu.

March 6
Athens

Conifer Reference Garden
The State Botanical Garden of Georgia

Did you know that one of our native conifers is a host plant for Hessel's hairstreak butterflies? The American Conifer Society Southeast Region initiated the Conifer Reference Garden program in 2007. The purpose of the program is to educate the public about growing conifers and demonstrate their used in the landscape. The State Botanical Garden of Georgia was the first garden in the southeast to be awarded Reference Garden status. Our conifer collection is located throughout the Garden, while the Reference Garden is part of the Callaway Administration landscape. Please join us for a morning of learning interesting facts about conifers, to see how our collection fits beautifully into the landscape and discover how these concepts can be taken to your home garden. 9:00 -- 11:00 am, members $18; non-members $20 - 706-542-6156, www.botgarden.uga.edu

March 10
Athens

Exotic Birds and Reptiles on Planet Earth: A Family Festival
The State Botanical Garden of Georgia

At 10:00 am Roy Hodge, Exotic Paradise, Atlanta, will educate and entertain family members with his menagerie of exotic forest animals. Discover amazing facts and adaptations as well as conservation concerns of cockatoos, exotic parrots, spectacled owls, monitor lizards, anacondas, boa constrictors and more! Following his presentation, participate in hands-on activities and crafts to learn more about forests of the world. 10:00 -- 11:30 am, individual $5; family $20 (under 2 are free), 706-542-6156, www.botgarden.uga.edu.

March 12
Perry

Vegetable Gardening 101
Houston County Extension Office

6:30 - 8:30 PM, $10 per person. You must pre-register and pre-pay before 5 pm on March 7.
Download a registration form from our website: www.caes.uga.edu/extension/houston/news
OR email mg@uga.edu to have a form emailed to you.

March 12 -- 14
Athens

Spring Break Mini-Camp
The State Botanical Garden of Georgia

Send your kids on a naturalist adventure at the Garden during our spring break mini-camp. Each day will be filled with activities connecting our youth to the natural wonders that surround us. We will explore the gardens, trails and streams using each of our senses and dissecting the importance of these systems on our lives through observation and investigation. For ages K-5th--bring a sack lunch. Monday -- Wednesday, 8:30 am -- 2:30 pm, $88, 706-542-6156, www.botgarden.uga.edu.

March 15 -- May 17
Athens

SBG's Circle of Hikers
The State Botanical Garden of Georgia

As part of Michelle Obama's 'Let's Get Moving' campaign, join us and 'get moving' on the Garden's trails on Thursdays mornings this Spring. While the focus will be on 'getting moving', we will stop to view interesting and amazing plants along the way. Hikers are encouraged to bring nature writings or favorite poems and essays to share with the group. Join us for one or all sessions; these informal rambles are free but donations are accepted in the Garden's donation box at the entrance to the Visitor Center. Thursdays, 8:30 am (about 90 minutes), free. 706-542-6156, www.botgarden.uga.edu.

March 17
LaGrange

Photo by Lee Cathey courtesy of Hills & Dales Estate.

Beginning Bonsai
Hills & Dales Estate

Join Master Gardener and bonsai hobbyist, Sue Stewart and Hills & Dales Estate Horticulturist, Charlotte Baker as they conduct a basic introduction to this ancient art.

Each participant will plant and prune a small outdoor bonsai to take home. You will also learn training techniques and get book suggestions. Supplies and a handout will be provided. Please bring small pruners if you have them. 10:00 a.m. -- Noon. $35 per person Pre-registration is required. Garden admission is included in registration. To register e-mail info@hillsanddales.org or call 706-882-3242.

March 17 and April 8
Athens

Advanced Beekeeping: Springtime Splits...Swarm Management with a Bonus!
The State Botanical Garden of Georgia

Saturday, March 17 11:00 am until 12:00 noon, meet at Visitor Center, Classroom 2
Sunday, April 8 1:00 -- 3:00 pm, meet at Shade Garden Arbor
This two part class will begin with a one hour lecture in March and a hands-on session in April. The class will learn the benefits of springtime splits and how to detect when a hive is going to swarm. The hands-on class will illustrate step-by-step instruction on splitting a beehive. Don't forget your veil and gloves! $30, Limited to 15 participants, 706-542-6156, www.botgarden.uga.edu.

March 17 or 18 (series begins)
Athens

Beekeeping for Beginners: Units 4-6
The State Botanical Garden of Georgia

Have you ever wanted to harvest honey from your own beehive? Would you like to collect beeswax to make candles or soap? Do you have a touch of 'backyard biologist' in your blood? If so, these workshops, covering the fundamentals of beekeeping, may be for you. Weather alternative dates will be scheduled if necessary. Completion of the Unit 1 -- 3 is not required to attend. However, a protective veil and gloves are required for Unit 4 and 5. $95, 7
06-542-6156, www.botgarden.uga.edu.

Unit 4: Spring Hive Management
Session 1: Saturday, March 17
Session 2: Sunday, March 18
1:00 - 3:00 pm
Meet at Shade Garden Arbor
Our early spring hive inspection. We will be looking for brood, pollen, honey, drones and, of course, the queen.

Unit 5: Installing Bees/Spring Buildup
Session 1: Saturday, April 14
Session 2: Sunday, April 15
1:00 - 3:00 pm
Meet at Shade Garden Arbor
We will be doing follow up inspections. This is an opportunity to see how the bee colonies build up in spring. We will be looking for many of the same things we saw in March but will also be looking for queen cells.

Unit 6: Products from the Hive
Session 1: Saturday, June 9
Session 2: Sunday, June 10
9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Boogerhill Bee Farm, Danielsville, GA
The sweetest of all the beekeeping units! Dan will take capped honey frames from a 'super', remove the cappings and extract the honey.

March 17
Kennesaw

Homemade Hypertufa
Smith Gilbert Gardens

Always a favorite, sign up early for this hands-on class. All participants will go home with a lightweight container made of concrete, perlite and peat moss. Class begins at 10:00 am. $15 includes admission to the Gardens. 770-919-0248, www.smithgilbertgardens.com.

March 19
Lawrenceville

Creating an Outdoor Living Space on Your Budget
Bethesda Senior Center

The Gwinnett County Master Gardeners will proudly feature Joe Washington, the original host of "Ground Breakers," the longest running landscape show on HGTV. His passion for outdoor living spaces and training as a Master Gardener bring Joe to the stage frequently to discuss his advocacy of smart gardening practices to reduce water use. His audiences include The Chicago Botanical Garden, IBM and Disney. Joe will talk about the different options available for creating outdoor entertainment and relaxation areas as well as the benefits of master planning, and the pros and cons of hiring a contractor or doing it yourself. There will be a covered dish dinner at 6:30, with the program following at 7 p.m. You are welcome to join us for dinner but please bring a dish to share; otherwise come for the program at 7 p.m. The meeting will be held at 7 p.m. at the Bethesda Senior Center, 225 Bethesda Church Road, Lawrenceville, 770-564-4680. The center is located at the intersection of Ronald Reagan Parkway and Bethesda Church Road.

March 20
Athens

The World is My Garden: The Gardens of Wales
The State Botanical Garden of Georgia

Noted horticulturist Allan Armitage will speak about gardens around the world in a series of talks at The State Botanical Garden of Georgia. This series is cosponsored by the Friends of the State Botanical Garden of Georgia and the Friends of the Athens-Clarke County Library, with proceeds benefitting the garden and library. Visit botgarden.uga.edu or call 706-542-6138 for tickets to the talks. 7:00-8:00 pm, $10, 706-542-1244, www.botgarden.uga.edu.

March 22, 23, 24, and 25
Pine Mountain

Callaway Gardens Annual Plant Fair & Sale
Callaway Gardens Robin Lake Beach Dome

The Annual Plant Fair and Sale scheduled for March 24 - 27, 2011 offers approximately 19 vendors from our area and surrounding states bringing a wide variety of plants and unique garden items. This offers exceptional shopping under one roof. The Annual Plant Fair and Sale is one of the largest fundraising events hosted by Callaway Gardens with proceeds going to the Ida Cason Callaway Foundation in order to support the Gardens and its educational and environmental programming. Hours are as follows: Thursday, March 22nd - 3 p.m. - 7 p.m. - Friday & Saturday, March 23rd & 24th - 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. - Sunday, March 25th - 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. callawaygardens.com

March 22 - 23
Pine Mountain

Callaway Gardens Gardening School
Callaway Gardens

Taught by horticulturist, author, and design expert Erica Glasener Preregistration is required. To preregister, call 706-663-5153 or email education@callawaygardens.com
Thursday and Friday - $110.00 (includes two lunches, Thursday workshop, early entrance into Plant Fair, Friday Gardening School lecture and Q&A session)
Thursday Only (design workshop) - $79.00 (includes lunch)
Friday Only (Gardening School lecture with Q&A session) - $45.00

March 24
Brunswick

Conservation Landscaping in Coastal Georgia
UGA Marine Extension Service

Choices we make while creating and maintaining our gardens and home landscapes have an impact on land, water, and wildlife. By integrating conservation landscaping principles and practices into our gardens, we can have beautiful and earth-friendly gardens while protecting Georgia's coastal natural resources. This course will provide helpful concepts, tools, and techniques for conserving water, reducing waste and pollution, and creating wildlife habitat in home landscapes while saving time and money. This is a Coastal Certificate in Native Plants elective. 9:00am -- 1:00pm, $50, 706-542-6138, www.botgarden.uga.edu.

March 24
Athens

Spring Bird Ramble
The State Botanical Garden of Georgia

Come join the Oconee Rivers Audubon Society for a morning bird walk at the Garden. Look and listen for our spring migrants. First time birding? No problem. ORAS members will help you spot and identify the feathery creatures. All birding levels are welcome. Bring binoculars if you have them. Free, 8:00 am. For more information, visit www.oconeeriversaudubon.org.
March 24, Kennesaw
Perennial Fun in the Perennial Garden, Smith Gilbert Gardens
Jim Harrington, designer of the SGG perennial garden, will give you a wheelbarrow full of design ideas and plant choices for your garden. Class begins at 10:00 am. $15 includes admission to the Gardens. 770-919-0248, www.smithgilbertgardens.com.

March 27
Athens

Spring Wildflowers of the Upland Deciduous Forests of Georgia
The State Botanical Garden of Georgia

Students will be introduced to the basic botanical terminology used in identifying and describing plants and will learn the basics of using a dichotomous key. We will then visit the Dunson Native Flora Garden and learn to identify a number of spring ephemerals and other early blooming plants. Emphasis will be placed on recognizing the characteristics of plant families and genera. This is a Certificate in Native Plants Elective Course. 8:30 am -- 12:30 pm, $50, 706-542-6156, www.botgarden.uga.edu.

March 28
Athens

Flower Arranging Unit 4: Fruit and Vegetable Design
The State Botanical Garden of Georgia

This is the fourth in a series of five National Garden Club units focusing on designs incorporating fruits and vegetables. Participants will be provided with a list of materials to bring to class. Limited to 20 participants. Priority will be given to those participants who have completed Units 1-3, but anyone interested can take this class. $45, 9:00 am -- 3:00 pm, 706-542-6156, www.botgarden.uga.edu.

March 28
Tifton

South Georgia Native Plant & Wildflower Symposium
Tifton Campus Conference Center

This day-long symposium is cosponsored by the Garden Club of Georgia, Inc., Camellia District, and the University of Georgia. Enjoy a day at the UGA Tifton Campus learning about the beauty and the benefits of native plants and about protecting Georgia's natural resources. The registration fee is $30.00 per person; additional $10 for buffet lunch. sgnpws.org.

March 30
Athens

Felder Rushing - Friends of the Garden Annual Meeting (Open to the Public)
The State Botanical Garden of Georgia

Friends of the Garden is pleased to welcome Felder Rushing back as the speaker for the 2012 Friends Annual Meeting. You don't need to be a member of Friends to attend. Come listen to the irreverent, enlightened Felder Rushing and meet him during a reception. First impression of Felder is that he is a Southerner (from many, many generations of Southerners), quirky (an understatement) and informal (also an understatement). What you may not realize is that he has authored or co-authored 16 gardening books (including several national award winners), is a retired Extension Service urban horticulture specialist, served as an American Horticulture Society board member, and has written thousands of gardening columns and articles. Felder was celebrated in Southern Living magazine's 25th anniversary issue as one of "twenty five people most likely to change the South." So certainly an evening with him and area gardeners will be memorable. Come join us!
Felder Rushing will be signing books. His latest book is Slow Gardening: A No-Stress Philosophy for All Senses and All Seasons. As reported in a New York Times article "Simply put, the doctrine calls for gardeners to relax, take their time and follow seasonal rhythms, instead of doing everything at once." 6:30 - 8:30 pm, $20, 706-542-6138, www.botgarden.uga.edu.

March 30-April 1
Roswell

Weekend for Rivers 2012
Chattahoochee Nature Center

Cost: $45 for adults (before March 1st, $50 after March 1st), $40 for the kid's program. Ticket prices include Saturday presentations and party, Saturday night camping, shuttles for Sunday paddle on the Chattahoochee River and all meals from Saturday breakfast to Sunday breakfast. Participants will need to pack their own lunch for the river on Sunday. http://www.garivers.org.

March 31 and April 1
Perry

Spring Home & Garden Show
Georgia National Fairgrounds

Shop for plants, garden accessories, home décor items, garden tools, botanical and wildlife art, pottery, and much, much more! Supervised children's activities. Tickets at door: $5 donation, children under 12 are free. www.mgcg.org, Saturday 9 am -- 6 pm, Sunday 10 am -5 pm, sponsored by Master Gardeners of Central Georgia.

March 31
Kennesaw

Advanced Beekeeping
Smith Gilbert Gardens

Our favorite beekeeper, Dan Harris, is offering a workshop on spring swarm management for more advanced beekeepers. Dan will spend one class session lecturing and one session in the bee yard discussing swarm management focusing on spring hive splits. The times and dates for this program are: Saturday March 31 11AM -- 12 PM lecture -- and - Saturday April 21 3:30 -- 5PM bee yard workshop. The cost for this program is $30, which includes the lecture and workshop in the bee yard. 770-919-0248, www.smithgilbertgardens.com.

April 6
Athens

FRIENDS First Friday: Plant Sale Secrets
The State Botanical Garden of Georgia

Gather for a made-from-scratch breakfast by Countryside Catering and find out what brings folks to the Garden to visit and volunteer. In April get insider tips from Shelly Prescott, Flower Garden Curator, on shopping the plant sale, special plants that will be available, and more. $12, 9:00 am -- 10:30 am. To make your reservation, please call 706-542-6138 by Wednesday, April 4.

April 6-7
Gainesville

Hall County Spring Plant Expo
Chicopee Woods Agricultural Center.

The Hall County Master Gardeners & UGA Cooperative Extension--Hall County present 'Spring's Greatest 2 Day Plant Sale in Georgia'. This complete garden event features an extensive selection of Southern plant vendors, garden art & products, informative seminars, a children's booth and lots of door prizes. Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. & Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 pm, 770-535-8293.

April 7
Athens

Spring Wildflowers of the Granite Rock Outcrops of Georgia
The State Botanical Garden of Georgia

Students will be introduced to the ecology of Piedmont granite outcrops and their flora. We will then visit Rock and Shoals Natural Area to learn to identify the species and ecological processes that characterize Georgia's granite rock outcrops. This is a Certificate in Native Plants Elective course. 8:30 am -- 12:30 pm, $50, 706-542-6156, www.botgarden.uga.edu.

April 7
Athens

Heirloom Seed Swap
The State Botanical Garden of Georgia

Bring your heirloom seeds and stories to share with others. 10:00 -- 11:00 am, free, 706-542-6156, www.botgarden.uga.edu.

April 13-14
Roswell

Spring Native Plant Sale
the Chattahoochee Nature Center

10:00 am -- 5:00 pm both days. www.chattnaturecenter.org

April 14
Athens

Plantapaooza!
Athens has long been a travel destination for plant enthusiasts, but on Saturday, April 14th many gardeners are expected to journey to Athens to attend plant sales held by the State Botanical Garden, the UGA Horticulture Club and The Trial Gardens at UGA. A wide array of garden plants that thrive in the Southeast will be available at each location from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm, along with horticulturists, volunteers and Master Gardeners to help with plant selections. Admission is free for all plant sales. Gardeners who participate in the 2012 Plantapalooza will be able to get a special card stamped and use that card to receive discounts in area nurseries. Plant lists, directions, and more information are available online at ugatrialgardens.com. 8:00 am--2:00 pm, 706-542-6104.

April 14
Marietta

2012 GNPS Annual Spring Plant Sale
McFarlane Nature Park (280 Farm Road)

Buy plants that are rescued from construction sites, raised from seed, or donated from nurseries or members of the Georgia Native Plant Society. Cash or checks only. 10:00 am -- 2:00 pm.

April 14
Kennesaw

Hardscapes--Building a Dry Stack-Stone Wall
Smith Gilbert Gardens

Hardscapes are an important aspect in your landscape design. Learn the importance of the "two over one, one over two" rule. Class begins at 10:00 am. $15 includes admission to the Gardens. Registration recommended. 770-919-0248, www.smithgilbertgardens.com.

April 17
Athens

The World is My Garden: The Gardens of Eastern Australia
The State Botanical Garden of Georgia

Noted horticulturist Allan Armitage will speak about gardens around the world in a series of talks at The State Botanical Garden of Georgia. This series is cosponsored by the Friends of the State Botanical Garden of Georgia and the Friends of the Athens-Clarke County Library, with proceeds benefitting the garden and library. 7:00-8:00 pm, $10. Visit botgarden.uga.edu or call 706-542-6138 for tickets to the talks.

April 18
Athens

Top 10 'Weeds' in your Lawn and Garden
The State Botanical Garden of Georgia

We will learn how to identify different weeds as well as information on their life cycle. Control measures for these pesky plants such as crabgrass, annual bluegrass, and wild garlic will also be discussed. Feel free to bring the unidentifiable weeds from your own yard for classification. 3:00 -- 5:00 pm, $15, 706-542-6156, www.botgarden.uga.edu.

April 20 - 21
Savannah

37th Annual Savannah NOGS Tour of Hidden Gardens
Savannah Historic District

Savannah's Historic District is the setting for a walking tour of lovely secluded gardens nestled among centuries old oaks. The tour highlights eight walled gardens, the Massie Heritage Center (unveiling its own newly renovated gardens), and an Iced Tea Social in the Garden of the Harper-Fowlkes House. There in the garden sumptuous delicacies, both sweet and savory, and live entertainment will be provided for your enjoyment. Eight different gardens are chosen each year for this tour. Proceeds will be used to support the Massie Center and other community gardens in Savannah. 10:00 am-4:00 pm, $45/person, $40/ person for groups of 10 or more, 912-961-4805.

April 20-22
Athens

Spring Open House
Cofer's Home and Garden Showplace

Nursery and garden center open house with a live radio remote on the 21st, plus a book signing by Walter Reeves noon -- 2:00 pm on the 21st. 1145 Mitchell Bridge, 706-353-1519, www.cofers.com.

April 20 & 21
Canton

Gardeners' Circle of Life State Master Gardeners Conference
Cherokee County Conference Center at "The Bluffs"

On April 20, take a tour of the Funk Heritage Center, go for a guided tour through Burgess Arboretum, tour Gibbs Garden, participate in a hands-on craft workshop or meet and shop with our vendors. April 21 speakers include the inventor of Encore Azaleas, Director of New Products for Proven Winners and Associate Gardens Editor for Southern Living. This event is open to everyone, not only master gardeners. 8.00AM - 4:00PM each day, $75.00, 770-479-0418, georgiamgaconference.com.

April 21
Pine Mountain

Planting Your Season Vegetable Garden
Callaway Gardens

Mr. Cason's Vegetable Garden Manager, David Chambers, is truly a vegetable garden guru. David has been gardening for many years and knows what works and what doesn't. He will share his extensive knowledge on the best spring and summer crops. 10 am-12 noon. $45 includes admission to the gardens. Preregistration is required. To preregister, call 706-663-5153 or email education@callawaygardens.com

April 21
Athens

The Piedmont Gardeners' Annual Tour of Athens Gardens
The Piedmont Gardeners' 19th Annual Tour of Athens, Georgia gardens will feature five private gardens. The ticket is a booklet that includes a map, directions and information about the gardens. 10:00am - 4:00pm. $15.00 in advance, $20.00 day of tour. Tickets will be available at: Cofer's Home and Garden Showplace, Thomas Orchard and Greenhouse, Always, Always Flowers and Week-End A'Fair at Charmar.

April 21
Savannah

Plant Families
Savannah - Ogeechee Canal

Knowing plant families facilitates plant identification in the field and helps us understand the evolutionary relationships among plants. Students will study flower structure and other diagnostic characters of prominent plant families in Georgia's Coastal Plain, and apply that knowledge during a field trip on the Ogeechee Canal's trails. Please dress appropriately for the weather and bring water, snacks, sun screen, and insect repellent. This is a Coastal Certificate in Native Plants elective. 9:00am -- 1:00pm, $50, 706-542-6138, www.botgarden.uga.edu.

April 21
Kennesaw

Choosing Wisely for Summer Color
Smith Gilbert Gardens

Don't let your garden look tired this summer. Let SGG Head Gardener Shon Cameron give you great ideas to keep your garden bright and colorful throughout the summer season. Class begins at 10:00 am. $15 includes admission to the Gardens. Registration recommended. 770-919-0248, www.smithgilbertgardens.com.

April 21
Athens

Spring Bird Ramble
The State Botanical Garden of Georgia

April 25
Athens

Flower Arranging Unit 5: Creative and Miniature Design
The State Botanical Garden of Georgia

Unit 5 focuses on Creative Miniature Design. Upon completion of all five units, students will be awarded the Basic Design Certificate from The Garden Club of Georgia. Courses do not need to be completed in order. Participants will be provided with a list of materials to bring to class. Limited to 20 participants. Priority will be given to those participants who have completed Units 1-4. 9:00 am - 3:00 pm, $45.706-542-6156, www.botgarden.uga.edu.

April 26
Athens

Butterflies: Their Host Plants and Conservation
The State Botanical Garden of Georgia

This class includes a field sea

>> Back to top of page

Please see the Chicagoland Gardening Calendar of Events for the
most up-to-date list of events in the Chicagoland area.

Chicago

Feb. 3, 10, 17 and 24
Green City Market moves to the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum for the winter. 2430 N. Cannon Drive, Chicago. 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Info: 773- 880-1266 or www.chicagogreencitymarket.org.

Feb. 4
Winter Walk at the Lurie Garden. See the beauty of the garden in winter and hear about the season’s best performers and the role of texture in a four-season garden. Led by Lurie Garden staff. Meet at the south end of the Lurie Garden boardwalk, Columbus Drive and Monroe Street, Chicago. 10 a.m. Free. Space limited; preregistration required. Info: 312-742-8497.

Feb. 8 and 15
Tropical Treat Nights. Enjoy a tasty treat while learning about the “sweet plants” of the Garfield Park Conservatory. Fact and flavor stations will be staffed by educators throughout the Conservatory, featuring chocolate, chicle, vanilla, cinnamon, chewing gum, banana and more. In the Sugar from the Sun exhibit at Garfield Park Conservatory, 300 N. Central Park Ave., Chicago. 3 to 6 p.m. Free. Info: www.garfield-conservatory.org/shows.htm.

Feb. 11
Landscape Design Series. Part 2 of a two-part workshop. Explore the basic elements and principles of landscape design and plant selection and apply them to your personal residence. Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington St. Presented by Lurie Garden staff and renowned perennial plantsman Roy Diblik. 10 a.m. to noon. Free. Space limited; preregistration required. Info: 312-742-8497.

Feb. 11
“Harry Potter’s Owl and Other Winter Birds: How They Survive,” a family workshop. Learn how birds survive the winter with author Sheryl DeVore as she teaches about the snowy owl, black-capped chickadee, Northern cardinal, downy woodpecker, white-breasted nuthatch and more. Each child will make a bird identification guide to take home. Children must be at least 6 years old and accompanied by an adult. Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington St., Chicago. 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Free. Space limited; preregistration required. Info: 312-742-8497..

Northwestern Illinois

Feb. 7
“Native Trees.” Garden Club of Lake Zurich monthly meeting. Presented by University of Illinois Extension master gardener Kim Isaacson. St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church, 24500 Old McHenry Road, Hawthorn Woods. 7 p.m. Free. Guests welcome. Enter in front at door #12. Info: 847-550-0329.

Feb. 9
“On The Shady Side,” a presentation by Lou Horton. Monthly meeting of the Des Plaines Garden Club. Frisbie Senior Center, 52 E. Northwest Highway, Des Plaines. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bring a sandwich; other refreshments provided. Info: www.desplainesgardenclub.com.

Feb. 11
Worm Bin Workshop. Don’t throw your kitchen scraps into the landfill; feed them to your worms. Learn to make a worm bin. Materials and starter worms included. Knupper Nursery, 1801 N. Rand Road, Palatine. 10 a.m. $20 per bin, due at preregistration. Info: 847-359-1080 or www.knuppernursery.com.

Feb. 18
Terrarium Workshop. A lovely glass container, some stones, a little soil, some plants and suddenly you have a terrarium. Learn step-by-step how to make one. At Knupper Nursery, 1801 N. Rand Road, Palatine. 10 a.m. $45, due at time of pre-registration. Info: 847-359-1080 or www.knuppernursery.com.

Feb. 25
“Easy Orchids.” Learn how easy it is to have gorgeous orchids that bloom for months. Knupper Nursery, 1801 N. Rand Road, Palatine. 10 a.m. Free. Info: 847-359-1080 or www.knuppernursery.com.

Feb. 25
20th annual Natural Landscaping Seminar. Sponsored by the Wildflower Preservation and Propagation Committee of McHenry County. Keynote address presented by Neil Diboll, owner of Prairie Nursery in Westfield, Wis. Held at McHenry County College, 8900 U.S. Route 14, Crystal Lake. 8 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. $30 in advance; $35 at the door. Info: www.thewppc.org.

Northern Illinois

Feb. 4
“Starting From Seed.” This class covers all elements of starting annual flowers, vegetables and perennials from seed. Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe. 9:30 a.m. to 12 noon. $45; preregistration required. Info: 847-835-8261 or www.chicagobotanic.org.

Feb. 4
“Grow Orchids on Your Windowsill.” Learn basic orchid growing techniques. Also: best orchids for your conditions and avoiding pitfalls. Feel free to bring a few of your orchids to class. Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe. 1 to 3 p.m. $37; preregistration required. Info: 847-835-8261 or www.chicagobotanic.org.

Feb. 4
“Woody Plants for the Eco-Garden.” Learn about woody plant selections to help make your garden more eco-friendly. Chicago Botanic Garden,1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe. 9 a.m. to noon. $74; preregistration required. Info: 847-835-8261 or www.chicagobotanic.org.

Feb. 8
“‘Know Maintenance’ Perennial Gardens.” Learn about plantsman Roy Diblik’s concept of stylized perennial gardens based on grouping plants that live well together. See examples of how Diblik applied his concepts at the Art Institute of Chicago and Shedd Aquarium. Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe. 1 to 2 p.m. $37; preregistration required. Info: 847-835-8261 or www.chicagobotanic.org.

Feb. 10 and 11
“Create an Orchid Arrangement for Your Sweetheart” (or yourself). Chalet Education Center, 3132 Lake Ave., Wilmette. 10 a.m. $54.99 (plus tax), all materials included; preregistration required. Info: 847-256-0561, ext. 230 or 225 or www.chaletnursery.com.

Feb. 11
“Fruit Trees for the Beginner.” Many fruit trees can be grown successfully in the Chicago area, including apples, peaches, pears, apricots, cherries, and plums. Learn about selecting varieties, choosing a location, site preparation, pruning techniques, maintenance and pest management. Dress for the weather, as part of the class will be outside. Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe. 9:30 a.m. to noon. $45; preregistration required. Info: 847-835-8261 or www.chicagobotanic.org.

Feb. 13
“Lake County Ecology and Forest Preserves.” Ann Maine, president of the Lake County Forest Preserves, will discuss Lake County ecology. Monthly meeting of the Gardeners of Central Lake County. At the Evangelical Free Church of Libertyville, 431 W. Austin Ave., Libertyville. 7:30 p.m. Free. Info: 847-918-7157 or www.gclcil.com or juliancindy@hotmail.com.

Feb. 14
“Basic Care of Orchids: They’re Easy!” Presented by Don White, owner of Anything Orchids in Frankfort. Monthly meeting of the Glenview Gardeners. Community room, Glenview Police Department, 2500 E. Lake Ave., Glenview. 7 p.m. Free. Guests welcome. Info: 847-724-2286 or www.glenviewgardeners.org or email ggardeners@gmail.com.

Feb. 17 and 18
“Understanding Orchids with Hermann Pigors.” Learn about the different orchid varieties from one of the foremost experts in the U.S., Hermann Pigors of Oak Hill Gardens in Dundee. Learn about repotting, light requirements and the best techniques for fertilizing, the best types of orchids for home culture and lesser-known varieties. Chalet Education Center, 3132 Lake Ave., Wilmette. 10 a.m. Info: 847-256-0561 or www.chaletnursery.com.

Feb. 18
Beginning Beekeeping Workshop. Learn about the history of beekeeping in North America, the anatomy and physiology of the bees and their duties and threats to honeybees. Seasonal management, plants for forage and community restrictions also will be covered. Presented by Charles and Karen Lorence, owners of Lorence’s Honey Bee Haven. Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. $74; preregistration required. Lunch on your own. Info: 847-835-8261 or www.chicagobotanic.org.

Feb. 24 and 25
Terrarium Workshop. See a demonstration of how to create one and then make your own. Chalet Education Center, 3132 Lake Ave., Wilmette. 10 a.m. $54.99 (plus tax), all materials included; preregistration required. Info: 847-256-0561, ext. 230 or 225, or www.chaletnursery.com.

Feb. 25
“Harry Potter’s Herbology: Medieval and Renaissance Botany at Hogwarts,” a lecture by Ed Valauskas, rare book curator at the Chicago Botanic Garden. Learn about the foundations of Hogwarts in classical, medieval and Renaissance scientific literature, with actual examples of rare books dating from the 15th through 17th centuries. Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe. 11 a.m. to noon. $19; pregistration required. Info: 847-835-8261 or www.chicagobotanic.org.

Western Illinois

Feb. 4, 11 and 18
“Landscape Plants: Evergreens, Bark, and Berries.” Perk up your winter landscape with a class on plants that add interest to the dormant garden. Learn about trees with great bark, shrubs with berries for the birds, plus evergreens. The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle. Meets three Saturdays, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. $138; preregistration required. Info: 630-719-2468 or www.mortonarb.org/education.

Feb. 18
Winter Bird Walk. Interested in birding, but don’t know where to start? Explore the winter landscape with an expert guide, learn to identify the birds that stay in Illinois during the chilly months and discuss their behaviors and natural history. Bring binoculars and a field guide. The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle. 8 to 10:30 a.m. $10 plus admission ($12 adults); preregistration required. Info: 630-719-2468 or www.mortonarb.org.

Feb. 18
“Starting from Seed.” Discover the rewards and benefits of growing your own annuals and vegetables from seed started indoors. Learn about lighting, soil types, containers, schedules and plant selection. Taught by Vicki Nowicki of Let’s Grow Vegetables. The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle. 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. $36; preregistration required. Info: 630-719-2468 or www.mortonarb.org/education.

Feb. 18
“Build a Fairy House.” At this workshop you will learn how to collect plant material from your own yard and nature to create a house for the fairies. Taught by artist Linda Haas at her studio in Sugar Grove (directions at registration). 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. $30 per house; preregistration required. Info: 630-251-5927 or www.fairyhouseworkshops.com or email treestarfarm@gmail.com.

Feb. 18 and 19
Batavia Orchid Society Show and Sale. Orchid displays and sales of plants, books and supplies. Vendors from all over the Midwest. Potting demonstrations. DuPage County Fairgrounds, 2015 W. Manchester Road, Wheaton. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Feb. 18, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Feb. 19. Free. Info: 630-978-0422 or theblanfords@sbcglobal.net.

Feb. 18 and 25
“Pruning Small Trees and Shrubs: Winter.” Thoughtful removal of branches in winter is easy and encourages proper spring growth. Practice the correct techniques and learn which plants to prune now and, more importantly, which to prune later. The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle. 1 to 4 p.m.; $78 preregistration required. Info: 630-719-2468 or www.mortonarb.org/education.

Feb. 20
“Tough and Lovely Plants for Dry Shade,” monthly meeting of the Garden Club of Downers Grove. At the Lincoln Center, 935 Maple Ave., Downers Grove. 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. Free. Info: 630-852-3912.

Feb. 25
“Gardeners’ Pathway: Ideas to Feed Your Passion,” an all-day symposium sponsored by University of Illinois Extension, DeKalb County Master Gardeners and Kishwaukee College. Keynote speaker: Roy Diblik of Northwind Perennial Farm, Burlington, Wis. Exhibit/vendor hall, 15 seminars and Master Gardener Q&A desk. Kishwaukee College Conference Center, 21193 Malta Road, Malta, Ill. 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. $50, morning coffee and pastries and lunch included; preregistration required. Info: 815-825-2086, ext. 2040.

The Growing Place
25W471 Plank Road, Naperville (630-355-4000) and 2000 Montgomery Road, Aurora (630-820-8088).
Info: www.thegrowingplace.com. Preregistration is required for all these workshops and talks. Call 630-355-4000.

Feb. 11
“Landscape Sampler: Curb Appeal.” This interactive talk uses participants’ examples about how to take your front-yard landscaping to the next level. Find out how to create an inviting path, build a four-season display and add a focal point. Also: basic design principles and how to apply them to your home. Aurora location. 9:30 a.m.
or 1 p.m. $20.

Feb. 18 and 25
“Build a Fairy or Gnome House.” Create a magical place for fairies and gnomes using logs, twigs, stones, and a variety of “found” items. Included: a planting box with handles, soil and materials so you can begin to plan and build the landscape around your fairy house. Receive a certificate to be redeemed after April 1 for a plant as well as a gnome or a fairy. Aurora location. 9:30 a.m. or 1 p.m. $30.

Heinz Brothers Greenhouse and Garden Center
2010 E. Main St., St. Charles. 630-584-0473. www.heinzbrothers.com.
Pre-registration is required for all these events.

Feb. 18
Carnivorous Plants for Kids. For kids ages 4 and up. Learn about the different types of carnivorous plants, how to grow and feed them. Each participant will receive a plant to take home. 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. $10.

Feb. 18
Houseplants for Your Home. Learn how to care for houseplants and the major benefits of real vs. silk. Lighting, watering techniques and selection will be discussed. 1 to 2 p.m. Free.

Feb. 18
Make your own Mini Garden in a Pop Bottle. For kids ages 4 and up. Make your own mini-greenhouse and learn how to care for it. 3 to 3:30 p.m. $5.

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March Valparaiso

February 25
Beginners' Guide to Starting Seeds, at Taltree Arboretum and Gardens Saturday from 9 to 11 a.m. Never started seeds before or tried and failed? Learn the basics to starting seeds indoors in your own home. It's not as expensive as you might think. Whether you're interested in flowers or vegetables or both, this class will teach you what you need to get started, and with prices soaring, who couldn't use a do-it-yourself way to cut your household costs? This class will start in the classroom, then move to the greenhouse for examples and hands-on learning. Costs $35 ($30 for Taltree members). Held at Taltree Arboretum and Gardens Classroom, 71 North 500 West Valparaiso. For more info email info@taltree.org, or call 219-462-0025 or visit www.taltree.org.

March Indianapolis

March 10-18
"Let Us Entertain You!" the 54th Annual Indiana Flower and Patio Show, held at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. In 2012, they have it all -- gardens, landscapes, experts, ideas and entertainment. Hours: Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 9 p. m., Saturdays 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sundays 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Costs: adults $12, children 12 and under free, Senior Day is March 12 with prices at $8 for seniors 65 and up with ID; groups of 15 or more can get group rates. At the Indiana State Fairgrounds, West Pavilion and Expo Hall, 1202 E. 38th Street,Indianapolis. Visit www.indianaflowerandpatioshow.com or call 800-215-1700.

March Paoli

March 3
Hoosier Hillsides Master Gardeners representing Crawford, Lawrence and Orange Counties in Southern Indiana will be hosting their 5th Annual "Spring Tonic" on March 3, at the Orange County Community Center, 1075 Sandy Hook Road, Paoli. Registration is from 8 to 8:30 a.m. and the program will conclude at 3 p.m. EST. Registration fee is $35 per person if paid by Feb. 14; $40 thereafter or at the door. Five speakers will give presentations on various gardening topics. A continental breakfast and lunch is included. There will be door prizes and local craftsmen/artisan vendors. Send an email to hhmg10@yahoo.com to receive a registration form with the complete information on our speakers and instructions where to send your registration fee or call 812-528-2560.

March Sellersburg

March 1 and 8
Garden Lectures. The Sunnyside Master Gardener Association is hosting a lecture series on Thursday evenings from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. The March 1 lecture is "Small Space Gardening" presented by Master Gardener Donna Ulrich. The March 8 lecture is "Tough Plants for Tough Spots" presented by Master Gardener Bonnie Cummings. The series, which includes a light dinner each session, is $20 for all lectures. Registration is required. The lectures will be held at the Clark County REMC at 7810 State Road 60 in Sellersburg. To register or for more information, go to www.ag.purdue.edu/counties/floyd/ and click on "2012 Winter Garden Lecture Series" under "Hot Topics" or call 812-948-5470.

March Valparaiso

March 17
Spring Tree Pruning at the Taltree Arboretumn and Gardens from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday. Learn how to keep your trees healthy and happy for the summer with class instructor John Lunsford. Bring your pruners and dress for the weather. Costs $30 for members, $35 for non-members. At Taltree Arboretumn and Gardens, 450 West 100 North, Valparaiso. Admission to the grounds is $5, children under 5 are free. Visit www.taltree.org or call 219-462-0025 for more info.

March Valparaiso

March 21
Porter County Master Gardeners Association's Monthly Seminars, "Hotline--Ask-a-Master-Gardener, Dos and Don'ts" taught by Lyndsay Ploehn, educator, Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. At the Fifth Third Bank Community Conference Room, 56 Washington Street (on the Square in Downtown Valparaiso). Park in the Fifth Third lot or on the street. For more info call 219-465-3555, email pcmastergardener@gmail.com or visit www.pcgarden.info/Monthly_Seminars.html.

March Indianapolis

Events at Garfield Park Conservatory. Garfield Park is located on Indianapolis' near south-side at
2505 Conservatory Drive, Indianapolis. General Admission is $1, children 3 and under are free; special events costs adults $3, seniors $3, family (household) $8 and children 3 and under are free. Sunken Garden is free daily. Monday through Saturday open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday open 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. For more info call 317-327-7183 or visit www.garfieldgardensconservatory.org.

March 3
Reptile and Amphibian Show, Saturday, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Join the Conservatory in welcoming the Hoosier Herpetology Society and their cold-blooded friends. Come and see a variety of different reptiles and amphibians from around the world. All ages. Free.

March 10
Family Nature Day, "Salamanders" from 2 to 3 p.m., free with paid admission. For ages 3 and up. Bring the family by for fun nature activities and crafts. Registration required 317-327-7580.

Through March 18
Neo Natural, a unique exhibit of glass art among the plant forms that inspired it by artists from Anderson University and Ball State University. Daily admission fees charged.

March 10
Morning Bird Stroll, Saturday from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. Spring is a great time to look and listen for birds in the park. Join us to see what feathered friends call our park home. Binoculars and field guides will be available, but feel free to bring your own. Registration required 317-327-7580. Ages 3 and up. Costs $2.

March 18
Heirloom Seed Starting, Sunday, from 2 to 3 p.m. Learn more about the different heirloom varieties of popular garden plants and start some seeds to take home. Ages 18 and up. Costs $4.

March 23
Escape to the Tropics, Friday, from 6 to 8 p.m. Bring the family to enjoy a tropical festival at the Conservatory. Grab your favorite floral shirt and come enjoy crafts, treats, games and more. All Ages. Free.

March 30
Spring Bulb Show from March 30 through April 6. Come see a stunning display of tulips and other spring blooms against the backdrop of the permanent tropical collection. (The bulbs will be for sale beginning April 7th at 10 a.m.) Costs $3 per person.

March Goshen

March 10
Michiana Master Gardeners' 13th Annual Public Seminar Featuring Tracy DiSabato-Aust. From 2 to 4 p.m., Tracy DiSabato-Aust, author of "The Well-Designed Mixed Garden" will give her presentation. Held at the Greencroft Community Center (formerly the Greencroft Senior Center) at 1820 Greencroft Boulevard, Goshen. Costs $10 presale or $12 on the day of the event. Tickets available at Varns and Hoover in Middlebury, Greencroft Community Center, McIntosh Garden Center in Goshen, Elkhart County Extension Office or in Elkhart at Martin's Pet and Garden. Mail order tickets at MMGA, Purdue Extension -- Elkhart County, 17746 E. CR 34, Goshen IN 46528 (make checks payable to Michiana Master Gardeners' Association). For more information visit www.michianamastergardeners.com or call the extension office at 574-533-0554

March Chicago, IL

March 10-18
The Chicago Flower and Garden Show at Navy Pier, "Hort Couture: Flowers and Fashion." See the many beautiful display gardens and vendors. Horticulture experts and professionals from academia, business and garden centers are among the bevy of experts who will share insights at free seminars held daily. Hours: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday; Sundays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Costs: weekday admission is $15 when tickets are purchased online; $17 at the box office; weekend admission is $17 and $19 respectively; tickets for children ages 4 through 12 are $5. Discounted parking at Navy Pier, and group rates and tours also are offered. Navy Pier Seasonal Parking Rates: $14 Monday to Thursday before 5 p.m., $18 Friday to Sunday before 5 p.m. and $10 after 5 p.m. seven days a week. At Navy Pier, 600 East Grand Avenue. Visit www.chicagoflower.com for more information or call 800-595-PIER.

March Columbus

Events at Wischmeier Nursery, 240 Jonesville Road, Columbus. Call for details at 812-372-4662 or visit www.wischmeier.com.
March 17: "Planting for the Future" at 10 a.m. Take a look at sustainable landscaping, planning and proper planting to gain success.
March 24: "Hypertufa," at 10 a.m. Learn to create your own lightweight planter.

April Indianapolis

Events at Garfield Park Conservatory. Garfield Park is located on Indianapolis' near south-side at
2505 Conservatory Drive, Indianapolis. General Admission is $1, children 3 and under are free; special events costs adults $3, seniors $3, family (household) $8 and children 3 and under are free. Sunken Garden is free daily. Monday through Saturday open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday open 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. For more info call 317-327-7183 or visit www.garfieldgardensconservatory.org.

April 4
Spring Break Craft, on Wednesday from 2 to 3 p.m., for ages 5 to 15. Learn about different animals and make an animal track bandana to take with you on your next hike. Registration required 317-327-7580. Costs $4.

Through April 6
Spring Bulb Show from March 30 through April 6. Come see a stunning display of tulips and other spring blooms against the backdrop of the permanent tropical collection. Regular operating hours. (The bulbs will be for sale beginning April 7th at 10 a.m.) Costs $3 per person.

April 21
Family Nature Day, "Fish" from 2 to 3 p.m., free with paid admission. For ages 3 and up. Bring the family by for fun nature activities and crafts. Registration required 317-327-7580.

April 12
All About Herbs: Teas and Infusions, on Saturday from 10 to 11 a.m. for ages 18 and up. Suggested donation of $5 goes towards the Central Indiana Herb Society. Expand your knowledge about herbs and their uses with the Central Indiana Herb Society.

April 14-15
Orchid Show from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Garfield Conservatory will be filled with blooming orchids from across the Midwest, all competing for awards. Presented by the Central Indiana Orchid Society. Vendors will also be available with orchids for sale. Special show admission: $3 per person or $8 per family.

April Crown Point

April 28-29
2012 Pond Expo, presented by the Illiana Garden Pond Society, this show has become the biggest and best of its kind for the outdoor gardener. This indoor show features beautiful pond, garden and patio displays. See the newest designs and products to enhance your own back yard and outdoor living space. Vendors will offer garden and pond plants and supplies, outdoor lighting, garden décor; even colorful pond fish are available for purchase. Held at the Lake County Fairgrounds, 889 South Court Street, Crown Point. For more information contact Kathy Bartley, 2012 Expo Chair at kbartley49@yahoo.com or visit www.illianagardenpond.org.

April Valparaiso

The following events are at the Taltree Arboretumn and Gardens, 450 West 100 North, Valparaiso. Admission to the grounds is $5, children under 5 are free. Visit www.taltree.org or call 219-462-0025 for more info.

April 14
De-Winterizing Your Lawn Equipment held from 9 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday. Learn how easy it is to do basic maintenance on all of your motorized home lawn care equipment. In this hands-on class, Taltree's Groundskeeper Matt McBain will go over everything from changing oil and air filters to sharpening blades and using the right tools. Costs $30 for members, $35 for non-members.

April 21
What's New for 2012, with Instructor Jean Starr, held from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday. Meet the latest crop of plant introductions with information on what makes them better than their predecessors, how selections are made, and testing sites to visit for future plant selections. Costs $30 for members, $35 for non-members.

April 28
Butterfly Gardening, held from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday. Join Jane Marx, Taltree's education specialist for a special introductory class on butterfly gardening. Learn what kinds of plants attract Lepidoptera of the Northwest Indiana region. Costs $20 for members, $25 for non-members.

April Valparaiso

April 18
Porter County Master Gardeners Association's Monthly Seminars, "New Annuals for 2012" on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. At Samuelson's Nursery, 295 N State Road 2, Valparaiso. For more info call 219-465-3555, email pcmastergardener@gmail.com or visit www.pcgarden.info/Monthly_Seminars.html.

April Hendricks County

April 21
"Gardening for All Ages: Free Garden Show" on Saturday April 21 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Hendricks County Master Gardeners welcome everyone, from kids to seniors, to learn about planting vegetables and flowers. The Hendricks County MGs have hosted this free garden show to the community for more than 20 years. There will be exciting activities at the children's booth as well as free seeds and free trees (and free coffee). Visit the Garden Wizard, the Preserving Produce Specialist and Compost Expert as well as the Master Gardeners, who are ready to answer your questions. Free 30-minute garden classes held thought out the day. Garden vendors and food vendors will also be available. At the Hendricks County 4-H Fairgrounds, 1900 E. Main Street, Danville (317-718-6154). For more info visit www.hendricksgardeners.com or contact Colletta Kosiba at 317-852-5973 or email kcolletta@sbcglobal.net.

April Lafayette

April 28
The Garden Expo, Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Tippecanoe County Fairgrounds. The Garden Expo will feature a plant sale, three free lectures and a Master Gardener information booth to answer attendee’s questions. Dozens of vendors will be on hand with garden-related goods and expertise. The event is free and open to the public. Held at the Tippecanoe County Fairgrounds, 1400 Teal Road, Lafayette. For more information contact Glen Vick at the Indianapolis Star at 317-444-8042 or email glen.vick@indystar.com or visit http://tippecanoemastergardener.org.

April Boone County

April 14
26th Annual Gardenfest, presented by the Boone County Master Gardeners. There will be speakers, door prizes, lunch, and lots of great gardening information. Free to attendees (except lunch). Held on April 14 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Community Building on the grounds of the Boone County 4-H Fair, 1300 E 100 S, in Lebanon. For more info visit www.bccn.boone.in.us/mg/ or call Peggy Houchens at 317-873-5634.

April Columbus

Events at Wischmeier Nursery, 240 Jonesville Road, Columbus. Call for details at 812-372-4662 or visit www.wischmeier.com.
April 7: "Perennial Preview" at 10 a.m. See what's growing on in the greenhouses, learn about new plants and pre-select them.
April 21 and 22: Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday 12 to 3 p.m. "Home and Garden Show, " located at the Bartholomew County Fair Grounds. Wischmeier Nursery is sponsoring this event and will conducting demonstrations both days. Call for details 812-372-4662.
April 28 and 29: "The 27th Annual Spring Open House at Wischmeier Nursery" on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call for details 812-372-4662.

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February 8

Lexington

Founders Lecture – Uprooting Conventional Wisdom in the University Arboretum

Gluck Equine Center Auditorium

7:00 p.m.

George Briggs

The Arboretum Founders Lecture Series presents George Briggs, Executive Director of the North Carolina Arboretum (434 acres) in Asheville, since 1987. He was also president of the American Association of Botanical Gardens and Arboreta, and chaired the first World Botanic Gardens congress. He holds degrees in landscape architecture, business administration, and horticulture.

1400 Nicholasville Road, Lexington.

Cost $5/Friends free

859-257-6955

February 11
Clermont

Natural Beekeeping with John Seaborn

Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest

1:00-4:00 p.m.

Beekeeping isn’t as simple as it once was, but John Seaborn of Wolf Creek Apiaries believes that both new and experienced beekeepers can successfully manage beehives without chemicals. If you keep bees, or if you are interested in doing so, this three-hour workshop will allow you to explore the advantages of natural beekeeping.

Education Center

Bernheim members $20; non-members $30

Registration and payment are due by 4 p.m. on the day prior to start of program; call 502-955-8512.

February 11
Lexington

Growing the Giants

The Arboretum at UKY

10:00 a.m.

Instructors: Jonathan Williams and Frank Mudd

Jonathan Williams grows prize-winning pumpkins in Lexington and is able to discuss the challenges facing urban growers. Frank Mudd holds several record-breaking awards for his giant watermelons and pumpkins. Information on irrigation, fertilization, varieties and genetics of growing giant pumpkins and watermelons will be presented. You will receive free seeds for your own garden.

Cost: $5/Friends: $4

Call 859 257-6955 to pre-register.

February 18
Clermont

Smart Gardens and Landscapes

Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest

10:00 a.m.-noon – Planning Your Edible Ornamental Garden

1:00-3:00 p.m. – Dooryard Fruit Trees and Shrubs

Due to the popularity of these programs, Bernheim is now offering two monthly opportunities to learn how to transform your yard, urban space, rooftop and street side into green spaces that are attractive, food producing and beneficial to people’s lives and the environment.

Planning Your Edible Ornamental Garden: Incorporate edible ornamentals into your garden for a great look that also tastes great. Our knowledgeable horticulture team will show you how simple it is to use plants that are tasty and pleasing to the eye.

Dooryard Fruit Trees and Shrubs: Dooryard fruit gardens can bring great fresh tastes to your table within arms reach. Discover what varieties work best for our region in this workshop.

Workshops take place at Bernheim’s Research Center. Each program is $10.00 for Bernheim members and $15.00 for non-members. Registration and payment are due by 4 p.m. on the day prior to the start of the program.

Call 502-955-8512.

February 21
Lexington

All About Roses

The Arboretum at UKY

10:00 a.m.

Instructor: Dr. Tim Phillips

What rose variety should you select? What are good nursery sources? Join Dr. Tim Phillips, Associate Professor of Plant and Soil Sciences, to answer these questions and to find out the best websites for information on rose cultivation. Rose maintenance and how to prepare a new rose garden will also be covered.

Cost: $5/Friends: $4

Call 859 257-6955 to pre-register.

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February 25
Many

Down and Dirty Garden Seminar
Cypress Bend Golf Resort and Conference Center on Toledo Bend Lake

Registration begins at 9 a.m. and programs begin at 10 a.m.

Speakers include Allen Owings of the LSU AgCenter speaking on “The Best Plants for Coloring your Landscape,” Jean McWeeney of The Natural Garden Coach and Louisiana Gardener magazine speaking on “Gardening for Wildlife” and Janie Shelton of Shelton’s Greenhouse speaking on the construction of hanging baskets with “Fillers, Spillers and Thrillers.”

There will be a silent auction and plant sale. Refreshments will be served so come early and shop. Tickets are $30 in advance and seating is limited. Tickets can be purchased from any Sabine Master Gardener or you may call Maribeth Lewing at 318-315-1963 or 318-256-2188 or via email at maribeth1906@live.com. You may also call the LSU AgCenter at 318-256-3406.

February 25
New Orleans

Plants Gone Wild!!
New Orleans Botanical Garden in City Park (Garden Study Center)

Sometimes we inherit plant problems when we buy a house or just simply didn’t know when and how to prune some of the shrubs that are just out of control, acting like it’s Mardi Gras all year round! We are going to talk about “rule of thumb” techniques in renovating multi-stemmed plants and hedges along with proper timing in pruning flowering shrubs. Comfortable shoes and outdoor attire is needed for this class. (Disclaimer: When the job is too big always call a certified Arborist or certified Landscape Contractor. Some pruning jobs can be very dangerous and could cause permanent damage to you, your house or woody plant.) Susan Capley is the Education Director at the New Orleans Botanical Garden. She has been in the horticulture field for 25 years and has worked in organic vegetable production, residential landscaping to Grounds Manager (Horticulturist) at the University of Kentucky Arboretum. Susan has a BS degree in Plant and Soil Science from the University of Kentucky. 10-11:30 a.m., $10. Call Susan Capley to register: 504-483-9473.

March 2-4
New Orleans

New Orleans Home & Garden Show
Superdome

Friday 12-8 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. – 8 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Adults: $9, Military: $5 With I.D., Children under 12 free. Visit www.neworleanshomeshows.com/homeandgardenshow for more information.

March 3
New Orleans

Louisiana Wildflowers and Grasses
New Orleans Botanical Garden

Marc Pastorek, landscape designer and owner with his wife Candi of Pastorek Habitats, LLC, will discuss collecting and storing seed and some methods of propagating native wildflowers and grasses of Louisiana. He will touch on the requirements of specific species and will focus on those species that are hardest to grow. Feel free to bring questions about plants you may be interested in growing in your garden. 11 a.m. – 12 p.m., $10. To register, email scapley@nocp.org or call 504-483-9473.

March 3
St. Martinville

Free seminar on Easy Care Antique Roses
Antique Rose Gardens
5716 Main Hwy, St. Martinville LA (on Hwy. 31 one mile south of Parks, LA)
10am - 11am

Given by Susan and Chuck Gautreaux at Antique Rose Gardens.

Free one-hour seminars on easy care antique roses will be held March 3 from 10am -11am at Antique Rose Gardens in St. Martinville. Planting, pruning and landscaping with antique roses will also be discussed. For information, call 337-394-8877.

March 5
Baton Rouge

Going Wild with Natives (Native Plants)
Burden Conference Center

Reflections In The Garden First Mondays talk by Rick Webb. Noon-1 p.m., Admission: $10 (free for BHS members). Bring a lunch, drinks provided. 4560 Essen Lane, 225-763-3990, www.burdenhorticulturesociety.com.

March 10
New Orleans

Bromeliad Mounting Class
New Orleans Botanical Garden

Come to the New Orleans Botanical Garden to learn how to mount bromeliads! This is a hands-on workshop led by Art Boe, a bromeliad expert. Art’s specialty is epiphytically grown bromeliads, and his mounting techniques have been copied by many. All materials are included in the price and there will be a bromeliad sale after the workshop. Class limit is 25. Included in the price: One plant per person (Neoregelia, Aechmea or Vriesea), Cypress pre-cut, instructional handout, mounting wire, sack per plant, Tillandsia usneoides (Spanish moss), pliers (for use only), hook for back of mounting. 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., $40. To register, call 504-483-9473.

March 16-17
Covington

Northshore Spring Garden Day
Contact Rusty Batty at RBatty@agcenter.lsu.edu or 985-875-2635 for more information.

March 23-24
Lake Charles

Southwest Louisiana Garden Festival
Burton Coliseum

Louisiana’s premier garden show and plant sale – plants, garden products and accessories, exhibits and sales throughout the show. District garden club flower show; plant health clinic to answer all your garden questions! Garden talks with select speakers. Friday and Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission $2, Children 12 and under free. Proceeds benefit the Calcasieu Parish 4-H Youth Program. 7001 Gulf Highway. Visit www.gardenfest.org for more information or call 337-475-8812.

March 24-25
Baton Rouge

Baton Rouge Spring Garden Show
John M. Parker Agricultural Coliseum (Highland Road, LSU Campus)

Call 225-219-7318 for more information.

March 31
Natchitoches

Sixth Annual Garden Symposium
Natchitoches Events Center

Natchitoches Parish Master Gardeners present their Sixth Annual Garden Symposium. Admission is $30. To pre-register, mail check to Ruth Anderson, P. O. Box 1358, Natchitoches, La. 71457. For more info, call 318-354-2102 or call Marilyn Laramy at 318-581-2273, or you email Ruth Anderson at randm1959@suddenlink.net.

March 31
New Orleans

Basic Beekeeping
Garden Study Center
New Orleans Botanical Garden in City Park

Are you interested in making your own honey, candle wax or just providing honeybees to pollinate your fruits and flowers? Russell Harris will explain what is needed to start your own hive. Come join us for this fascinating subject of honeybees. Russell is our New Orleans Parish Associate Extension Agent with the LSU AgCenter. 10-11:30 a.m., $10. To register, call 504-483-9473.

April 2
Baton Rouge

Growing Flavor and Food for Your Kitchen
Burden Conference Center

Reflections In The Garden First Mondays talk by Peggy Cox. Noon-1 p.m., Admission: $10 (free for BHS members). Bring a lunch, drinks provided. 4560 Essen Lane, 225-763-3990, www.burdenhorticulturesociety.com.

April 14-15
New Orleans

New Orleans Spring Show
City Park Botanical Gardens

Call 504-736-6519 for more information.

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February 1 - March 4
Kingsville

Feather Your Nest: A Conservatory Exhibit at Powell Gardens, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Come sit a spell and enjoy the architecture and winter gardens. A variety of beautiful "indoor garden rooms" will be created by local design experts within the conservatory. These inviting spaces will include benches, chairs or other seating to accommodate at least four people at a time. Hot beverages will be available for purchase to enjoy while you gather ideas and inspiration for feathering your own nest. Free with admission: $7 adults, $6 seniors and $3 children ages 5 to 12. Powell Gardens is located at 1609 N.W. U.S. Highway 50, Kingsville. Visit www.powellgardens.org or call 816-697-2600.

February 17-19
Springfield

The Lawn and Garden Show. More than 100 exhibitors offer one-stop shopping for all your lawn and garden needs. Products and services include trees, seeds, other plants, landscape design and installation services, mowers, tillers, lawn and garden power equipment, tree and lawn care services, pools and spas, fountains, water features, patio furniture and grills, outdoor accessories, fences and more. The 2012 Lawn and Garden Show is sponsored by Midwest Family Broadcasting. Hours: Friday, Feb. 17, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday, Feb. 18, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, Feb 19, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission costs adults $4, kids 12 and under are free. Free parking. Located at Ozark Empire Fair, 3001 N. Grant, Springfield. Visit http://www.ozarkempirefair.com/Events/index.htm or call 417-833-2660.

February 17-18
Kansas City

2012 Kansas City Garden Symposium "Grow the Good Life," presented by Friends of Powell Gardens and the Garden Center Association of Greater Kansas City. Join gardening enthusiasts from across the region for tips and inspiration for "growing the good life" during the 2012 Kansas City Garden Symposium. Activities include a full day of entertaining gardening inspiration with practical tips, techniques and hands-on information, plus a pre-symposium demonstration and dinner lecture. Friday events include, "Savory Tarts Demonstration" by Ellen Ogden, 9 a.m. February 17 at Whole Foods Cooking School, Overland Park, Kansas and a pre-symposium dinner program by Dan Heims, "Plant Hunters: Fabulous Plants from Around the World," at 6 p.m. February 17 at the Brio Tuscan Grille. Saturday, February 18, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. is the seminar "Grow the Good Life" (doors open at 8 a.m.), with Ellen Ogden's workshop "Classic Potager Design," Dan Heims' presentation "Garden Gems: The Most Exciting New Perennials and Tropicals," Roy Diblik's lecture "The Know Maintenance Approach," and Andrea Bellamy's lecture "Growing Delectable Container Edibles." Costs vary depending on participation. Held at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Atkins Auditorium, 4525 Oak Street in Kansas City. Call Powell Gardens at 816-697-2600 x209 or register online at www.powellgardens.org (go to What's Happening).

February 17 & 18
Lake of the Ozarks

Landscape Design with Missouri in Mind, held at the Resort at Port Arrowhead, Lake of the Ozarks, Feb 17 or Feb 18. This day-long workshop provides instruction on using native plants in the landscape, with information on the best plants to use, the benefits of using them, how to design a native plant rain garden and more. For times, a complete agenda, fees and more information visit www.grownative.org or call Barbara Fairchild at 573-522-4115, ext. 3833.

February
St. Louis

Events at the Missouri Botanical Garden, 4344 Shaw Blvd., in south St. Louis. Costs vary by program. For more info visit www.mobot.org or call 314-577-5100 or 314-577-5140, 1-800-642-8842 toll free. The Missouri Botanical Garden is accessible from Interstate 44 at the Vandeventer exit and from Interstate 64 at the Kingshighway North and South exit. Free parking is available onsite and two blocks west at the corner of Shaw and Vandeventer.

February 17

Around the World Wine Dinner. Travel to wine-producing regions around the world through a four-course dinner hosted by a wine expert. Dinners will be served at various locations around the botanical garden and are held on the third Friday of the month at 6:30 p.m. Costs $55 per person, plus 18 percent service charge and tax. Advance reservations required; call 314-577-0200.

February 18

Great Green Adventures. Discover what smells so good in the Linnean House, the oldest greenhouse west of the Mississippi River. You'll also be able to enjoy the peak blooming time of the camellias. For children ages 6 to 12 with an adult. Great Green Adventures are held the third Saturday of every month from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. and from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Walk-ins welcome. Meet at the Children's Garden Ticket Fort. Costs $3 per child.

March St. Louis

Events at the Missouri Botanical Garden, 4344 Shaw Blvd., in south St. Louis. Costs vary by program. For more info visit www.mobot.org or call 314-577-5140, 1-800-642-8842 toll free. The Missouri Botanical Garden is accessible from Interstate 44 at the Vandeventer exit and from Interstate 64 at the Kingshighway North and South exit. Free parking is available onsite and two blocks west at the corner of Shaw and Vandeventer.

March 3
St. Louis Garden Blitz: Solve--Grow--Enjoy. Enjoy a day of seminars, demonstrations, exhibits and workshops featuring both nationally and locally-recognized horticulture professionals. Presented by the Missouri Botanical Garden and the Horticulture Co-Op of Metro St. Louis. Held from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Costs $85 per person. Registration required visit www.mobot.org/classes or 314-577-9506.

March 8-11
Permaculture Training: A Four-Day Design and Hands-On Intensive Class. In good permaculture design, work is minimized, yields (food, energy and income) are increased, wastes are eliminated and the environment is restored. Classroom and project components will be geared for the suburban or city resident. Held from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily, with optional evening activities at the Missouri Botanical Garden and local project sites. Costs $595 ($550 for MBG and USGBC members). Registration required by Monday, March 5. Visit www.usgbc-mogateway.org/events.

March 17
Great Green Adventures: Signs of Spring. For children ages 6 to 12 with an adult. Great Green Adventures are held the third Saturday of every month from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. and from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Walk-ins welcome. Meet at the Children's Garden Ticket Fort. Costs $3 per child.

March 31 and April 1
Doris I. Schnuck Children's Garden Seasonal Opening. Join us as we reopen the Children's Garden with two fun-filled days of hands-on activities. Activities from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Children's Garden is open Apr. 1 through Oct. 31 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Costs $5 per child; adults included with admission.

March Chesterfield

Thorughout March
March Morpho Mania. Come to the Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House to witness up to 2,000 bright blue morpho butterflies in free flight from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily (closed Mondays). Step inside the tropical conservatory to be surrounded by thousands of these brilliant blue creatures. Family activities for children ages 2 to 12 will be offered each weekend from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Lopata Learning Lab. Located at 15193 Olive Blvd. at Faust Park in Chesterfield, accessible from Interstate 64 at exit #19B. Cost included with admission, $6 adults, $4.50 seniors and $4 children (ages 3 to 12). Children ages 2 and under are free. Visit www.butterflyhouse.org or call 636-530-0076.

March Gray Summit

Events at the Shaw Nature Reserve, I-44 at exit #253, Gray Summit. Costs are included with Nature Reserve admission unless otherwise noted. Admission is $3 for adults; $2 for seniors; children ages 12 and under are free. For more info, visit www.shawnature.org or call 636-451-3512.

March 8
Native Plant School: Deer Resistant Plants at the Shaw Nature Center Carriage House, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sponsored by Grow Native and Wild Ones Natural Landscapers. Native Plant School is a year-round series of indoor/outdoor classes that covers various aspects of native landscaping. Cost $15. Registration required, visit www.mobot.org/classes or call 314-577-5140.

March 9
Native Plant School: Book Review 2: "Bringing Nature Home" from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Shaw Nature Reserve Carriage House. Underwritten by Grow Native! and Wild Ones Natural Landscapers. Come prepared to discuss chapters eight through 13 of the book "Bringing Nature Home" by Doug Tallamy. Costs $15. Registration required, visit www.mobot.org/classes or call 314-577-5140.

March Kingsville

Events at Powell Gardens, Kansas City's botanical garden, located at1609 N.W. U.S. Highway 50, Kingsville. Call 816-697-2600 or visit www.powellgardens.org for more info. For classes, register online or call Linda at 816-697-2600 ext.209.

March 3
Build a Cold Frame from 10 a.m. to 12 noon. Get a jump on the growing season. Learn how cold frames help protect and harden your early plants and give your seedlings a head start. You will assemble a portable, cedar cold frame. Costs $87 per project, $79 members. Register by February 20.

March 10
Starting Seeds Indoors from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Get a jump on spring by starting your seeds indoors. You'll learn all the fundamentals of what seeds need and the techniques for starting easy annuals as well as some tricky perennials. All seeds and supplies provided. Costs $24 per person, $17 members. Register by March 2.

March 10
Woodland Walk Terrarium from 1 to 3 p.m. Design and build your very own "woodland walk" terrarium. All materials provided including miniature ferns and other tiny plants, an attractive glass container, "fallen log", soil, tools, care sheet and more. Costs $54 per project, $47 members. Register by February 27.

March 18
Supertufa Garden Basket from 1 to 3 p.m. Using a basket as your mold, a sturdy basket-planter is very easy to make. Using Supertufa™, which cures within 6 hours, you will take your creation home the same day. Bring an old basket of your own or use one provided by the instructor. (Basket used as mold will be unsalvageable.) Costs $55 per project, $47 members. Register by March 12.

March 24
Handy Dandy Storage Basket from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This class is designed to give you basket-making skills as well as a decorative and well-made basket to take home. All materials will be provided. Costs $62 per person, $54 members. Bring a sack lunch or a snack as the class will not break for lunch. Register by March 19.

March 24
Success with Vegetable Gardening from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Come discover success with vegetable gardening. You will learn garden development including the importance of soil fertility and the best management practices for vegetable production. Costs $39 per person, $32 members. Register by March 19.

March Washington

Events at Hillermann Nursery and Florist, 2601 E. 5th Street, Washington. To register for these events, call 636-239-6729 or visit www.hillermann.com for more info.
March 1: "Composting, Recycling for Better Soil," Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m. Learn steps in composting, materials that can be composted and the importance of compost in improving soil. Presented by Matt Herring, Agronomy/Natural Resources Specialist, University of Missouri Extension. Free; registration required.

March 8: "Why Eating More Garden Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Can Improve Your Health," Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m. If you are what you eat, your body benefits by including fresh produce in every meal and snack. Presented by Mary Schroepfer, University of Missouri Extension Center. Free; registration required.

March 15: LEO Movie Night at Hillermann's, Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m. Join Labadie Environmental Organization (LEO), Missouri Organic Association (MOA) and Slow Food for a public screening of "Fresh" a movie that celebrates local, healthy organic food. Free; registration required.

March 22: "Simple and Sensational Cooking Class," Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m. Samples provided, cookbooks available for sale. Presented by Mary Schroepfer, University of Missouri Extension Center. Free; registration required.

March 29: "Home Grown Herbs," Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m. Learn about growing herbs and their many uses. Free; registration required.

March Greene County

March
Events at Springfield-Greene County Botanical Center 2400 S. Scenic Ave Springfield, for more info call 417-891-1515 or visit mggreene.org.

March 5, 12, 19, 26
Potting Shed University: A Series of Free Gardening Classes presented by Master Gardeners of Greene County. These courses will be held each Monday at 6 p.m. Sessions last 30 minutes followed by a question-and-answer period. Classes are free;.no registration required. March 5: Shape Up for Spring! Prune Plants for Better Form and Health. March 12: Safe Use of Chemicals in the Garden. March 19: Gardening With Your Chickens. March 26: Low Water Plants: Beat the Heat!

March 15, 17
2012 Growing Knowledge at the Farm Series presented by University of Missouri Extension, Master Gardeners of Greene County and Rutledge-Wilson Farm Park. Location: Rutledge-Wilson Farm Park, 3825 W. Farm Road 146, Springfield. Register at 417-837-5949.
March 15: "Square Foot Gardening" Thursday from 6 to 7 p.m. Plant fruits, vegetables and flowers in raised beds, above infertile soil and even out of the reach of pets. Advice and know-how to garden effectively with very little space. Costs $7.
March 17: "Apple Grafting" on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Learn when, how and why to graft apple trees. Costs $15 (Pre-payment required).

April Gray Summit

Events at the Shaw Nature Reserve, I-44 at exit #253, Gray Summit. Costs are included with Nature Reserve admission unless otherwise noted. Admission is $3 for adults; $2 for seniors; children ages 12 and under are free. For more info, visit www.shawnature.org or call 636-451-3512.

April 12
Native Plant School: Sedges for Native Landscaping, from 9 a.m. to 12 noon at the Shaw Nature Reserve's Whitmire Wildflower Garden.Underwritten by Grow Native! and Wild Ones Natural Landscapers. Native Plant School is a year-round series of indoor/outdoor classes that covers various aspects of native landscaping. Costs $15. Registration required; www.mobot.org/classes or 314-577-5140.

April 12
Native Plant School: Small Flowering Trees, Shrubs and Vines, Part 1, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Shaw Nature Reserve's Carriage House. Underwritten by Grow Native! and Wild Ones Natural Landscapers. Costs $15. Registration required; www.mobot.org/classes or 314-577-5140.

April 26
Native Plant School: Container Gardening and Native Annuals from 9 a.m. to 12 noon at the Shaw Nature Reserve Carriage House. Underwritten by Grow Native! and Wild Ones Natural Landscapers. Costs $15. Registration required; visit www.mobot.org/classes or call 314-577-5140.

April Kingsville

Events at Powell Gardens, Kansas City's botanical garden, located at1609 N.W. U.S. Highway 50, Kingsville. Call 816-697-2600 or visit www.powellgardens.org for more info. For classes, register online or call Linda at 816-697-2600 ext.209.

April 14
Gardening for Butterflies from 10 a.m. to 12 noon. Learn how to identify many butterflies as well as what it takes to attract them. You will design your own butterfly garden. Bring pictures and dimensions of the area in which you would like to create a butterfly garden. Costs $24 per person, $17 members. Register by April 9.

April 14
The Good, The Bad and The Ugly (Bugs) from 1 to 3 p.m. This class will teach you how to identify the good insects from the bad. Discover environmentally friendly methods to disrupt the life cycle of garden pests and how to attract beneficial pest-predators. Costs $19 per person, $14 members. Register by April 9.

April 20
Gourmet Yardening: Garden Edging 101 from 9 to 11:30 a.m. Crisp, natural dirt edges are possible and practical using the technique perfected by Will Hodge, Gourmet Yardener. Attend this seminar and receive your very own Gourmet Yardener's Manual complete with directions, illustrations and 11-minute DVD. Bring gloves and dress for light work. Costs $45 per person, $39 members. Register by April 16.

April 21
It's Raining Barrels! From 1 to 3 p.m. During this workshop you will learn why and how to use a rain barrel. Plus, you will get to make your own rain barrel to take home. Costs $57 per project, $49 members. Register by April 6.

April 28
Successful Summer Annuals Container from 9 a.m. to 12 noon. You will learn about a variety of annuals that do well in our tough Midwestern summers from shade to sun. All materials and plants provided. Bring gloves. Costs $54 per project, $47 members. Register by April 16.

April Greene County

Events at Springfield-Greene County Botanical Center 2400 S. Scenic Ave Springfield, for more info call 417-891-1515 or visit mggreene.org.

April 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
Potting Shed University: A Series of Free Gardening Classes presented by Master Gardeners of Greene County. These courses will be held each Monday at 6 p.m. Sessions last 30 minutes followed by a question-and-answer period. Classes are free;.no registration required. April 2: Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Composting. April 9: Vegetable Planting Calendar Q & A. April 16: Weed Identification and Management. April 23: Bloomin' Containers Create Stunning Plant Combinations. April 30: Keep 'Em Blooming.

April 19
"Tomato Grafting," a part of the Growing Knowledge at the Farm Series presented by University of Missouri Extension, Master Gardeners of Greene County and Rutledge-Wilson Farm Park. Held onThursday April 19 from 6 to 7 p.m. Learn when, how, and why to graft tomato plants in your garden. Costs $7. Location: Rutledge-Wilson Farm Park, 3825 W. Farm Road 146, Springfield. Register at 417-837-5949.

April 28
14th Annual Master Gardeners of Greene County Plant Sale in Springfield. Begins at 7:30 a.m., Saturday, April 28, at the Springfield-Greene County Botanical Center located in Nathanael Greene, Close Memorial Park, 2400 S. Scenic Ave, Springfield. For more info contact the Greene County Extension Center at 417-881-8909 or visit mggreene.org or email mg.greenecounty@gmail.com.

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February 11
Picayune

Arbor Day Plant Sale
Crosby Arboretum

Members’ Only Sale – 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. 
General Public – 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. 

Winter is a good time to plant trees and woody shrubs. Choose from a variety of trees and shrubs at this plant sale, and come early for the best selection of hard-to-find native plants. We’ll help you select the right plant for the right place!

Free admission
Arboretum Greenhouse
601-799-2311 (Wed-Sun)
www.crosbyarboretum.msstate.edu

March 2-4
Biloxi

Gulf Coast Garden and Patio Show
Mississippi Coast Coliseum & Convention Center

Friday 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., Saturday 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Sunday 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.; $6 adults, children 12 & under free; free parking; 2350 Beach Boulevard; 601-919-8111

March 6 and 7
Raymond

2012 Greenhouse Tomato Short Course
Eagle Ridge Conference Center

If you are a grower of greenhouse tomatoes, or if you have interest in growing this crop, mark your calendar now for the 22nd Annual Greenhouse Tomato Short Course. Participating in this program will be the best way to learn all about producing greenhouse tomatoes. Expert speakers will present seminars on a variety of fields relevant to the production of greenhouse tomatoes.

Special topics this year will be components of the greenhouse system, greenhouse design and engineering, alternative heating options, greenhouse irrigation, budget for greenhouse growers, updates on the latest research, plant nutrition, alternative crops and of course, the pest management workshop, which will include physiological disorders, diagnosing plant problems, plant disease identification and control, biological control and conventional and organic pest management.

Advance registration is $125 (use registration form in mailed packet or online with a credit card), or, if you prefer, you can pay $150 at the door, per person for the entire Short Course.

Advance registration is encouraged so that the number of meals can be estimated accurately and must be received by February 24.

The registration fee includes coffee, refreshments, three meals, all extension publications and some very special promotional items.

1500 Raymond Lake Road

For further information, send email to Dr. Rick Snyder at Rick.Snyder@msstate.edu or call 601-892-3731. Mississippi growers can contact their local Mississippi County Extension Office.

March 16-18
Jackson

Jackson Garden and Patio Show
Mississippi Trade Mart

Friday 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., Saturday 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Sunday 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.; $5 adults, children 12 & under free; free parking; 1207 Mississippi Street; 601-919-8111

March 19 – April 1
McComb

Pike County Azalea Festival
Various locations

During the spring, the streets and gardens of McComb are lined with beautiful azaleas in full bloom. Many activities planned around this event. Please call for schedule. Contact: Pike County Chamber of Commerce, phone: 601-684-8664

March 20
Hernando

Bounce Into Spring With Felder Rushing
Hernando Public Library

Felder Rushing is known internationally as an acclaimed gardening expert. Join him and others for this exciting event. Funded by the Elizabeth Entrikin Cooke Foundation, Hernando Public Library. 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., 370 West Commerce St. Contact: Heather Lawson, phone: 662.429.4439, www.firstregional.org

March 24-25
Starkville

Everything Garden Expo
Mississippi Horse Park

Expo showcasing everything for your garden and outdoor interests. Includes plant and product vendors, seminars, activiites for kids and more. 8:00 a.m. Contact: Candy Crecink, phone: 662.324.3080, www.starkvillearts.org

March 22
Picayune

Crosby Arboretum (photo courtesy of RichelleStafne)

Wildlife Day
Crosby Arboretum

Snakes, and insects, and skunks, Oh my! The children will love this special day filled with exhibitors displaying live and preserved animals while learning how to protect and maintain wildlife. Past exhibitors have included the New Orleans Audubon Insectarium, the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science, the Audubon Society, representatives from area wildlife refuges, and much, much more! Teachers must preregister their school group. Sign up by Friday, March 18. 9:00 a.m. to Noon. 601.799.2311 (Wed-Sun), www.crosbyarboretum.msstate.edu.

March 26 – April 7
Columbus

Columbus Pilgrimage
Various locations in historic Columbus

For over 70 years, Columbus Spring Pilgrimage, a tour of antebellum homes, gardens and churches, has been held. An award-winning event that has earned the coveted reputation as one of the best and most authentic historic home tours in the South. The antebellum mansions of Columbus are impeccably maintained and resplendent as ever. Many tour homes feature recreated costumes, which add even more authenticity to this historic event. It’s an experience visitors will long remember. 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Contact: Columbus Cultural Heritage Foundation, phone: 800-920-3533, www.columbus-ms.org

March 30-31
New Albany

New Albany Home and Garden Show
Union County Fairgrounds

11:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. – Friday
8:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m. – Saturday

Come celebrate “Spring In Bloom” with the Union County Master Gardeners. Featured speakers will be Patty Roper, author and entertainment editor for Mississippi Magazine; Felder Rushing, author and radio show host The Gestaldt Gardener; Dr. Lelia Kelly, MSU State Horticulturist Specialist and State Master Gardener Coordinator; Gail Barton, native plant expert; Linda Lanier, hydrangea specialist and a host of others.

There will be plant and garden art vendors, exhibitors, hands-on demonstrations and food. This is a rain or shine event. Free admission, door prizes given out throughout the day.

Union County Fairgrounds, 112 Fairgrounds Circle

For more information, visit www.newalbanygardening.com, visit New Albany Home and Garden Show on Facebook, email colorsbytim@hotmail.com or call 662-316-0088.

April 7-8
Picayune

Spring Plant Sale
Crosby Arboretum

Members admitted at 9:00 a.m. Saturday. Grab a cart and choose from a variety of wonderful native trees, shrubs and perennials for your home landscape. Come early for the best selection of many hard-to-find plants. We’ll help you select the right plant for the right place on your property. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Free admission. Arboretum greenhouse. 601.799.2311 (Wed-Sun), www.crosbyarboretum.msstate.edu.

May 18-19
Holly Springs

Annual Native Plant Sale
Strawberry Plains Audubon Center
9 a.m. – 4 p.m. 

Support the Strawberry Plains Native Plant Nursery and get the plants your garden needs to literally come to life with birds, butterflies and other wildlife! The sale will offer many beautiful and hard to find native plants that will attract and benefit wildlife. In addition, there will be native plant experts to answer your plant/wildlife questions and vendors selling a variety of garden accessories including sculptures, worm composting starting kits, bird feeders and baths, nature books and much more! Remember to bring bags and boxes so you can transport your plants!

strawberryplains.audubon.org

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February 1 - April 8

Columbus

The Orchid Forest at Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Garden. Take a journey of the senses with hundreds of colorful orchids artfully displayed in the warmth of the Conservatory, along with featured works from glass artist Debora Moore. Participate in daily orchid talks and weekly family activities, learn from orchid experts and hobbyist, or simply take a break from the cold and enjoy the sights and scents of these exotic favorites. At the Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Garden, 1777 E. Broad St., Columbus. Open Monday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Wednesday until 8 p.m. Costs: adults $11, seniors and students $9, children $6, children under 2 free. For more info call 614-645-8733 or 800-214-7275 or visit www.fpconservatory.org.

February 1 - March 24
Columbus

Come see the photo exhibit "Rare: Joel Sartore's Portraits of America's Endangered Species," in the Schumacher Gallery at Capital University. National Geographic contributing photographer Joel Sartore has spent two decades on a mission to document North American plants and animals facing extinction. Intimate color portraits capture the essence of each species with subjects ranging from condors to crocodiles, wolverines to woodpeckers, snails to sea turtles. The exhibition, curated by Smith Kramer Fine Arts, Kansas City, also celebrates the comeback of endangered species such as the American alligator, the gray wolf and the iconic bald eagle. Held at the Schumacher Gallery at Capital University, One College and Main in Columbus. Open Monday through Sunday 1 to 5 p.m. Admission is free. For more info call 614-236-6319 or visit www.schumachergallery.org.

Feb. 25-March 4
Columbus

Central Ohio Home and Garden Show at the Ohio Expo Center. Celebrate Columbus' Bicentennial with a birthday party for the city. The gardens will be redesigned this year with a new format and themed to incorporate a party atmosphere. Honored with the highly prestigious "Show of the Year," awarded by the National Association of Consumer Shows, the Central Ohio Home and Garden Show is renowned for its live gardens, HGTV talent appearances, cooking demonstrations and interactive home and garden features. There will be more than 400 exhibitors and attractions. Held at the Ohio Expo Center, 717 E. 17th Ave., Columbus. Open Sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., closed Monday, open Tuesday through Friday from noon to 8 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Costs: adults $12, children 12 and under free. Parking costs $5. For more info call 614-461-5257 or visit www.dispatchevents.com.

February 24-26 2012

Akron

The 18th Annual HBA Akron Home and Flower Show. Come see hundreds of home improvement exhibits, plus gardens and flowers, including 7,000 square feet of feature gardens showcasing the latest trends in plants and garden accessories. There will also be green exhibits with unique products and services for the home that are environmentally-friendly. Stage presentations will include gardening seminars, home improvement tips and more! Arts and crafts vendors will also sell their wares. On Friday, Saturday and Sunday "The Duct Tape Guys" Tim Nyberg and Jim Berg -- two everyday guys who have written seven books documenting more than 5,000 real and wacky uses for duct tape -- will be on stage. On Saturday and Sunday Mike McGrath will be on stage. McGrath hosts the weekly, nationally-syndicated Public Radio show "You Bet Your Garden" that YBYG airs every Saturday morning on Public Radio stations across the country and on Sirius XM radio. Held at the John S. Knight Center, 77 East Mill Street, Akron. Open Friday, Feb. 24 from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday, Feb. 25 from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday, Feb. 26 from 11 a.m. to 6 p. m. Cost: adults $8 children 12 and under free. Free parking available in all City of Akron lots beginning at 6 p.m. Friday. Visit http://www.akronhomeandflowershow.com/fa.htm.

Feb. 25-26 and Feb. 29-March 4
Cincinnati

Fifth Third Bank Cincinnati Home and Garden Show at the Duke Energy Convention Center. Cincinnati's largest and longest running spring showcase with an amazing array of the area's newest and innovative home products and services.
Whether you are a current homeowner, planning to buy or build a new home, or just seeing what's hot, join the 100s of thousands of greater Cincinnatians that have used the Fifth Third Bank Cincinnati Home and Garden Show®, Presented by Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky Honda Dealers since 1970 as an important source of upgrading their homes & gardens.
Be prepared to be awed by a large showcase of beautiful landscape & interior designs, specialty companies, remodeling specialists, manufacturers, retail stores and contractors. The Fifth Third Bank Cincinnati Home and Garden Show®, Presented by Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky Honda Dealers brings the best of the best in the region all together in one place downtown Cincinnati. Cost: adults $12, children 13 and under free. Visit www.hartproductions.com or call 877-704-8190.

March Springfield

March 1
The 12th Annual Central Ohio Perennial Flower School at the Courtyard by Marriott, in Springfield. Sponsored by Ohio State University Extension, this is a full day of presentations on many aspects of perennial gardening. Come and get a jump start on spring with these presentations. Cost is $50 per person and includes lunch. Held at the at the Courtyard by Marriott, 1 S. Fountain Ave., Springfield. For more info, contact Carolyn Allen, program assistant, Horticulture, OSU Extension Clark County at 937-521-3860 or visit http://clark.osu.edu.

March Columbus

Through March 4
The Central Ohio Home and Garden Show Ohio Expo Center, Columbus. On Sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday closed, Tuesday through Friday noon to 8 p.m. Saturday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Costs adults $12, children 12 and under free, parking $5. The gardens will be redesigned this year with a new format and theme. Honored with the highly prestigious "Show of the Year," awarded by the National Association of Consumer Shows, the Central Ohio Home and Garden Show is renowned for its breathtaking live gardens, HGTV talent appearances, cooking demonstrations and interactive home and garden features and more than 400 exhibitors and attractions. At the Ohio Expo Center, 717 E. 17th Ave., Columbus. For more info call 614-461-5257 or visit www.dispatchevents.com.

March Columbus

Through March 11
Tours of the Historic Kelton House Museum and Garden in Columbus. On Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m. Costs $6 Costumed tour guides lead visitors through the 1852 home of Fernando & Sophia Kelton. Held at the at the Kelton House Museum and Garden, 586 E. Town St., Columbus. For more info call 614-464-2022 or visit www.keltonhouse.com

March and April Columbus

Through April 8

Orchids! Vibrant Victoriana, at the Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. Escape to an era of elegance and luxury with the exotic mystique of the orchid. These infamous blooms exude beauty and grace in an artful display of splendor and warmth, while featured work from glass artist Debora Moore presents an imaginative interpretation on these wonders of nature. Horticulture presentations and family programming enhance the experience for all ages. Monday to Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Cost: adults $11, seniors and students $9, children $6, under 2 are free. At the Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, 1777 E. Broad St., Columbus. Call 614-645-8733 or visit www.fpconservatory.org.

March 10 through April

Blooms and Butterflies at the Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. Experience the emergence of exotic butterflies and watch their release into the Franklin Park Conservatory's Pacific Island Water Garden. Dozens of species from around the world take flight and feed on tropical blooms. The Butterfly Emergence Center and hands-on activities interpreting the butterfly's life cycle are featured. Monday to Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday until 8 p.m. Costs adults $11, seniors and students $9, children $6, under 2 are free. At Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, 1777 E. Broad St, Columbus. Call 614-645-8733, 800-214-7275 or visit www.fpconservatory.org.

March Canton

Create a Luck of the Irish Bulb Garden, a class at Anthony Petitti Garden Center. Anthony Petitti Garden Center is located at 5828 Columbus Rd. For more information call 330-455-5997 or visit www.anthonypetitti.net.

March New Carlisle

Come for the seminars and workshops at Meadowview Growers Inc., at 755 North Dayton Lakeview Rd (Rt. 235) in New Carlisle. For more information on these events email info@meadowview.com or visit www.meadowview.com or call 937-845-0093.

March 3
Two Saturday seminars: What's New in Annuals and Perennials 2012, and Raised Beds and Rain Barrels. The "What's New" class will be at 10 a.m. and will be taught by instructors: Teresa and Carol. The "Raised Beds and Rain Barrels," will be held at 2 p.m. and will be taught by instructors Diane and Rick. Each seminar costs $5. Register for March 3 classes by Feb. 27.

March 10
Two Saturday seminars: "Bark, Buds and Leaves; The Beauty of Trees" and "Fairy Gardens." The "Beauty of Trees" seminar will be at 10 a.m. and will be taught by instructor Chris Jensen of Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark. Costs $5. The second seminar "Fairy Gardens Workshop" will be held at 2 p.m. and will be taught by instructor Barb. The fee will be determined based on materials used. Deposit of $10 is required. Register for these March 10 classes by March 2.

March 17
Three Saturday seminars. At 10 a.m. the seminar "Kitchen Scraps; Waste Not, Want Not," will be given by instructor Kathy McConkey of the Clark County, OSU Extension. Costs $5. At 1 p.m. the seminar "They're Here and They're Hungry" will be given by instructor Amy Stone of Lucas County, OSU Extension. Costs $5. And at 2:30 p.m. the workshop "Contain Yourself Class, BYOC" will be presented by instructors Barb and Deb. The fee will be determined based on materials used. Deposit of $10 is required. Register for these March 17 classes by March 9.

March 24
Two Saturday seminars. At 10 a.m. the seminar "Landscape Disasters" will be presented by instructor Joe Boggs of Hamilton County, OSU Extension. Cost is $5. At 2 p.m. the workshop "Miniature Gardens" will be presented by instructor Barb. The fee will be determined based on materials used. Deposit of $10 is required. Register for these March 24 classes by March 16.

March 31
Two Saturday seminars. At 10 a.m. the seminar "Herbs for Healthy Living" will be presented by instructor Susan. Costs $5. Then at 2 p.m. the workshop "Contain Yourself Class, BYOC" will be presented by instructors Barb and Teresa. The fee will be determined based on materials used. Deposit of $10 required. Register for March 31 classes by March 23.

March Cleveland

March 10 and 24
Ask the Orchid Doctor, Saturdays, March 10 and 24 from 1 to 3 p.m. The ever-popular orchid doctor is in! Bring your most challenging orchid questions and learn tips for successfully growing orchids at home. No registration required. Free with Garden admission. At the Cleveland Botanical Garden, 11030 East Boulevard, Cleveland. Visit www.cbgarden.org or call 216-721-1600 for more info.

April New Carlisle

April 7
Two Saturday seminars. At 10 a.m. the seminar "View from a Hammock" will be presented by instructors Carol and Deb. Costs $5. And then at 2 p.m.the workshop "Vertical Gardening" will be presented by instructors Earl and Susan. The fee will be determined based on materials used. Deposit of $10 is required. Register for April 7 classes by March 30.

April 21
From 1 to 4 p.m. we will sharpen your tools while you wait. Costs $2 per tool

April 28
From 1 to 4 p.m. we will sharpen your tools while you wait. Costs $2 per tool

April Cincinnati

April 1-30
Zoo Blooms at the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden. The zoo promises to be a palette of artistic color with a combination of more than 100,000 tulips. As one of only two accredited botanical gardens in Ohio, the Cincinnati Zoo offers one of the largest tulip displays in the Midwest. Dubbed "Tulip Mania," Zoo Blooms will also feature more than one million daffodils, hyacinths, flowering trees, shrubs and other spring bulbs exploding with color. Every Thursday during Zoo Blooms (April 5, 12, 19 and 26) don't miss Tunes and Blooms, free concerts in the garden, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Zoo admission after 5 p.m. is free. Parking is $8. For more info call 513-281-4700 or visit http://cincinnatizoo.org/events/.

April Cuyahoga County

April 21
From Garden to Table Spring Seminar. A symposium on vegetable gardening co-sponsored by Cuyahoga County Master Gardeners will be held on Saturday, April 21 at the Happy Days Lodge of the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Admission includes the session, continental breakfast and lunch. The 2011 symposium addressed small fruit gardening, unusual culinary herbs and heirloom vegetables, a cooking demonstration, kitchen gardening on an elevated deck, extending the garden season, farming in the Cuyahoga Valley and garden pests and diseases. At the Happy Days Lodge, 500 W. Streetsboro Road, Peninsula. For more info on the 2012 symposium visit www.cuyahogamg.org/ or call 216-429-8200.

April Canton

Classes at Anthony Petitti Garden Center. Anthony Petitti Garden Center is located at 5828 Columbus Rd. For more information call 330-455-5997 or visit www.anthonypetitti.net.

April 17
An Earth Day Week Class, Starting and Maintaining an Organic Garden

April 19
An Earth Day Week Class, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle in the Garden and the Landscape

April 21
An Earth Day Week Class Create A "Green" Spring Basket

April 22
An Earth Day Week Class, Gardening -- a class on the importance of a garden to our environment and question and answer time.

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February 18
Tulsa

2011 Gardening Info Fair, Tulsa Garden Center

Gardening Info Fair
Tulsa Garden Center

Gardeners, get ready for spring! Free information!! Join Tulsa Garden Center, 2435 S.Peoria Ave., for their annual Gardening Info Fair, where you will have the opportunity to find all the answers to your gardening and environmental questions from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. You will find everything from new plant introductions for 2012 to horticultural experts, environmentalists and landscape designers. This is truly the one day to get all the information you need to start your spring project. 2435 S. Peoria Ave., 918-746-5141, cjohnson@tulsagardencenter.com

March 6
Oklahoma City

Creating Colorful Containers
Will Rogers Gardens

Growing plants in containers can be fund and easy with just a few basic rules. This class will discuss plant choices, various containers and methods for success, plus lowering maintenance. 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Registration required by calling 405-943-0827. Free.

March 8-11
Tulsa

Greater Tulsa Home & Garden Show
QuikTrip Center at Expo Square at the Tulsa County Fairgrounds

The Greater Tulsa Home & Garden Show is Oklahoma’s largest and longest-running home and garden products trade show, with more than 450 exhibitors. For a one-stop shopping experience for everything you need for your home, garden and so much more, it is the one home and garden show not to miss! Thursday 5-9 p.m., Friday and Saturday10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Adults – $8, Seniors – $7, Children under 12 free with paid adult. 4145 East 21st Street. Visit www.tulsahba.com/events/greater-tulsa-home-and-garden-show for more information.

March 10
Oklahoma City

Oklahoma Gardening School
Myriad Botanical Garden

Oklahoma Gardening School is back with nationally renowned gardening and landscape professionals offering up the latest tips for growing gorgeous gardens in Oklahoma. 8:30 a.m. – 3:15 p.m. all us at 405-297-3995 for registration rates and information. Pre-registration is required. www.myriadgardens.com

March 31
Tulsa

Green Gardening and Composting Workshop
Hardest Library 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Cost is free.

Join us for an introduction to composting and other earth-friendly gardening techniques. Bring your extra packets of seeds to swap. Be there for a chance to win a compost bin donated by the M.E.T.

Hardest Library, Pecan Room
8316 E. 93rd St.
For more information, call 918-549-7323 or email askus@tulsalibrary.org.

April 1
Oklahoma City

Spring Spectaculars
Will Rogers Gardens

Chase away the winter blues with a beautifully blooming spring garden. This class will cover everything from bulbs, to trees and shrubs. Ideas to consider for personalizing according to tastes, maintenances and budget will be offered. 9:30 - 11:30 p.m. Registration required by calling 405-943-0827. Free.

April 21-22
Tulsa

From the 20s to 2012 – A Floral Tribute
Tulsa Garden Center
Cost is free.

Saturday 1-4 p.m.
Sunday 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Horticultural specimens, floral designs, and educational exhibits further gardening knowledge.

2435 S. Peoria Ave.
www.tulsagardenclub.org
918-289-3893

May 6
Oklahoma City

Money-Saving Landscapes
Will Rogers Gardens

Drudgery be gone! Garden maintenance can be quick and easy if well planned ahead of time. Learn how to personalize your home gardening space with tips on basic design, maintenance and plant selection. 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Registration required by calling 405-943-0827. Free.

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Feb. 17-19
Allentown

The 10th Annual Eastern Pennsylvania Spring Home Show at the Allentown Fairgrounds. The Eastern Pennsylvania Spring Home Show will feature some of the finest home builders and remodelers in the Lehigh Valley. Offering a diverse array of home products and services by local, state and national vendors, the Spring Eastern PA Home Show will present innovative and imaginative displays, with local crafts as well, in a home show that combines high tech with hometown flair. Nearly 200 companies will present every conceivable kind of product or service for the home. Exhibitors include remodelers, homebuilders, custom cabinets, kitchens and baths, chimneys, wood stoves, sunrooms, pools and spas, awnings and decks, duct and vent maintenance, storage buildings, heating and cooling services, windows, doors and siding, water treatment systems, banks and mortgage companies, home theatre systems, security systems, financial planners, building supplies, insulation, energy management companies and more. Jenks Productions will offer $1off your admission when you bring a non-perishable food item for donation to local food banks. Limit one discount per person. Not valid with any other coupon or offer. Show hours: Friday 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Held at the Ag Hall at the Allentown Fairgrounds, 302 North 17th Street, Allentown. Costs: adults $8, seniors $7 and children under 12 free. Free parking. Visit http://jenksproductions.com/paspringhome.html or call Jenks Productions, Inc. at 860-918-0891.

February 23-26
Philadelphia

Suburban Home and Garden Show at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center. Spring is the perfect time to bring renewed life to your home, both inside and out. The Suburban Home and Garden Show is the single best resource for deals and ideas from national and local companies. Get a breath of spring at the display gardens created by several local landscape contractors. Seek ideas for decorating and remodelling and gather contacts and information. Speak with experts, compare products and services and glean money saving tips. Held at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center at Oaks, 100 Station Avenue, Egypt/Mill Road, Oaks (located just off the Oaks exit of Route 422, 20 minutes from Center City and five minutes from King of Prussia). Visit www.phillyexpocenter.com for directions. Free parking for first 5,000 cars. Admission in 2011 was $10 and children 12 and under were free (contact the show for 2012 pricing). For more info visit www.phillyexpos.com/suburban/ or call D&D Exhibitions at 856-782-2222.

Feb. 24-26
Harrisburg

Pennsylvania Garden Expo at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg.
The Pennsylvania Garden Expo is the largest and longest-running garden event in Central Pennsylvania. Expert landscapers build magnificent walk-through gardens of 2000-2500 square feet on-site, with elevations, boulders, hardscapes and water features. These gardens will cover 50,000 square feet of space. Students from Pennsylvania schools participate in the Education in Bloom program by pairing up with professional landscapers to build student gardens -- all to promote horticulture programs. The show's Market Faire is the premier place to find products and services like garden decor, fencing, patio and deck options, landscaping services, equipment and tools and more. The DIY Area will showcase expert demonstrations and the Garden Talk Stage will offer presentations on a variety of topics. Show hours: Friday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Held at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex & Expo Center, 2300 North Cameron Street, Harrisburg. For more info contact the expo team at 717-236-4300 or email info@jpiexpo.com, or visit http://jpiexpo.com/pagardenexpo/.

Feb. 29, March 7, 14, 21
Center Valley

Small-Scale Poultry courses Wednesdays from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Feb. 29 through March 21. This course series will give prospective and beginning small-scale meat and egg producers a general understanding of what it takes to have poultry. Poultry breeds, housing, health, and nutrition for small-scale meat and egg producers will be explored. Topics also include brooding and growing, mortality, fly control, farm security and a tour of a small scale farm. Held at Penn State Lehigh Valley, 2809 Saucon Valley Road, Center Valley. Contact Bryan Moyer at 610-391-9840 or email bfm3@psu.edu. Visit http://extension.psu.edu/start-farming/courses/small-scale-poultry for more info.

March Pittsburgh

March 2-11
Duquesne Light Home and Garden Show at the Pittsburgh Convention Center Downtown. Enjoy beautiful landscaped gardens, shop hundreds of new garden products, get great ideas at the show and see all the feature gardens. You might also find a new "friend" in the Pets at Home area and meet speaker "Renegade Gardener" Don Engebretson. This show offers everything for your home and garden gathered in one place. Costs: adults $10, Children ages 6 to 12 $4, children under 6 free. Hours: Friday March 4, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturday March 5, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sunday March 6, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Monday to Thursday 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday March 11, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturday March 12, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sunday March 13, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Held at the Pittsburgh Convention Center Downtown, 1000 Fort Duquesne Boulevard in Pittsburgh. Visit www. pghhome.com/index.php email showinfo@pghhome.com or call 412-231-8400.

March Pittsburgh

Events at Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, One Schenley Park, Pittsburgh. Phipps is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and until 10 p.m. on Fridays. Admission costs $12 for adults, $11 for seniors, $11 for students (with valid ID), and $9 for children (ages 2 to 18). Members and children under 2 enter for free. Visit www.phipps.conservatory.org or call 412-622-6914.

March 17 through April 15
Spring Flower Show. Take a trip around the world at Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens' Spring Flower Show, a colorful celebration of vibrant locales and cultures across the globe. Highlights include a Dutch display, presented as part of the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust's citywide homage to Holland, showcasing the beauty and variety of tulips.

March 17
Tropical Forest India Gala. Join with civic and social leaders, visiting dignitaries and garden revelers to celebrate the debut of Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens' new Tropical Forest India exhibit with fine food and live performances against a breathtaking backdrop of lush plant life and representations of several iconic landmarks.

March Springfield

March 10
Delaware County Master Gardeners' Second Saturday at Smedley series. "Vegetable Gardening." Veggie season is starting soon. Master Gardener Leslie Trimble will tell you about the specific requirements for vegetables that you grow in your home garden, and how to have a bountiful and healthy vegetable garden. Costs $10. Held on Saturday, March 10 at 10 a.m. to noon at the Environmental Center in Smedley Park, 20 Paper Mill Road, Springfield. Costs $10. Call 610-690-7669 or visit http://extension.psu.edu/delaware/programs/master-gardener for more information.

March Media

These are events and programs held at Tyler Arboretum, 515 Painter Road, Media. For information call 610-566-9134 or visit www.tylerarboretum.org or email info@tylerarboretum.org.

March 10
Fundamentals of Garden Design, Saturday from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. This workshop will give you the tools needed to create gardens that both function for your individual lifestyle and that you and family and guests will enjoy spending time in. Pre-registration is required. Costs $15 members, $18 non-members.

March 10
Critter Hunts for Grown-Ups, Saturday from 10 a.m. to 12 noon. Join ecologist and naturalist Steve Tessler for a fun and fascinating nature walk and critter hunt. Steve will help you discover the hidden world of insects, spiders, moss, fungi, tracks, and other small wonders. Dress for cool morning weather and wear shoes suitable for uneven terrain. Free with admission; no pre-registration required.

March 10
Full Moon Night Hike, Saturday from 7 to 9 p.m. Enjoy night sounds and watch for nocturnal creatures; there are lots of interesting things going on at night that you can't experience in the daytime. Guides Dick Cloud and Rachel Ndeto will share points of special interest and seasonal highlights while leading a moderate hike. This walk is for adults and teens. Bring a flashlight and wear shoes suitable for uneven terrain. Pre-registration is required. Costs $6 members, $8 non-members.

March 18
Lasagna Gardening, Sunday from 1 to 2 p.m. Forget digging and tilling. Master Gardener Leslie Trimble describes how to prepare a new garden or enlarge an existing one by layering organic materials. This earth-friendly, back-saving technique produces rich, hospitable garden soil, saves time and money plus yields terrific crops. Pre-registration is required. Costs $12 members, $15 non-members.

March 7, 14, 21, 28
Spring Bird Walks, every Wednesday from 8:15 to 10:15 a.m. Join experienced birder Tom Reeves in search of spring migrants throughout the arboretum. Beginners and experts welcome. Bring bird guides and binoculars. Free with admission; no pre-registration required.
Wednesdays and Sundays in March
Wildflower Walks, every Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. or every Sunday from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Discover wildflowers and woodland plants with experts Richard Brenner and Dick Cloud. Free with admission; no pre-registration required.

March 22
Naturalist Walk, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Join Educator Martha Moore for seasonal walks focusing on the birds, animals and insects of spring. Free with admission; no pre-registration required

March 24
Volunteer Trails Day (Rain date Sunday, March 25) from 8 a.m. to 12 noon. Help keep Tyler's trails safe and in good shape. No experience necessary. Wear boots, long pants and long sleeves and bring eye protection and work gloves. Volunteers must be 14 years or older. Pre-registration encouraged; contact the Volunteer Coordinator at 610-566-9134, ext 205.

April Media

These are events and programs held at Tyler Arboretum, 515 Painter Road, Media. For information call 610-566-9134 or visit www.tylerarboretum.org or email info@tylerarboretum.org.

April 4,11,18, 25
Spring Bird Walks, every Wednesday from 8:15 to 10:15 a.m. Join experienced birder Tom Reeves in search of spring migrants throughout the arboretum. Beginners and experts welcome. Bring bird guides and binoculars. Free with admission; no pre-registration required.
Wednesdays and Sundays in April
Wildflower Walks, every Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. or every Sunday from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Discover wildflowers and woodland plants with experts Richard Brenner and Dick Cloud. Free with admission; no pre-registration required.

April 14
Critter Hunts for Grown-Ups, Saturday from 10 a.m. to 12 noon. Join ecologist and naturalist Steve Tessler for a fun and fascinating nature walk and critter hunt. Steve will help you discover the hidden world of insects, spiders, moss, fungi, tracks, and other small wonders. Dress for cool morning weather and wear shoes suitable for uneven terrain. Free with admission; no pre-registration required.

April 14 and 21
Garden Mosaic Workshop, two Saturdays, April 14 and 21 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Mosaic artist Barbie Henig helps you create beautiful mosaic art for your garden using pottery, pebbles and stained glass. Options include decorative rocks, birdbath, stepping stone or flower pot. A $15 materials fee will be due the first day of class. Bring latex gloves and leather or heavy cotton gloves and goggles. Pre-registration required. Costs $40 members, $50 non-members.

April 19
Naturalist Walks, Thursday from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Join Educator Martha Moore for seasonal walks focusing on the birds, animals, and insects of spring. Free with admission; no pre-registration required.

April 28
Vegetable Garden Planning, Saturday from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Home-grown veggies taste delicious and are also more economical and nutritious those bought from the store. Growing our own food is also a way to live more sustainably. Whether you want to grow a few tomatoes or really go into production, this workshop will give you all the information you need to get a great start on your 2012 garden. Master Gardener and avid vegetable gardener Leslie Trimble will discuss location, soil preparation, seed starting, and plant selection and culture. Pre-registration is required; $12 members, $15 non-members.

April 29
May Basket Flower Arranging Workshop, Sunday from 1 to 2 p.m. Celebrate May Day by creating a table-top May Day basket. Barbara Stremple will take you through the process of creating an arrangement using herbs and spring flowering plants, as well as cut materials. All materials are provided; bring pruners or shears. Pre-registration required. Costs $30 members, $35 non-members.

April Malvern

April 21
Delaware County Master Gardeners' 16th Annual Home Gardeners' School. Lectures for all levels of gardeners. Admission includes lunch and a unique gardeners' marketplace. Held Saturday, April 21st at the Penn State Great Valley Campus Conference Center, 30 East Swedesford Road in Malvern. Call 610-690-7669 before April 15 to register or visit http://extension.psu.edu/delaware/programs/master-gardener for more information.

April Springfield

April 14
Delaware County Master Gardeners' Second Saturday at Smedley series. Gardening with Native Plants presented by Master Gardener Ray Murphy. Held on Saturday, April 14 at 10 a.m. to noon at the Environmental Center in Smedley Park, 20 Paper Mill Road, Springfield. Costs $10. Call 610-690-7669 or visit http://extension.psu.edu/delaware/programs/master-gardener for more information.

April Pittsburgh

Events at Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, One Schenley Park, Pittsburgh. Phipps is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and until 10 p.m. on Fridays. Admission costs $12 for adults, $11 for seniors, $11 for students (with valid ID), and $9 for children (ages 2 to 18). Members and children under 2 enter for free. Visit www.phipps.conservatory.org or call 412-622-6914.

Throughout April
Center for Sustainable Landscapes Opens, April 2012. See history in the making as Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens opens the doors to the Center for Sustainable Landscapes. Designed to achieve the highest eco-friendly building standards, this new education, research and administration complex is one of the greenest buildings, featuring beautiful demonstration gardens and more.

April 22 through Sept. 3
Butterfly Forest. Like flowers that fly, Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens' butterfly residents will enchant nature-lovers. Watch as gorgeous native species such as monarchs and zebra longwings emerge from their chrysalises to flutter among the bug-friendly blooms in the Stove Room.

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February 10-12
Memphis

Green your Home Winter Plant Sale
Memphis Botanic Garden

Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sunday, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Keep your home green through the winter months. Choose from a beautiful selection of houseplants, custom potting by Rick Pudwell (your pot or ours), and specialty garden gift items. Garden staff and Master Gardeners available to assist with plant care tips and purchases.

Free to the Public.
For information call 901-636-4100
www.memphisbotanicgarden.com

February 11
Knoxville

Winter Bonsai Display
Knoxville Botanical Garden
10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.

The Knoxville Bonsai Society will hold its third annual Winter Bonsai Display in the Garden Club Room at the Knoxville Botanical Garden. Displaying in winter allows for the viewer to see the delicate structure of deciduous bonsai such as Japanese maples and American hornbeams, which can be much more impressive than with all the leaves in place. Please come and enjoy some of the nicest bonsai in the region free of charge.

865-862-8717
www.knoxgarden.org

February 18
Memphis

The Dream Team Steps Up to Curb Appeal Seminar
Memphis Botanic Garden

Sponsored by The Memphis-Area Master Gardeners. Speakers Patty Rainey, Tommie Criswell-Jones, Mary Iberg and Rick Pudwell will address various topics all aimed at helping homeowners increase the curb appeal of their property. 9 a.m. to Noon in Hardin Hall of Memphis Botanic Garden. The cost is $3 for Botanic Garden members and $8 for non-members. For further information, please visit www.memphisareamastergardeners.org or contact Caroline Forster at 901-384-8979.

February 22
Memphis

Munch and Learn: Winter-Flowering Plants with Dale Skaggs
Dixon Gallery & Gardens
12:00 p.m.

The winter landscape, normally thought of as bleak and dreary, will come alive for you as Dale describes the many winter-blooming plants that can grace your garden.

901-761-5250
www.dixon.org

February 25
Chattanooga

Community Garden Workshop
Crabtree Farms
8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Are you interested in starting a community garden, but don’t quite know how to begin? Have you ever been part of a community garden, and would like to learn some new strategies to make the garden more successful in the future?

If you are a beginning gardener or a seasoned grower, everybody can learn something new at the Crabtree Farms’ Community Garden Workshop. Building on the success of our three previous Community Garden Workshops, we hope to provide an intensive program that will help you gain the knowledge you need to start and maintain a successful, productive and community-building garden. Come network with other aspiring community gardeners, hear interesting and informative advice from the staff at Crabtree Farms, and leave renewed, excited and prepared to get your project going!

To register for the workshop by the February 17 deadline, see crabtreefarms.org/events/community-garden-workshop.

1000 East 30th St.
423-493-9155

March 1-4
Nashville

23rd Annual Nashville Lawn & Garden Show

The Horticultural Association of Tennessee will present the 23rd Annual Nashville Lawn & Garden Show on Thursday, March 1 through Sunday, March 4, 2012 at the Tennessee State Fairgrounds. Tennessee's premier horticultural event, the Nashville Lawn & Garden Show attracts more than 22,000 people annually and is one of the largest gardening shows in the South. http://www.nashvillelawnandgardenshow.com/

March 2-4
Cookeville

Upper Cumberland Home & Garden Show
Hyder Burks Pavilion

Event hours are Friday 4-8 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. and Sunday 12-4 p.m. Presented by the Home Builders Association of the Upper Cumberland, 931-528-7472, www.uchba.com.

March 23 and 24
Memphis

Spring Fling
Memphis Agri-Center

The annual Spring Fling presented by the Memphis-Area Master Gardeners offers free gardening seminars and a vendor area featuring plants and garden-related products. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. For more information on the event, please visit www.memphisareamastergardeners.org or contact Linda Taylor at 901-483-4851.

March 30 – April 1
Chattanooga

Marie Humphreys Spring Wildflower Festival and Native Plant Sale 
Chattanooga Arboretum and Nature Center

Time: During regular operating hours

We’ll have educational events during the plant sale including demonstrations, workshops, canoe trips, and guided wildflower walks and hikes.

423-821-1160
www.reflectionriding.org

March 31 – April 1
Nashville

Photo courtesy of Connie Cottingham

Daffodil Show
Cheekwood Botanical Garden & Museum of Art

Come and explore the magical world of daffodils at the annual Daffodil Show sponsored by the Middle Tennessee Daffodil Society (www.daffodiltn.org) in Botanic Hall. Anyone who has a fabulous specimen of a daffodil is more then welcome to enter the show. Please have your entry at Cheekwood by 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 31. Saturday – 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.,  unday – 11:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. For more information contact show chair Ann McKinney at 615-377-6848 or annmckinney1@aol.com.

March 31
Nashville

Native Plant Sale
Cheekwood Botanical Garden & Museum of Art

10:00 a.m. till all plants are sold!  Early bird catches the worm at this annual springtime plant sale. Arrive early for the best selection of native plants to add to your garden. Choose from spring-blooming wildflowers such as trillium and celandine poppies or summer-blooming ones such as black-eyed Susans and summer phlox. Do not miss our great selection of shrubs, vines and small trees. There is something for everyone’s garden at the sale. Sponsored by the Garden Club of Nashville. 615-356-8000, info@cheekwood.org, www.cheekwood.org.

April 13-15
Franklin

Bloom ‘n’ Garden Lawn and Garden Show
Ag Expo Center

Tennessee’s largest plant sale, the Green Academy, show gardens, vendor booths, plant diagnostics center and much, much more! Speakers and educational workshops are scheduled throughout the three-day event. Friday and Saturday: 9 a.m. – 7 p.m., Sunday: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Adults $8, hildren under 12 free, -day pass $10. ickets are available at the door. 4215 Long Lane, off I-65 at Exit 61 – Peytonsville Road. For more information, call 615-973-2112 or email info@bloomngarden.com.

April 14
Brighton

Tipton County Lawn and Garden Expo
Brighton Middle School

Dynamic speakers have been engaged, plus much more. It’s FREE. Attendees will have an opportunity to visit many vendors, garden displays, and demonstrations on composting, plant propagation, making rain barrels, herb/vegetable gardening, etc. In addition, there will be a children’s workshop. 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. 7785 Hwy 51 South (west at traffic light). www.tiptoncountymastergardeners.com, 901-476-0231

April 21-22
Chattanooga

12th Annual Spring Plant Sale & Festival
Crabtree Farms

Saturday 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Sunday 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Join us for the 12th Annual Spring Plant Sale & Festival at Crabtree Farms! With workshops, crafts, beautiful garden plants and food, it’s a day of fun for the whole family. Admission and parking are free. Don’t miss your chance to get the healthiest fruit and veggie plants for your spring and summer garden!

1000 East 30th St.
423-493-9155
crabtreefarms.org

April 28
Knoxville

10th Annual Spring Plant Sale
Ijams Nature Center  
9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. 

The Spring Plant Sale features eight local nurseries selling wildflowers, shrubs and trees. Garden flowers, vegetables, outdoor crafts, pottery, birdhouses, metal works and decorations will also be available. Proceeds benefit Ijams Nature Center’s natural areas and trails.

Free Wildlife Walks: Throughout the day we’ll be conducting free wildlife walks on the trails at Ijams. Sponsored by the Island Home Community Partnership.

Admission: Free 
Contact: Ed Yost 865-577 4717 ext. 29 or eyost@ijams.org
www.ijams.org

June 2
Shelby County

Through Our Garden Gates Garden Tour
Northwest Quadrant of Shelby County

The Memphis-Area Master Gardeners are sponsoring the 3rd Annual Through Our Garden Gates Garden Tour, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. A series of private gardens in the northwest quadrant of Shelby County will be featured on the tour. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/pages/Through-Our-Garden-Gates-Garden-Tour/162513183805758 or contact Anne Krekelberg at 901-833-0416.

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February 4, 11, 18, 25
Richmond

Basic Home Landscape Design
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden
4 Saturdays, 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Develop the knowledge and skills needed to construct a customized home landscape. Participants conduct a site analysis and create a base map, site plan, conceptual plan and planting plan. Exercises in design reinforce landscaping principles and make students aware of common pitfalls. The focus of this class is design; in-depth plant information will not be discussed. Some materials are provided, and a list of additional materials will be sent after registration. Instructor: Candy Lindenzweig.

2 optional Sunday studios, February 12, 19, 1-4 p.m.
6 sessions / 20 hours
$254 / $210 member
804-262-9887
www.lewisginter.org

February 18, 25, March 3, 10
Richmond

Beekeeping for Beginners
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden

The role honeybees play in our ecosystem goes beyond honey production. These seemingly tireless creatures – a “keystone species” – pollinate about one-third of crop species in the U.S. Help build local colonies of honeybees through a series of four beginning beekeeping workshops with the experts. Presented in cooperation with the Richmond Beekeepers Association. Series: $84 / $40 member (includes field trip); single sessions: $26 / $15 member per session. Four Saturdays, 8:30 am - 12:30 pm, February 18, 25, March 3, 10, plus an optional field trip date provided after class starts. www.lewisginter.org, 804-262-9887

Feb. 24-26
Richmond

Jewels of the Jungle – Orchid Society Show
Strange’s Florist and Greenhouse

Friday 6 p.m.
Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Sunday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Friday will be a preview night with complimentary refreshments, music, a first look at the award-winning orchids and a cover charge of $5. There will be orchid judging, raffles, exotic orchids, handmade pottery, orchid art, etc. There will be all-day classes on Saturday and Sunday about orchid care, plus vendors selling orchids, orchid art and more.

March 2
Richmond

Tree Care Symposium
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden

Professional development for certified arborists, Tree Stewards, Master Gardeners and more. $90 per day includes continental breakfast, lunch and break. 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., www.lewisginter.org, 804-262-9887 ext. 322

March 4
Alexandria

Green Spring Garden (by Brenda Skarphol)

Designing with Conifers: Wise Choices
Green Spring Gardens

Learn how to make better choices when selecting conifers for your landscape from Dr. Richard Bitner, author of Designing with Conifers. He will challenge your thinking about conifers and inspire you with sumptuous images of conifers used in imaginative and practical ways. Book signing. 1:30-3 p.m., $10. Register online at www.greenspring.org under educational programs, or call Green Spring Gardens at 703-642-5173.

March 10 – April 22
Richmond

Orchids Galore!
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden

Exhibit of rare and exotic orchids in a classical conservatory; included with regular Garden admission. 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily, www.lewisginter.org, 804-262-9887

March 11
Alexandria

Beautiful, No-Mow Yards
Green Spring Gardens

Tired of mowing? Let award-winning author Evelyn Hadden help you rethink your yard. Hadden presents inspiring no-mow designs by everyday gardeners and landscape professionals that you can adapt to your own yard. You'll see lively grass gardens, shady havens, elegant edibles and more. 1:30-3 p.m., $10. Register online at www.greenspring.org under educational programs, or call Green Spring Gardens at 703-642-5173.

March 14
Blacksburg

The Strange World of Parasitic Plants
Hahn Horticulture Garden

With Dr. Jim Westwood, Assoc. Professor Plant Pathology, Physiology, & Weed Science.  arasitic plants are unique in that they obtain part or all of their nutritional needs from other plants. As a consequence of absolute dependence on a host, some parasitic species have lost such otherwise essential structures as leaves or roots, and may take on bizarre forms. The dependence on a host has also driven parasitic species to evolve remarkable adaptations for locating and invading their hosts. In studying parasitic plants we expand our understanding of plant capabilities. This presentation will describe different types of parasitic plants and discuss their unique features and impact on human society. 12:00-1:00 p.m., free. www.hort.vt.edu/hhg/events.htm

March 15, 22, 29
Richmond

Container Gardening
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden

Container gardens help you maximize small spaces and they’re easy to care for! Garden designer Beth Burrell shows you how to plan your container garden, from soil mixes, planting techniques, to design tips and succession planting for seasonal color, as well as clever ways to mix edibles into your seasonal plans! Four Thursdays March 15-April 5 4-6 p.m., $111 / $100 member, www.lewisginter.org, 804-262-9887.

March 15
Blacksburg

Seminar: Elissa’s Picks! with Elissa Steeves
Hahn Horticulture Garden

Blacksburg’s own celebrity gardener has an unquenchable thirst for the newest, weirdest and most outstanding plants for her garden. She’ll share her picks of the best tropicals, annuals, perennials and woodies, as well as design tips and wisdom garnered from her gardening adventures! 6:00-7:30 p.m., location TBD. $10 Friends of the Garden, $15 general public. www.hort.vt.edu/hhg/events.htm

March 16
Alexandria

Basic Gardening: Herb Gardening
Green Spring Gardens

Herbs add fragrance and flavor to our lives and practical beauty to landscapes. This overview of herbs will cover the basics of herb gardening including site selection, planning, preparation and plant selection. 1:30-2:30 p.m., $10. Register online at www.greenspring.org under educational programs, or call Green Spring Gardens at 703-642-5173.

March 17
Williamsburg

Planting Heirloom Vegetables
Williamsburg Botanical Garden

Taught by Barb Dunbar, York County MG and certified Master Naturalist. Held in the Therapy Garden. Bring home seeds for your home garden. Adults and children, free, no registration. 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. www.williamsburgbotanicalgarden.org

March 24
Norfolk

65th Annual Camellia Show and Plant Sale
Norfolk Botanical Gardens Rose Hall

The Virginia Camellia Society will host its 65th Annual Camellia Show and Plant Sale. This show is being held in conjunction with the American Camellia Society Annual Convention and promises to feature blooms grown around the country. The show will be held at the Norfolk Botanical Gardens Rose Hall and is open to the public upon admission to the gardens. Many varieties of camellia plants from Bennett's Creek Nursery will be for sale. Educational material will be available along with plenty of advice from the country's best camellia growers and show winners. Free with admission to Norfolk Botanical Garden, 12 p.m. - 4 p.m. www.vacamelliasociety.org

April 5
Richmond

Container Gardening
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden

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February

"Bolz Conservatory Exhibits: Treasures of the Rainforest," from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mon. through Sat. and Sun. 10 am to 5 p.m. The rainforests of the world are a tremendous natural resource for people around the world, including Americans. Many of the things consumed every day like fruits, vegetables, ingredients for medicines and construction materials come from the rainforest. Discover various everyday products that originate in the rainforests and see the plants they come from up close.

February
Janesville

Events at the Rotary Botanical Gardens, 1455 Palmer Drive, Janesville, a 20-acre, non-profit botanic garden that is home to many dramatic and themed gardens. It also features a visitor center, gift shop and a facility that may be rented for wedding receptions, reunions or meetings. Admission is adults $5, youth ages 6 to15 $3, children under age 6 and RBG Friends' members are free. For more info call 608-752-3885 or visit www.rotarybotanicalgardens.org.

Feb. 29

Leap Year Family Fun, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Enjoy special activities for the young and young at heart. From bunnies to frogs to kangaroos, it will be a hoppin' and leapin' good time! Cost is $5 adults and $3 youth (age 6 to 15).

Feb. 19 through March 2
Appleton

"Art in the Gardens," on display at Gardens of the Fox Cities, 1313 E. Witzke Blvd., Appleton. The Trout Museum of Art, Gardens of the Fox Cities and Designing Women offer "Art in the Gardens," a non-juried exhibit of paintings depicting plants as found in nature or gardens. Exhibit hours: (subject to change) Mon. through Wed.: 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Thurs. and Fri.: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sat. 12 to 4 p.m. and Sun. 12 to 4 p.m. Admission is $2. For more info call 920-735-0755 or 920-993-1900, email Paulette Laffin at tnc256@aol.com or visit www.gardensfoxcities.org.

Feb. 18
Madison

"Children of the Rainforest," with performances at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Olbrich Botanical Gardens' "Children of the Rainforest" series offers performances for families to celebrate cultural differences in rainforest regions around the world. Tickets available at the door. Costs: $3 ages 13 and up; $2 for children 12 and under; free for ages 2 and under. At Olbrich Botanical Gardens, 3330 Atwood Avenue. For more information, call 608-246-4550 or visit www.olbrich.org.

Feb. 4
Hales Corners

Urban Beekeeping: Becoming a Beekeeper, held from 10 a.m. to 12 noon. Learn how to recognize some of the 20,000 different types of bees by observing the type of hive, social characteristics, and behaviors. Build your own mason jar bee habitat, watering station for honeybees and flower pot home for bumble bees. Costs families: $20members and $25 non-members limit 5 people. Individuals: $10 members and $12 non-members. Held at 9400 Boerner Drive, Hales Corners. To register call 414-525-5659. For more information call 414-525-5600 or visit www.boernerbotanicalgardens.org.

Feb 25

Vermiculture: Composting with Worms, held from 10 a. m to 12 noon. Build an indoor vermicomposting system designed to handle kitchen waste. The basics of worm farming will be covered including: tips for the homeowner, apartment dweller, and what to do with those extra worms. Held at 9400 Boerner Drive, Hales Corners. To register call 414-525-5659. For more information call 414-525-5600 or visit www.boernerbotanicalgardens.org.

Feb. 4-5
Madison

Orchid Quest 2012, sponsored by the Madison Orchid Growers' Guild, will be held at Exhibition Hall the Alliant Energy Center, 1919 Alliant Energy Center Way in Madison. There will be huge orchid displays in the exhibit area and thousands of fragrant orchids for sale from vendors. Also featured are seminars, quilts, artwork, painted porcelain, a raffle, a silent auction and everything you need to take care of your new orchids.The show is Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. A one-day entry fee is $7 and two-day pass is $10. Senior discounts are honored. Children 12 and under are free. For more info contact 608-231-3163 or check orchidguild.org.

March Green Bay

March 2-3
Ikebana and Quilt Show. The Ikenobo tradition of Ikebana, the traditional are of Japanese floral arranging will be demonstrated and displayed by local practitioners. Also featured are quilt works from the local quilters group called "Women Who Run with Scissors" showcasing botanically themed fiber art. Free with general admission. Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information contact Special Events Manager Lisa Andre at 920-491-3691 ext. 103 or landre@gbbg.org. Held at the Green Bay Botanical Garden, 2600 Larsen Road, Green Bay. Call 920-490-9457 or visit www.gbbg.org.

March Green Bay

March 24
Spring Thaw Symposium at Green Bay Botanical Garden from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. This all day symposium focuses on new plants in 2012. Speakers include Susan Martin, director of marketing communications for Walters Gardens in Zeeland, Mich. (presenting "A New Spin on Some Old Favorites"), Edward Lyon, director of Allen Centennial Gardens in Madison (presenting "New Plants: Promise and Reality") and Dave Wanninger, horticulturalist in charge at Boerner Botanical Gardens (presenting What's New in Hydrangeas?"). Costs $60 ($45 for GBBG members, $25 for students) and includes lunch. Registration can be done online at www.gbbg.org. Held at the Green Bay Botanical Garden, 2600 Larsen Road, Green Bay. For info call 920-490-9457 or visit www.gbbg.org.

March Green Bay

March 15-18
WBAY-TV Home and Garden Show. More than 80,000 square feet of exhibit space filled with the area's best professionals to complete your home and garden projects no matter how large or how small. Featured seminars will be announced in the future. Keep watching the website for updates. This is the region's largest and longest running home and garden show event. Melinda Myers will appear Saturday and Sunday. Show hours: Thursday 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., Friday noon to 8 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Costs adults $8, seniors (62 and up) $7, children 17 and under free, weekend pass $13.Held at the Shopko Hall and the Brown County Veterans Memorial Arena. Visit http://www.wbay.com/story/35056/wbay-home-and-garden-show or call the show office at 920-438-3270.

March/April Milwaukee

March 23-April 1
The REALTORS Home & Garden Show features a Garden Market shopping boutique. Showgoers may browse wares from area garden and specialty shops. Daily seminars, demonstrations and question-and-answer sessions will be held at the Solutions Stage during the 2012 Home & Garden Show giving show-goers inspiration and advice on remodeling, home improvement, interior design and garden and landscape design. Costs: adults $8, children 12 and under free. Hours: Friday, March 23 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday, March 24 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sunday, March 25 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Monday, March 26 closed; Tuesday, March 27 closed; Wednesday, March 28 4 to 9 p.m.; Thursday, March 29 4 to 9 p.m.; Friday, March 30 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday, March 31 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sunday, April 1 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Held at the Wisconsin Exposition Center at State Fair Park, 8200 W Greenfield Ave., West Allis. Visit www.realtorshomeandgardenshow.com/ or call 414-727-8860.

March Madison

March 5-20
Olbrich's Spring Show: "Tour de Fleur," from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. Instead of the Tour de France, Olbrich's 2011 Spring Flower Show is the Tour de Fleur--featuring gorgeous spring flowers and travel by bicycle. Immerse yourself in the splendor of spring and take a journey through the history of bicycles. Start with one of the earliest bikes - a pedal-less velocipede, on which the rider sat and walked or coasted. Another well-known historical bike, the penny-farthing, with its very large front wheel, will be featured too. Meander through an array of spring flowers and leave the stark winter landscape behind. Relish in the fragrance of hyacinths and admire the delicate petals of elegant tulips and the sunny hues of brilliant daffodils. A $2 donation is suggested. Select flowers from the show will be available for purchase on Monday, March 21 at 12 pm until supplies last. At Olbrich Botanical Gardens, located in Madison on the shore of Lake Monona at 3330 Atwood Avenue. For more information, call 608-246-4550 or visit www.olbrich.org.

March Chicago, IL

March 10-18
The Chicago Flower and Garden Show at Navy Pier, "Hort Couture: Flowers and Fashion." This year at the Chicago Flower and Garden Show, the worlds of fashion and horticulture will collide, creating an experience that rivals the hottest runway show or A-list afterparty. Top horticulture experts and professionals from academia, business and garden centers are among the bevy of experts who will share insights at free seminars held daily. Hours: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday; Sundays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Costs: weekday admission is $15 when tickets are purchased online; $17 at the box office; weekend admission is $17 and $19 respectively; tickets for children ages 4 through 12 are $5. Discounted parking at Navy Pier, and group rates and tours also are offered. Navy Pier Seasonal Parking Rates: $14 Monday to Thursday before 5 p.m., $18 Friday to Sunday before 5 p.m. and $10 after 5 p.m. seven days a week. At Navy Pier, 600 East Grand Avenue. Visit www.chicagoflower.com for more information or call 800-595-PIER.

April Green Bay

April 27-28
Cocoa Bean Mulch and Potting Soil Sale. Members only pickup Friday from 3 to 7 p.m., sale Saturday from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Stock up for the gardening season during this once-a-year sale of bagged cocoa bean mulch and potting soil. Limited quantities will be available the day of the sale. Held at the Green Bay Botanical Garden, 2600 Larsen Road, Green Bay. Call 920-490-9457 or visit www.gbbg.org. For more information contact Special Events Manager Lisa Andre at 920-491-3691 ext. 103 or landre@gbbg.org.

April Madison

April sales at Olbrich Botanical Gardens, located in Madison on the shore of Lake Monona at 3330 Atwood Avenue. For more information, call 608-246-4550 or visit www.olbrich.org.

April 14-16
Olbrich's Leaf Mulch Sale. Member pre-sale April 14, 2 to 5 p.m., public sale April 15, from 2 to 5 p.m., April 16, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Olbrich leaf mulch is made from leaves collected by the City of Madison that are delivered to Olbrich where they're composted outside during the winter.Starting in March, the leaves are shredded and bagged. Leaf mulch is beneficial for annuals, perennials, shrubs, trees, and in vegetable gardens. We recommend lining the inside of your vehicle with a tarp before loading bags of leaf mulch.

April 23
Pansy Sale, at10 a.m. Celebrate spring with a cheery pansy, panola, or viola grown in Olbrich's own greenhouses. Pots of pansies are $6 each, with three plants per pot. Decorative containers are extra. Proceeds benefit Olbrich Botanical Gardens. Pansies are cool weather plants that do best if planted in the ground. They also look great in a container, and make wonderful springtime gifts.

April Hales Corners

April 8
Easter Family Event at Boerner Botanical Gardens, Sunday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This event correlates with the Bartolotta Sunday Easter Brunch. There will be the Easter Bunny, children's crafts and more family fun. Held at 9400 Boerner Drive, Hales Corners. Call 414-525-5635 for brunch reservations and visit www.boernerbotanicalgardens.org for details about the event.

April Burlington

April 14-15
Opening Weekend at Northwind Perennial Farm. Join the kicking off the season on Saturday. April 14 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday April 15 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with a huge sale on garden accents, antiques, collectibles and more. They will have a great selection of spring blooming perennials. Held at 7047 Hospital Rd. in Burlington. For more information visit www.northwindperennialfarm.com or call 262-248-8229.

State-by-State Gardening assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of listed events. It is recommended that you verify the date, time and location of any event you plan to attend.

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