Garden Variety

Gear up for these free classes with expert advice from local garden authors and designers

It may feel like an oven outside, but autumn is just a cool breeze away. That makes September the perfect time to get your fall landscaping plans in order, and the city of Glendale can help. Find out how you can get the most out of your landscape design by attending one or more of these free classes for residents offered by the city of Glendale Water Conservation Office.

The following classes feature local garden authors and designers:

Wednesday, Sept. 6 - Soils and Grading
Good soil improves the health and vigor of plants and reduces the need for excessive watering. This is a great class for vegetable gardeners and anyone interested in improving plant or turf conditions. Jo Miller, Environmental Program Manager, will take participants through the steps to analyze soil and provide options for improving soil conditions

Monday, Sept. 18 - Wildflowers
Landscape designer Carrie Nimmer will teach participants to “think like a seed.” Her presentation includes a slide show of color combinations as well as design tips for a garden. Handouts on recommended varieties and guidelines for planting will be provided.

Monday, Oct. 2 - Landscape Renovations
Garden author and landscape architect, Judy Mielke, will offer design tips and ideas on how to renovate landscape.

Monday, Oct. 23 - Gardens That Attract Wildlife
The desert is alive with little visitors. Master Gardener, Marianna Hancin, will provide an overview of the variety of plants that attract hummingbirds, butterflies and other enjoyable critters to the garden.

Tuesday, Nov. 7 - Living Water Gardens
Add a living water garden to your xeriscape landscape. Paul Holdeman, licensed landscape contractor and owner of The Garden Gnome, explains how to build and sustain small ponds and water features using native plants and good xeriscape design principles.

All classes will be held from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the auditorium of the Glendale Main Library, 5959 West Brown Street.

In addition, various interactive classes are available on Saturdays in October.

Saturday, Oct. 7 - Xeriscape Demonstration Garden Talk and Walk
(Register for one or both sessions. Refreshments will be provided between classes.)

• 9 a.m. History of the Garden
  Few Valley gardens have such a unique and extensive history, as does the Glendale Xeriscape Garden. Go back in time with Joanne Toms, Water Conservation Specialist, and marvel at the garden’s significant transformations over the years.
• 10 a.m. Walking Tour of the Garden
  Take a morning stroll through the Glendale Xeriscape Demonstration Garden with Joanne Toms, Water Conservation Specialist. Participants are encouraged to wear close-toed shoes during the walking tour, which will cover approximately ¼-mile of the garden’s pathways.

Saturday, Oct. 14 - Landscape Short-Course
(Register for one, two or all three sessions. Refreshments will be provided between classes.)

• 9-10 a.m. Installation and Care of Winter Lawns
  This class takes the mystery out of winter grass over-seeding and provides maintenance, watering and troubleshooting tips.
• 10:15-11:15 a.m. Setting Your Irrigation Timer
  Learn easy-to-follow steps to determine the amount and frequency of water needed for your landscape plants, trees, and grass. Hands-on instruction with “practice” timers provided.
• 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Pruning Your Trees and Shrubs
  Learn proper timing and techniques for pruning your trees and shrubs. Includes a hands-on demonstration in the garden surrounding the Library.

Registration

To register for one, or all of these classes, call 623-930-3760.