Adult Programs

‘Transplant’ Class, January 6, 6-8 p.m.: Are you new to the Huntsville area and confused about what you should be doing in your garden and when – then this is the class for you. Join Harvey Cotten as he takes you through a year of gardening in north Alabama. Learn when you should be pruning, fertilizing, applying herbicides, which bugs to stay on the lookout for and other common garden practices.
Members $20, Non-members $25

‘Transplant’ Class Part II, January 13, 6-8 p.m.: In this second class addressing those new to gardening in north Alabama, the emphasis will be on the best plant materials for our area – including trees, shrubs, annuals and perennials. Putting the ‘Right Plant in the Right Place’ will make many of your gardening tasks easier so come see which plants are great choices for growing in this region.
Members $20, Non-members $25

Take the Guesswork out of Pruning, Jan. 11, 2-4 p.m. OR Jan. 17, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.: Not sure when or how to prune your trees and shrubs correctly? Join Harvey Cotten for an informative and instructive afternoon on the proper mechanics and timing of pruning. Hands-on examples of Azalea, Boxwood, Nandina, and Holly will be demonstrated. Moreover, this class will cover the proper way to prune your Crapemyrtles including ‘Crapemyrtle Rejuvenation’ if your plants have fallen victim to "Crape-Murder".
Members $20, Non-members $25

What’s New in the World of Plants, Feb. 7, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.: Each year new plants are introduced into the marketplace. Find out what has the Gardening World abuzz. We will look at the newest introductions and review the "best of the best" from the 2008 Plant Trials and Award Winners from various societies and associations. This class is a great way to get ready for what you will want to plant this spring.
Members $20, Non-members $25

Creating Outdoor Rooms, February 15, 2-4 p.m.: Join Harvey Cotten as he takes you through the design process of creating outdoor ‘Garden Rooms’ in your landscape. Several noted landscape designers including P. Allen Smith and Ogden Tanner have used this concept of Garden Rooms in their design of residential landscapes. Come learn how to look at your landscape as an extension of your indoor living spaces. See how you to can create uniquely outdoor garden rooms that blur the lines between inside and out.
Members $20, Non-members $25.

Sustainable Lawn Care, February 21, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.: Tired of being a slave to your lawn? Wish you could get your grass off drugs? Learn some simple tips to a nice, healthy lawn without all the back-breaking work and chemical fixes. We all would like a beautiful green carpet, but most of us do not have the time and effort it takes to make our lawns look like a golf course. Come see how you can improve your existing situation without having to give up your weekends. Weed control, fertilization, grass selection and proper mowing will all be covered in this session.
Members $20, Non-Members $25.

Vegetable Gardens for the Home Landscape, March 5, 6-8 p.m.: One easy way to join the "Sustainable Revolution" is to grow your own food. With so many scares out there about our food supply (remember tomatoes last year) come see how easy it is to grow a vegetable garden in your own backyard. It is not quite "Vegetable Gardening for Dummies" but it is an overview of how to have a bountiful garden right here in north Alabama. Site selection, types of gardens, crop rotation and pest control are all covered. We will look at the best varieties to grow in our area and how to have a garden that works for you all year round. Special emphasis on growing fabulous tomatoes!
Members $20, Non-members $25.

Camellias for North Alabama, March 7, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.: The state flower of Alabama is the Camellia and for many gardeners these gorgeous plants have been a struggle to grow in North Alabama. With so many to choose from, how can we make the right selections to insure that we are able to enjoy these most beautiful flowers? Come join Harvey Cotton as he shows you which Camellias flourish in the Tennessee Valley and how you can create a special place in your garden for Camellias. Weather permitting we will take a walk down the Dogwood Trail to see the new additions to the Garden’s Camellia Collection.
Members $20, Non-members $25.

Azaleas, March 24, 6-8 p.m.: Azaleas and springtime go hand in hand in the South. Learn all about these wonderful plants so that you too can have brilliant April blossoms. There is much to know in how to care for these plants and which selections will grow best for you right here in north Alabama. Whether evergreen or deciduous, repeat bloomers or once a year, come find out all the news in the world of azalea culture.
Members $20, Non-members $25.

There are no trips scheduled at this time.

For more information or to register for Garden Trips, please contact Harvey Cotten at 430-3572 ext. 240 or hcotten@hsvbg.org.