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Master Class Catalog
Alpine
Trough Construction
Troughs are ideal for small space gardening or for those who want
a few alpines without a ton of rocks. Whether you're new to rock
gardening and troughs or an "old hand," you'll enjoy the
camaraderie and cement-mixing efforts of a group. Please bring a
box no larger than 12x18 in, and a pair of rubber gloves. Dress
for the weather - the class takes place outdoors, under cover. Class
fee includes a handbook on troughs - if you already have the book,
you may receive a plant instead. This is a great class to take again
and again - a fun, social way to add another trough to your garden
while letting us deal with the mess!
Ginny Maffitt
Saturday, 4/17/10, 10:00-noon
$28 ($23 Members) Limit 10
 REGISTRATION
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An
Armchair Tour of Inspiring Gardens
Find inspiration in a selection of gardens that evoke a mood, that
speak to all your senses, inviting you to explore and relax. After
presenting a wealth of images from her years as a creative gardener,
designer and author Barbara Blossom Ashmun will address the questions
you have about your own garden. Enjoy a reading from her newest
book, "Married to My Garden," about what to do when "The
Honeymoon is Over."
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The Art of Kusamono
Kusamono is a jewel of composition in the spirit of bonsai, using grasses and perennials in a harmonizing container. The colors may be muted or bold, the form wild or mild. We will begin by discussing color and form and the practicalities of media and care. You may then create a desert or bog scene or let your imagination roam free. Bring your own special container or purchase a tray. Plants will be available for purchase.
Alan Taft
Sunday, 4/11/10, 1:00-4:00pm
$25 ($20 Members) Limit 10
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Basic Propagation with Natives and Their Neighbors
Theory and hands on practice of techniques (seed, cutting, division)
provide a solid foundation in plant propagation. Join longtime
nurseryman Josh McCullough and learn about appropriate timing,
tools and supplies, how to select and prepare plant material and
manage pests and more! Take home the essential skills for growing
your own plants as well as exciting material provided in class
demonstration work. Dress for the outdoors and in your greenhouse
garb. Bring sharp, clean pruners and propagation/florist/budding
knife if you have them.
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Be
Aware! Alternative Lawns and Lawn Care
Lawn care has become increasingly problematical, as we become aware
of how much fertilizers and pesticides contribute to soil and water
pollution. If you'd like to know more about the natural cycles that
affect lawn health, as well as learning about alternatives to typical
bluegrass and fescue lawns, join Keith Hopkins of Hobbs & Hopkins
Ltd. in this informative class. He will cover such topics as lower
maintenance "Ecology Lawns," soil structure and soil amendments.
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Beauty
and Mystery of Big Lava Bed
We may not have miles of hardwood forests such as grace parts of
the east coast, but we have a wealth of fall color if you know where
to look! The Gifford-Pinchot National Forest in SW Washington is
a rich and varied landscape - in the fall vine maples, dogwoods,
huckleberries, cottonwoods and more can put on a magnificent show.
We've timed this hike in hopes of enjoying the best that a Northwest
fall has to offer. First, we'll explore a section of the mysterious
Big Lava Bed, and then head out along a segment of the Pacific Crest
Trail for a moderate hike and interesting outing.
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Beyond
Identification: Edible and Medicinal Wild Plants
Once you know the local wild plants, deepen your understanding by
learning the many ways they have been used and how they may still
enrich your life. Join ethnobotanist and Audubon instructor Alice
Froehlich in an exploration of useful plants from our moist Valley
habitat. Over four hours we will take a journey from the forest
to the classroom, covering identification, sustainable harvest,
preserving and preparation. Learn which plants are tasty and which
will heal. You will produce a tincture to add to your medicine chest.
We offer this workshop, held at BBG, in partnership with Trackers
NW. To register, go to www.trackersnw.com.
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Beyond
Peas and Carrots: A Gourmet's Garden
Avid gardener (and chef in spirit) Vern Nelson is well-known for
his delicious and delightful blending of plants and food. Since
1988, his column in the Oregonian has been his regular way to feed
the hearts of other hungry gardeners, along with his business, A
New Leaf Edible Landscape Design. Now he brings his enthusiasm for
the unusual edible to our "Berry" Garden through slides and possibly
a taste from his kitchen! The class will provide a colorful overview
of edible landscaping, including the myriad possibilities of ornamental
vegetables that you may be unfamiliar with.
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Bird Walk in the Garden
Have you been trying to get acquainted with all the birds in your
garden but just can't get started? This "field class"
is for you. Metro Parks naturalist, nature writer, and expert birder
James Davis will teach the basics of bird identification using The
Berry Botanic Garden as the classroom and lab. We will focus on
recognizing birds by their sounds, behavior, and habitat - not just
as a picture in a book. We'll also go over how to really use binoculars
as a birding aid. Bring your own binocs if you have them or borrow
a pair from James. Class is suitable for adults or interested teens.
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Birds
of Winter
It's a hardy community of birds that keeps us company through long,
wet winters. If you have a feeder, you may be aware of which ones
are clamoring for the food and shelter provided by the caring gardener.
But how much do you know about the particular needs of the nuthatch
and chickadee, hummingbird and thrush, to name a few? Scott Lukens
of the Backyard Bird Shop has a wealth of experience to share about
the many species that share our home region, whether seasonally
or year round. From winter feed to habitat enhancement, you can
do much to improve the lives of birds.!
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Body
Friendly Gardening
There’s no doubt about it–gardening can be hard on your
body. Seniors and others who would like to keep a garden but recognize
that they have less energy to work in the yard will benefit from
this class. You’ll gain lots of tips and ideas. Find out how
to choose well-designed tools, learn modifications to gardening
chores, discover less miffy plants, broaden your range of gardening
experiences and more. Master Gardener Jerry Anderson will open the
door of new possibilities for the dedicated gardener. Be more efficient
with the energy you spend growing the plants you love. Carry on
gardening!
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Bonsai
for the Beginner
Described as "soundless poetry," bonsai literally means
a "tree in a dish" but it is an ancient artistic expression
of the harmony between heaven and earth, man and nature. In this
class, you'll learn the basics from noted bonsai artist Alan Taft.
Bring your own plant to start with if you wish; appropriate plants
will be available for purchase. We will supply pots and potting
mix for you to create your own living sculpture. Also bring your
favorite bonsai pruners if you have them, and bring bonsai from
home that you have questions about or need help with pruning and
training.
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Botanical Illustration
Two-day workshop! Using plant specimens as subjects, professional
scientific illustrator Lynn Kitagawa will encourage participants
to exercise observational skills in the understanding of botanical
forms. The creation of an accurate pencil drawing will lead to a
finished pen-and-ink illustration. We will use a flexible-nib pen,
emphasizing line quality to create a descriptive and aesthetic illustration.
Class format will be lecture, demonstrations and supervised drawing
sessions. If time permits, we will discuss other techniques (color
pencil, plastic pencil, watercolor) and issues of reproduction.
Beginning drawing skills are recommended; no prior knowledge of
botany is needed.
Lynn Kitagawa
Sat-Sun, 5/15-5/16/10, 8:30am-4:00pm
$125 ($100 Members) Limit 15
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Botanical Illustration: Pen and Ink, Watercolor
Learn the basics of drawing plants from seasoned botanist, illustrator
and teacher, Dr. Linda Ann Vorobik, who through demonstrations and
lectures introduces participants to drawing skills, parts of the
plant, what botanical illustration is when defined precisely, and
watercolor techniques as used for painting plants.
The first morning of the workshop begins with a lecture and demonstration
followed by supervised drawing to create pencil drafts and pen &
ink and watercolor demonstrations; the afternoon consists of lecture/demonstrations
of watercolor supplies and techniques followed by painting time.
The second morning will begin with more demonstrations followed
by supervised painting and or ink drawing. The workshop closes on
Sunday by finishing illustrations, followed by a friendly critique
of paintings produced. All skill levels are welcome: accomplished
artists can learn added botany skills and skilled botanists will
learn painting techniques, although a beginning botanical art course
is recommended. (DOWNLOAD the supplies
list (pdf)).
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Cabin
Fever Hike on Rowena Plateau
Ready to hit the trail? This is just a first taste of spring and
summer hiking, but what a taste! Part of the Nature Conservancy's
Tom McCall Preserve, the Rowena Plateau supports a wealth of early
wildflowers. Grass widows, gold stars, desert parsley-there are
always delightful surprises to be had in the rapidly-changing early
spring season. The views of the Gorge and the terraced grasslands
of Washington are tremendous as well. This is an easy hike of 2.2
miles round trip, with little change in elevation.
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Catherine
Creek Wildflower Hike
This is a famous "first hike of the season." Over ninety species
of wildflowers can be found at Catherine Creek over the course of
the blooming season. The hike is an easy 3-4 miles round-trip and
offers outstanding views of the Columbia Gorge. This hike is timed
to give us a good shot at seeing a carpet of purple grass widows
on the rolling meadow. Be aware that this area can be very windy
(and cold in March!) so plan accordingly. We will send instructions
to registrants.
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Cape Horn Spring Beauty Hike
One of the newest and best of the Washington Gorge hikes, this
7-mile loop (we will be doing a shorter hike!) is a botanical
wonder in April. Meadows, lush woods, views and a wealth of spring
wildflowers on a weed-free route make this a must-hike. We will
be doing about 5 miles. This is a moderate hike, with some difficult
footing.
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Chasing
the Rain: A Mushroom Treasure Hunt
This fun(gal) travelogue features stories from expeditions across
the globe, including Tibet, Australia, Japan, Indonesia and North
America. Fast-paced and informative, it ís a dazzling sampling of
mycological riches. Mushroom enthusiast Taylor Lockwood has traveled
the globe hunting for new and beautiful species to photograph, meeting
other fungophiles, and raising the awareness of an often overlooked
kingdom. Taylor's work as an "esthetic mycologist" has inspired
nature lovers everywhere.
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Colorful Trails - Great Fall Hikes in the Pacific Northwest
Hiker, backpacker and award-winning author Douglas Lorain shares
his decades of experience through a colorful slide show captured
on trips in the Pacific Northwest. Many outdoor lovers are unaware
that the Northwest is home to some outstanding displays of autumn
foliage you just have to know where (and when) to find them. Discover
some of our area's best kept secrets--where to see hillsides covered
with quaking aspens, western and alpine larches, huckleberries,
vine and bigleaf maples, and other fall-color specialists, all waiting
for you and your camera to enjoy.
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Compost:
The Single Best Thing for Your Plants and Soil
"The worms crawl in, the worms crawl out," the worms know the value
of good compost! Your plants are not reaching their full potential
if they're not getting their full complement of nutrients. Using
compost is the best way to provide your plants with a ready storehouse
of nutrients to draw from. Join Metro's natural gardening educator,
Glen Andresen, for a primer on the basics of yard debris composting,
bin design, worm bins and troubleshooting your composting system.
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Conifers
for the Small Garden
Conifers have a special place in the garden. The typical small yard
offers particular challenges, but conifers offer unique color, form
and shape to your landscape. Join Don Howse of PorterHowse Farms
for a slide show and presentation from his years of experience with
conifers of all kinds. Catch a sneak preview of new introductions
to the trade. Don is past-President of the Western Region of the
American Conifer Society and the proud owner of over 2300 varieties
and species of conifers, from bonsai to full size.
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Continuing
Bonsai
Bonsai is an art to be practiced in all seasons. Noted artist and
instructor Alan Taft will address the styling and horticultural
needs of your trees in the fall and help to guide your further explorations.
Learn how to care for your specimen in the winter. Bring up to three
bonsai in any stage of development. If you would like to begin a
new project, trees and pots will be available for purchase. We will
not be repotting.
Alan Taft
Sunday, 6/13/10, 1:00-4:00pm
$25 ($20 Members) Limit 10
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Coping with Shade--Successfully
The shady garden should be a green retreat. Is yours? As gardens
mature, frequently the challenge is making the transition from
a sunny place to a cool, green, shady place. But the nuances of
light are, well, not “black and white." Thin shade,
dappled shade, semishade, full shade, morning shade, afternoon
shade, dry, wet, whatever. Russell Graham, Purveyor of Plants,
will cast light on this subject and provide tips for succeeding
where others struggle. Plants will be available for purchase from
his nursery.
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Crash
Course in Flower Identification
In this two-part class, learn how to dissect flowers, speak the
language of botany and hone your identification skills. The first
session meets at The Berry Botanic Garden where we start with the
basics using slides, handouts, live plants and discussion. For the
second session, we'll go on an easy hike to test our plant ID skills
in an area of spring flowering beauty. If you own them, please bring
to both sessions a plant ID book, a hand lens, and a clipboard.
Erin Riggs
Friday, 5/7/10, 3:00-5:00pm and Saturday, 5/8/10, 10am-1pm
$30 ($24 Members) Limit 15
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Creating
a Rain Garden
What is the connection between rainwater runoff and a healthy, beautiful
garden? Join Amy Whitworth of Plan-It-Earth Designs in a discussion
of rain gardens or bioswales for your home. A rain garden combines
the right plants with the right location for a pleasing garden feature
that enhances populations of beneficial insects, birds and wildlife.
Find out if a rain garden is right for your yard. Bring your questions
and ideas!
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Creating
and Planting a Spring Trough Garden
Troughs are ideal for small space gardening, or for those who want
a few alpines without a ton of rocks. Whether you're new to rock
gardening and troughs or an "old hand," you'll enjoy the camaraderie
and cement-mixing efforts of a group. You'll also learn about planting
your trough garden. There will be special BBG alpines for sale.
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Creating
Your Own "Green" Perfume
Plant materials have been used in surprising ways throughout the
centuries--perfume is one of the most delightful and intriguing.
Isabelle Aurel, of Desire in Sunlight, brings her experience and
aesthetic sense to teaching as well as creating. Using 100% natural
plant essences, create your own special fragrance. This is a workshop
offered in two parts: in the first you will create 1/4 ounce of
creme perfume; in the second 1/8 ounce of liquid perfume. You may
take either one or both (and receive a discount). Each part is 2
hrs, and there will be an hour lunch break during which Isabelle
will share her special "perfume chocolate." If you attend only one
part, feel free to enjoy the lunch hour after or before your session.
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Cultivating
Captive Carnivores
The ultimate revenge against insect pests is for them to be eaten
by a plant! Learn how to create a suitable (and beautiful) habitat
for growing our native cobra lilies and sundews, as well as Venus
flytraps, Sarracenias (hardy pitchers) and other intriguing insectivorous
plants. Make a nighttime visit to our bog gardens and take home
knowledge of the essentials for cultivating these creepies in your
garden or windowsill. Take home a free plant as well.
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Eco-Logical Garden: Practical Permaculture
Are you ready to take your garden to a new level? Author of celebrated
home permaculture guide, Gaia's Garden, and PSU adjunct professor,
Toby Hemenway has devoted many years to the science and art of
functional and beautiful landscapes. His instruction has been
called "supremely practical, balancing the ideal with the real."
In this day-long workshop, learn to design natural landscapes
that not only produce food and beauty for people, but also shelter
birds and beneficial insects, harvest water and preserve biodiversity.
This workshop will cover basic principles of ecological landscape
design, including efficient and pest-resistant garden layout,
selecting plants that have many uses, drought-proofing your yard,
creating plant communities that work together and conserving energy
through careful landscape planning.
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Elk
Meadows Hike
Much of the trail leads up through a sheltering forest with trillium,
vanilla leaf, arnica and huckleberries. See Engelmann spruce, more
common in the Rockies than in the Cascades, along Clark Creek. We'll
walk by summer favorites: bear grass, lupine and queen's cup lily,
red Indian-paintbrush, columbine and more. The high point features
outstanding views of Mt Hood, so close you can almost touch it,
and a lovely alpine meadow.
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Ethnobotanical Foray
Kids will love this hands-on class! Ethnobotany is the study of
how humans use plants. In this entertaining workshop naturalist
Deb Scrivens will share her knowledge of plants traditionally used
for food, medicine, baskets and many other uses. You will create
cordage and tea from stinging nettles, demonstrating the surprising
ways a single plant may be used. She will provide a list of resources
for further investigation and discuss the ethics and safety protocols
involved in the harvest of wild plants.
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Exploring
Lewisia
Not just famed for their role in the survival of Lewis & Clark's
Corps of Discovery (the edible "bitterroot" is Lewisia rediviva),
lewisia plants are also jewels of the rock garden, their showy flowers
ranging from rich rose to candy-stripe peach to snow white. Join
celebrated plantsman Sean Hogan of Cistus Nursery for a slide show
encompassing virtually all wild species and some of the best selections,
as well as other plants that share their rarified and often spectacular
habitats. Take home tips on growing lewisia successfully in your
own garden.
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English
Gardens
Brimming with ideas from a recent trip to England, Christine Ellis
will share slides from her trip, design elements, creative thoughts
and knowledge of landscapes gleaned from over 8 years of experience
as a designer with Gregg and Ellis Landscape Designs. Gather ideas
from the English gardening style for realizing your dreams for your
outdoor living space.
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Fabulous
Trees for Your Garden
Early spring is a great time for tree planting in the Willamette
Valley. Come learn about how to select just the right tree for your
situation. The instructor will talk about tree selection and share
some of her favorites with you. Next, you'll learn how to properly
plant and care for your new tree. Instructor Gail Gredler has worked
in horticulture in the Willamette Valley for nearly twenty years
and is currently Executive Director of Oregon Community Trees, a
non-profit organization dedicated to promoting healthy urban and
community forests.
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Fabulous
Water-Wise Gardens
In the summer are you worried to leave your garden for even a day
for fear that it may be wilted upon your return? Do you wonder if
you could “get away” with watering things less? Save water
by planting in zones, mulching, watering with efficiency and establishing
new plantings for greatest success.
A hands-on exercise, plant lists, and tons of information will help
you become wiser in your water usage.
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Fall Fungal Hike
We may not have miles of hardwood forests such as grace parts of
the East Coast, but we have a wealth of fall color if you know where
to look! We also are fungus-rich, and Maggie Rogers can tell you
the names of the many species of mushrooms and lichens in the Gifford-Pinchot
Forest in SW Washington. We've timed this hike in hopes of enjoying
the best that a Northwest fall has to offer. We will combine a solid
introduction to the fungi with a moderate hike on the Pacific Crest
Trail.
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Fall
Fungi in the Belton Family Forest
Not just famed for their role in the survival of Lewis & Clark's
Corps of Discovery (the edible "bitterroot" is Lewisia rediviva),
lewisia plants are also favorites of the rock garden, their showy
flowers ranging from rich rose to candy-stripe peach to snow white.
In this class Burl Mostul of Rare Plant Research will share from
his years of experience in cultivating lewisia. He'll present a
slide show of species in their habitats, followed by examples of
his own varieties in the home garden. Take home tips on growing
lewisia successfully, so that you may be rewarded with the beguiling
flowers of these tough beauties.
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Favorite Natives in Garden Design
What are the plants? Where do they belong? Those are key questions
in any landscape design. Gail Dresner of Circadian Consulting
& Design will present a sizable selection of native plants
and a lively discussion of their ideal places and special graces.
You'll learn about the part these plants play in the wider ecosystem
as well. Our favorites will soon become your favorites!
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Flower
Identification
Snapdragons, roses, carnations, lilies - build upon your familiarity
with these common garden plants and learn how to identify their
"wild" relatives in the field. Create the framework for examining
plants with the botanical perspective. This class is jam-packed:
hands-on flower activities, a slide show, and an exploration of
the garden will help you hone your identification skills. If the
weather is nice, pack a lunch and enjoy a picnic lunch in the garden!
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From
Hellstrips to Heaven
Hellstrips are the no-man's-land between the sidewalk and the street.
It's a tough place to be a plant, where trials such as foot traffic,
soccer balls, poor soil, a limited space and full sun all come into
play. Learn about plants that thrive under such harsh conditions
and take home tips on improving the soil and designing for accessibility
and beauty. Amy Whitworth is a garden designer in Portland and owner
of Plan-It Earth Design.
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Gardening
for Birds and Wildlife
Mother Nature and her wonderful and wild plants and animals are
on-call 365 days of the year! Learn how you can enhance your landscape
by planting native plants that not only produce visual enjoyment
for you every season, but also help Mother Nature care for her children
- the birds, bees, butterflies, mammals....! Landscape designer
Gail combines degrees in Wildlife Science and Horticulture to offer
unique insight into landscape choices that support birds and other
wild things.
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Geology and Botany of Camassia
The Camassia Natural Area, only 26 acres, supports an extraordinary
diversity of habitats: oak-madrone woodlands, ponds, and stunning
wet-meadows. On this hike, with geologist Dick Thoms, learn where
the dark gray basalt bedrock came from and how it became exposed.
We'll also look at the unique flora of this site, including the
stunning camas, which should be blooming. Be prepared for muddy
trails on this easy hike.
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Geology
and Botany of Tom McCall Preserve
Join us for an educational trip to a beautiful Nature Conservancy
site. Two moderate hikes, about 5 miles round trip and about 1000
feet of elevation gain, are well worth the effort. The east limb
of the Ortley anticline is a geographically outstanding point for
looking at the structure of the Gorge, and geologist Dick Thoms
will be on hand to explain. There is a variety of habitats to explore:
native grassland, rocky rims, Oregon oaks (and some poison oak too!).
We hope to see desert parsley, lupine, balsam root, Indian paintbrush,
fritillaria and shooting stars. This should be a memorable day of
spectacular views, wildflowers, geology and companionship.
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Gourd
Artistry
How does a simple fruit in the cucumber family become a stunning
piece of art? It takes some effort, but it's FUN effort. Kim Black
has taught many happy people the process of taking a dried gourd
through the process of cutting, cleaning, sanding, drilling, painting-
suffice it to say, the result will be your own gourd art treasure
with pine needle accents. AND you will take half a gourd to practice
with at home. Try something totally different!
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Grocery
Store Botany
Did you ever think of a grocery store or florist shop as a place
to learn about the secret lives of plants? Ever wonder just what
part of a plant you are eating when you munch on celery or broccoli?
We derive most of the food we eat from a great variety of plant
parts. In this fun class, we will use food and flowers in a friendly
intro to the often mysterious world of plant biology. We will be
eating some of our study subjects, but bring a small lunch with
you and enjoy the autumn garden after the class.
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Grassy
Knoll Wildflower Hike
Our past director, Linda McMahan, calls the 2,070 acre Grassy Knoll
Natural Area "a little paradise on Earth." We'll see a stunning
diversity of plants due to a unique convergence of bioregions on
this gentle hike. The terrain ranges from a grassy meadow to rocky
outcrops to Hemlock forest. The elevation rises gradually about
1200', and the trail is 4.4-mile round trip. Visit our
Publications page to download our Grassy Knoll Trail Brochure
(pdf file) describing this botanical gem. Plan for a day hike. Meeting
location will be mailed to participants.
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Hardscaping in Focus
Hardscaping is an essential, but often overlooked, element in creating
habitable and attractive garden spaces. Playing off the immensely
diverse forms of plants, structures such as walkways, patios, walls,
arbors and decks give our outdoor areas balance, shape, definition
and focus. Join Glenn and Mégan of Pistils Landscape Design
for a conversation on how to transform your garden by employing
a variety of handsome structural elements, including stone, wood
and water.
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Herb
Walk in the Garden
Join prominent herbalist and instructor, Cascade Anderson Geller
on a stroll through our spring garden. Drawing on ancient knowledge
and modern science, she will share the herbal uses of familiar native
and garden plants. Learn basic herbal preparation techniques and
prepare an herbal salve to take with you.
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Herbal
Equinox
Join prominent herbalist and instructor, Cascade Anderson Geller,
on a stroll through our fall garden. Drawing on ancient knowledge,
global travels, learning from people living in traditional ways,
and modern science, she will share interesting uses of familiar
native and garden plants. Learn basic herbal preparation techniques
and prepare an herbal salve to take with you. Join us for a potluck
at the lunch break and sample some unexpected edibles.
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Introduction
to Grafting Conifers
Where do those dwarf shrubs and the fascinating shapes come from?
If you have wanted to learn the basics of grafting,this is the perfect
opportunity. Tobey Chadsey of Meadowcroft Farm has grafted thousands
of conifers and Japanese maples during his 24 years as a nurseryman.
In this class you will learn the techniques, tools and art of grafting,
demonstrated on conifers. There will be grafting knives available
at the wholesale price of $30 and sheaths (the knives are sharp!)
for $8. Bring your own knife if you have one. Other materials will
be provided.
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Introduction
to the Junior Master Gardener Program
If you would like help introducing young people to the world of
plants and gardening, this seminar is for you. The Junior Master
Gardener Program covers everything from plant growth and development
to landscape horticulture and lots in-between. Donal Wilkinson,
past-President of the Environmental Education Association of Oregon
will lead you through his favorite activities from the JMG curriculum.
This class will be kid friendly and fun for adults of all ages.
Come prepared to get dirty.
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Little Crater Meadow/Timothy Lake Hike
A haven for snipe and sandhill cranes and a lush wet meadow rich in wildflowers, Little Crater Meadow surrounds the tiny, deep and clear Little Crater Lake. Camas, lupine and buttercup bloom, while yellowthroats sing in the thickets. We'll cross the meadow and take the Pacific Crest Trail to Timothy Lake. This easy hike will be less than 5 miles, with the option for a longer hike.
Andrea Raven
Thursday, 6/3/10, 9am-4pm
Donations Requested! Limit 15
REGISTRATION
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Lives
of Butterflies
Join us if you'd like to attract butterflies and discover the complex
plant-butterfly relationship. Learning about the life cycles of
butterflies will enable you to provide them the plants that support
them in all of their life stages, from caterpillar to brilliant
adult. Enjoy a colorful slide show illustrating local native butterflies
and larvae in natural settings. Bill Neill offers field trips through
Audubon and is the author of The Guide to Butterflies of Oregon
and Washington.
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Local Trail Treasures and Wildflower Wonderlands
Nationally award-winning local hiking author, Douglas Lorain, will talk and show slides highlighting his top recommendations for two perpetual favorites - the best day hikes within a 2-hour drive of Portland, and the very best places to see wildflowers all around the Pacific Northwest. Expect to be dazzled by photos of little-known beauty spots close to home and to get lots of great ideas for travels further afield this spring and summer to terrific locations for photographers, botanists, and anyone who loves fields of blossoms. It should be informative and fun for all.
Douglas Lorain
Tuesday, 5/4/10, 7-9pm
$8 ($5 Members) Limit 35
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Making the Cut: Gardening for Flower Arrangements
Are you a whiz at flower arranging, but shocked by the price of
cut flowers? Floriculturist and author Lane Greer has studied
in depth the science and art of growing beautiful plant materials
for long-lasting arrangements. In this presentation, she will
discuss the best plants to grow for flowers, fruit and foliage,
as well as how to extend their vase life. Bring the season’s
bounty into your home!
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March
Expectations: Six More Weeks of Work
March is the month of expectations; bring yours along with sketches,
ideas, and problems to solve in your garden. Artist and botanist
Mary Bushman will help you solve your problems by identifying resources
and creating a plan for this year's garden expectations. Drawing
on her experience designing numerous native, cottage and kitchen
gardens, Mary will be covering rain gardening, lawn reduction, incorporating
vegetables and native plants into the landscape.
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Mega-Trough
Construction
Several steps beyond the common planter! Do you have a blank wall
or a patio corner just begging to be made beautiful? Sometimes a
potted shrub just looks so forlorn, doesn't it? Join us as we demonstrate
the creation of large trough planters. We'll cover mould construction
and the structural steel and tufa mixtures required for such mega-troughs.
The rep and construction may take longer than the 4 hours allowed;
we recommend that you bring a sack lunch and stay for the whole
process. Sorry, we won't be able to send one home with you! Dress
appropriately for the weather. Some of the work will involve physical
exertion. We recommend that you plan to return for the unmoulding
on April 19, at 4pm. We can use the help!
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More
Interesting than Snapping Dragons & Gloves of Foxes
You're probably familiar with snapdragons and foxgloves. These dramatic
summer bloomers belong to the figwort family, affectionately called
"scrophs" here at BBG (short for Scrophulariaceae). Noted
plant geek and recently appointed Director of Horticulture, Scott
Vergara will lead you through slides and a garden tour into their
world, and you'll discover great garden-hardy "scroph"
specimens: weird snapdragons, beautiful beardtongues, parasitic
plants, the rare, the leeting, and the much-to-be-desired. Add another
group of plants to your garden!
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Mosses
and Lichens Up Close
Before the discovery of the microscope, lichens were thought to
be mosses. So if you've found yourself puzzling over their distinctions,
take heart! This class will provide that closer look, as we stroll
through the Magness Memorial Tree Farm outside of Oregon City. This
invaluable "outdoor classroom" is the ideal setting to
explore the diversity of these organisms that seldom get the attention
they deserve. As you learn more about their structure and role in
the ecosystem, you'll begin to widen your awareness. Bring a hand
lens or borrow one of ours.
John Davis
Wednesday, 5/12/10, 9am-4pm
Donations Requested! Limit 15
REGISTRATION
Multi-Functional
Hedgerows for Urban and Rural Settings
Think beyond hedges! A hedgerow is a row of trees, shrubs, ground
covers, vines and herbs that divide or border fields, waterways
or lots. It is a beautiful, functional and biologically diverse
component of the urban or rural landscape. Learn how to implement
and maintain a hedgerow on a lot of any size, to provide shelter
and food for wildlife, windbreaks, soil stabilization and even an
income source. Horticulturist Jude Hobbs, with her business, Cascadia
Landscape Design, has focused on environmental design solutions
since 1982. There will be lecture in the morning and in the afternoon,
we'll be installing a hedgerow in the Garden!
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Native Plant Garden Tour
How do you create a native plant garden that fits your landscape
wishes without looking too "wild"? Visit three gardens
that have beautifully and uniquely blended native plants into
the home landscape. See how things grow and where they do best,
pick up design ideas and discover some new plants. Enjoy a spring
outing!
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Natural
Pest Control: The Long and the Short of It
With every rose comes a thorn and with every garden come leaf-sucking
insects, disease-causing fungi and a gazillion weed seeds. In this
seminar, brought to us by Metro, you’ll learn what to do in
the short term (and why) to conquer the most common garden problems
such as an aphid infestation, an outbreak of black spot and a swarm
of dandelions. But you’ll also gain some skills that will pay
off in the long-term for attracting beneficial insects, getting
and keeping healthy soil, and outsmarting pesky weeds.
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Naturescaping
When you garden with native plants, natural landscapes, and water-friendly
gardening, you need less water, fewer chemicals, and less time doing
maintenance. This is good for you, your garden, beneficial to wildlife
and the environment. You'll receive a free workbook and native plant
to take home. Rain or shine, we'll be going outside to study plants
along BBG's Native Plant Trail.
Saturday, 4/10/10, 9am-1:00pm
Register online at www.emswcd.org/workshops-events.
Free! Limit 25
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New Hikes on the Oregon Coast
Author and hiking guru William L. Sullivan takes us on a virtual
tour of a dozen new trails he discovered on the Oregon Coast while
researching the newly released third edition of his guidebook,
"100 Hikes/Travel Guide: Oregon Coast & Coast Range."
Included are new paths in the hills west of Corvallis, an Oregon
redwood grove near Brookings, a sea cave near Port Orford recently
acquired by the State Parks, and new Lewis & Clark trails
opened in the Astoria area. Along the way, expect anecdotes about
local history, wildflowers, and outdoor lore.
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Orchid
TLC
Bought some of those pretty grocery store orchids? At a loss for
how to care for them? If you want to see them bloom again, come
to Ginny’s orchid care class and learn the basics of: repotting,
fertilizing, insect and infection management. If you have one, bring
a candidate to class for repotting while learning more about your
orchid’s genus (and specific care). Ask your questions and
learn hands-on care from an orchid enthusiast and fantastic instructor.
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Patios,
Pathways, Secret Gardens - Oh My!
Patios in garden rooms, the art of paths, the functional grace of
a well-placed wall-what are your hardscape desires? Award-winner
Woody Woodhead of Woody's Custom Landscaping has creative answers
to your construction questions. Materials, techniques, sources and
tools, this class will cover it all. Bring beauty and structure
to your garden!
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Philosophy
for Planting Design
Wayne Womack's book, A Philosophy for Planting Design, is more about
"how to think" than "how to do." 35 years of teaching, traveling
and practicing landscape design has given Wayne a rich philosophy
of design aesthetics. This unique presentation is for the practicing
designer or the gardener with a simple love of plants and a desire
to look deeper into their world.
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Pine Needle Basketry
Kim Black is back by popular demand! A teacher of basketry for over 15 years, Kim will guide us through a modern exploration of a traditional Native American craft. Gather with like-minded souls in our visitor center and enjoy a May day in the garden. Take home your own handmade pine needle bowl. Kim will have for purchase extra supplies, and a booklet and video that feature additional techniques and ideas. A wonderful treasure and a fun way to spend the day.
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Plant
Marriages
Learn how to move away from buying plants as "singles"
toward selecting as vignettes - the difference needed for a beautiful
garden. Garden designer and author Barbara Blossom Ashmun’s
slide show"Plant Marriages," illustrates how to combine
perennials, roses, clematis, flowering shrubs and trees so that
they form marriages made in heaven. She will also be signing her
most recent book Married to My Garden a collection of humorous and
philosophical garden essays about our undying love affair with the
garden.
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Plant Propagation: Cuttings and Layers
Granny has a lovely old azalea, and you can't find it for sale anywhere-what's
the simplest, most effective way to grow your own? In this evening
lecture/demo, horticultural wizard Scott will share practical, "low-tech"
techniques for propagating through cuttings and layering. Learn
how to prepare plant materials, obtain supplies, manage pests and
more! Take home the essential skills for pursuing your own propagation
projects.
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Planting
your Trough
Once you have your trough, what happens next? Sure, you could plant
a tomato in it, but in our opinion, that’s not the best use
of your unique rock-like pot. Planting an interesting trough involves
thinking about horticultural requirements of soil and plants, and
design considerations of texture, color and siting. This class is
a more in-depth look at how to make a showcase trough. Bring an
empty trough if you have one; either way, you’ll receive two
of our charming alpines to plant.
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Plenty
of Penstemons
If you don't already know them, penstemons (also known as beard-tongues)
are hardy alpine plants that come in almost every vivid color but
orange. Relatives of the snapdragon, with a similar asymmetrical
flower, they are favorites of bees and gardeners. Fall in love with
these BBG favorites through a slide show of North American species.
Discover what they need to thrive in your garden, and see a demo
of trough planting for patio beautification. There will be plants
for sale, and you'll find out about other sources as well.
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Pots
with Panache
More than just patio decorations! Versatile and beautiful, these
containers are a way for a gardener to express individual creativity.
Produce anything from functional, portable features to glorious
displays or artistry. A container may be large or small, last for
one season or many, and serve a multitude of purposes in the landscape.
Designer and writer Lucy Hardiman, of Perennial Partners, has over
50 containers in her garden and delights in creating the right pot
for the right lace. Using a variety of plants she will demonstrate
creating pots which will then be for sale at the end of class. Bring
your own empty pot of between 12” and 16” in diameter
and receive three free plants with additional available for purchase.
We provide the potting soil.
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Promise
of Spring-Bulbs!
When is a bulb not a bulb? When it’s a corm! There is more
to fall planting than you might think, and Scott knows most of it.
His experience runs the gamut from landscape planting for successive
bloom to charming pots to grace the patio. Get answers to your questions
about forcing, media, fertilizers and how to find the plants you
want. We’ll discuss these issues in the first two hours, then
plant a container to take home to enhance your garden.
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Propagation
Basics
Plant addict? Tired of buying plants? You can learn how to grow
your own garden. Theory and hands on practice of techniques (seed,
cutting, division) provide a solid foundation in plant propagation.
Learn how to prepare plant materials, obtain supplies, manage pests
and more! You'll gain essential skills and take home your own first
propagules. Dress for the outdoors and in your greenhouse grubbies.
Bring sharp, clean pruners and propagation/florist/budding knife
if you have them.
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Pruning
Basics Workshop
At a loss for what to do with an unruly shrub? Confused about when
to prune for optimum health and bloom? If so, this class is for
you. This is a hands-on introduction to the basics of why, when
and how to prune. Learn techniques for late winter/early spring,
pruning an overgrown shrub or tangled tree. We are offering this
class at two different times--please indicate your preference.
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Pruning
for Health and Beauty
A haphazard pruning job is as ugly as a bad haircut but harder to
cover up. This is a 2-part (theory on Wednesday, hands-on practicum
on Saturday) introduction to the whys, whens, and hows of all aspects
of pruning. If you want to learn the best way to solve overgrown
shrubs and trees, take this class to try your hand at the 3-way
cut, the soft cut, hiding cuts, and finding the all-important branch
collar.
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Rain Water
Cistern Class
This course will cover how to build a small rainwater cistern for
your home garden. The class focuses on an economical and easy to
make cistern to allow you to water your plants with little effort.
Most of the materials, including a plastic trash can, will be provided
in the class; the remaining materials will depend on the individual
site of the cistern. The class will also discuss other types of
cisterns, issues that surround them and benefits of this type of
system.
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The Rhythms of Stone
Graceful garden art contributes immeasurably to the beauty of the
landscape. In this short course, Award-winning sculptor, DJ Garrity
leads a fascinating exploration of the creative energies awakened
through the ageless process of stone sculpture. The six-session workshop
will guide students through the process of creating a unique garden
sculpture with a hands-on approach using the human face as a template.
The finished work is appropriate for home or garden, and the course
is designed for the novice or students with previous experience. Garrity
served three tours of duty as the Sculptor-In-Residence of Mount Rushmore
National Memorial. The course is accredited by Augustana College of
South Dakota.
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TO THE TOP
Rock
Gardening 101
The idea of creating a rock garden from scratch can be as daunting
as, well, a ton of rocks! Christine is an inspirational instructor
who will introduce you to rock gardening painlessly, addressing
such questions as rock and soil types and sources, garden design,
choice of plant materials and watering issues. This class will start
you confidently on the road to your own alpine adventure.
Christine Ebrahimi
Saturday, 5/1/10, 10am-noon
$15 ($12 Members) Limit 15
REGISTRATION
RETURN TO THE TOP Shades
of Shade
A shady garden, with its contrasts of light and dark, is a green
retreat. But, the nuances of light are well, not "black and white."
Thin shade, dappled shade, semishade, full shade, morning shade,
afternoon shade...Russell Graham, Purveyor of Plants, will cast
light on this subject and provide tips for interpreting books and
catalogs (hint: put the garden author into a regional context) as
well as how and when you can get away with extending a plant's stated
needs. Plants will be available for purchase from his nursery.
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Small
Garden Design
Underwhelmed by your small lot? Discover how less can be more. Garden
Designer Amy Whitworth, of Plan-It Earth Design, will exercise your
brain with creative ways of looking at garden spaces. Your garden
can be an integrated part of your home and your lifestyle. Bring
photos and sketches of your gardening spaces for interactive class
work: entry areas, backyard, lawn & patio - areas that work and
areas that don't.
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Sowing Secrets, Seeding the Future
Seeds-tiny plants just waiting for the right conditions to emerge
into the world-can be found in gardens for free. We'll discuss such
topics as: When should you collect seeds? Once you've gathered them,
how do you clean, process and store them? When and how do you plant
seeds? In this hands-on class, you'll come away with skills, confidence
and seeds-your garden will never be the same.
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Stalking
the Native Milkweeds: A Haphazard Tour of Mexico's Botanical Diversity
Join Dr. Mark Fishbein,
Director of the PSU Herbarium, for an expertly guided armchair adventure.
While researching the evolutionary history of the milkweed, Mark
has traversed the deserts and rain forests of our vast neighbor
to the south. Diverse climates and topography produce a wealth of
plant communitiesóbeat the chill and enjoy a vicarious plant expedition
in Mexico!
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Strangers
in the Garden
Garden thugs donít have to make you throw in the trowel! Spend more
time tending to your garden friends, and less energy trying to control
aggressive plants. Join Naturescapingís Kathy Shearin to learn how
to identify and control some of the most notorious weeds of our
area. Also learn to avoid purchasing those attractive plants that
will eventually cause problems for you and your neighbors (and their
neighbors...)
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Styrofoam Planters Made Classy
Do you love the look of those stone garden planters but hate the
cost and weight? Learn how to create the look without the hassle
in a hands-on class with our trough guru, Ginny Maffitt. Make "faux
stone" planters using foam boxes, paint, sand and creativity. They're
lightweight and great for container gardening. Besides being functional,
this project keeps non-biodegradable plastic from going to the landfill.
Bring your own foam container and a screwdriver for texturing. Ginny
will also spend some time discussing planting your trough, and alpine
plants will be available at a discount.
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Touting
Trillium: Wildflowers for the Woodland Garden
Russell Graham, Purveyor of Plants, knows woodland plants! Trillium
is the royalty of the moist forest, particularly in the Pacific
Northwest. Come meet our most common species and find out about
the terminology, culture and propagation of this delightful member
of the lily family. We'll explore the world of trillium taxonomy
and become acquainted with spectacular species from other regions.
Learn about plants that play well together with trillium in the
garden. Yvonne and Russell Graham have been in the business of extraordinary
woodland perennials and ferns for over 25 years--there will be plants
available for purchase.
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Troughs
with Pizzazz!
Troughs are ideal for small space gardening, or for those who want
a few alpines without a ton of rocks. Whether you're new to rock
gardening and troughs or an "old hand," you'll enjoy the camaraderie
and cement-mixing efforts of a group. If you're tired of your standard
trough or just want to take home a unique container, you'll also
benefit from this class. Explore different shapes and possibilities
of embellishments. Ginny has some creative ideas to share, concentrating
on mosaic for surface decoration.
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Urban
Agriculture & Heifer International
For over 60 years Heifer International has helped people all over
the world to become self-sufficient in animal husbandry and crop
production. As a HI volunteer, Leo Tautfest, has visited project
sites from Tanzania to Zenger Farm in SE Portland. Urban agriculture
is one aspect of HI's vision. Join us as Leo illustrates, through
images from his trips and a special DVD, HI’s impacts upon
the lives of people.
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Urbanizing
Flora of Portland, Oregon, 1806-2006
What do golden sedge, western lady slipper, and ghost orchids have
to do with Portland? What was life like before reed canary grass
and English ivy? What did marine shipping have to do with putting
Portland on the botanical map? Join John Christy to hear about these
and other botanical oddities recovered from 100-year-old publications
and specimens documenting Portland's flora in the days of horse-drawn
traffic, and how it compares with today's flora. John Christy is
an ecologist with the Oregon Natural Heritage Information Center
at OSU..
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Versatile
Herb Gardening
You'll have fun with one of our most enthusiastic instructors while
investigating the possibilities for indoor, outdoor and patio herb
gardening. Learn the requirements and gain a fresh look on old favorites
and meet some new friends for brightening up your garden and your
table. Price includes your choice of three 4" herbs to get
your herb garden started, and you'll have the option of purchasing
some terra cotta pots if you want to take home a completed mini-garden.
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Winterizing
Your Garden
Remember last winter? Our next deep freeze may be just around the
corner. And this class is your insurance against winter disasters
this year. Scott will share his knowledge of the whys and wherefores
of mulch, when to apply, how much, what kind and what to do with
it in spring. We’ll also learn about over-wintering of containerized
plants, hardiness issues and how to help plants get the message
that winter is coming!
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Worry-Free Drip Irrigation
Kym Pokorny, garden writer for The Oregonian for 14 years, will
take the mystery out of drip irrigation. She'll be demonstrating
a simple, step-by-step system, showing you how to assemble one
from start to finish. She'll discuss sources of materials and
the advantages of drip irrigation, which include conserving water,
money and time. Simplify your gardening!
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