Session 6

A little bit of history and the “genealogy” as known (or at least suspected!) behind some of our favorite hostas. This will be a power point presentation with handouts.

Are you ready for some useful humor, built around some gardening tips? This class may be just the ticket. You’re going to learn about an affliction had by many gardeners, known by the acronym CHAD. You probably know someone who has this problem; they might really benefit from the knowledge you’ll be able to share after completing this class. You’re going to learn about some of the symptoms, including “Bed Creep,” the typical non-solution to the problem. Have I piqued your curiosity? Sign up, and all your questions will be answered!

In the ground or in pots, what is best for you, what is best for your hostas? We will discuss the pros and cons of both as well as share growing tips for success in both situations. Landscape solutions to upgrade your hosta garden.This class will begin with an overview of the pollination process, types of pollinators and what we can do to improve the current state of pollinators. What is the difference between habitat and gardening when it comes to pollinators? Which annuals, perennials, trees and shrubs should be included in our gardens that will attract pollinators with their nectar or pollen rich flowers? How does garden design, site selection and bloom time cycles effect the attraction of pollinators?  Is it better to plant natives or cultivars and what should garden maintenance and fall cleanup will also be addressed.  A short question and answer period will follow the presentation.  Resource materials will be provided.

With cell phone cameras being so good with photos more and more people are taking more photos with cell phones why not have fun with your phone and learn some tips how to improve these photos.

Everyone please bring a cell phone to class.

This course will review the history of red petioles and flowers and show their current status, plus who’s working on them Blushing in hosta will be examined with the latest results shown.

Tips to help your hosta garden look more appealing to humans and less appealing to pests.

Heronswood Garden was established in 1987 and was the home of plant Explorer Dan Hinckley and his partner Robert Jones. The famous Heronswood Nursery was operated on the property. Heronswood was sold in 2000 to the Burpee company who soon after filed for bankruptcy and closed the garden. In 2012 the garden was purchased by the Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe who have resurrected the garden. We will go on a tour of the garden which will provide many shade gardens design ideas along with uncommon plant selections. The gardens feature a very large table trough, a fernery and a formal bog garden. We will see plenty of ideas to incorporate in your garden design.

A wide-ranging discussion of hosta topics from choosing the right fertilizer to defining hosta sizes and how long it takes to produce a new hosta. There will be time for your questions too. A little opinion, philosophy, and fact.

We will look at seasons of life in a garden, the ever changing landscape…gradually and peacefully, with adjustments along the way.  Then, in a moment the landscape is forever changed…and finding the long and winding road back.