The best garden-related class? And why?

Baby G (USDA:10a, Sunset:21&23 SoCal-NE. Mt Washington, Lo-Chill: 200-400 Hrs, So

9 years ago

What was the best gardening-related class you ever took? And why? Was it a day-long clinic? A semester long class?

Or...what kind of class do you wish were offered near you?

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Comments (4)

CA Kate z9
9 years ago
Our Master Gardener group has classes here in Fresno all-year-'round on all sorts of topics from growing to pruning to storing/processing what you grow. All pertains to what works HERE in the Fresno area. Previously we lived East of the Rockies and so few gardening rule applied here. I learned so much from them and am most grateful - while I sit here eating a supper of freshly grown, organic vegetables from my own garden picked just before cooking.
CA Kate z9
9 years ago
I guess I didn't answer all your questions. Each class at The Garden of the Sun usually covers one thing only, ei: pruning grape vines; and are anywhere from an hour to several hours long that last only one half day max - unless it's something to make, like baskets or wreathes. There is usually at least one class each week throughout the year and are taught by Master Gardeners or some other expert.
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Mike, you ask a lot of questions, I can give you answer only from my point. I would have done differently my garden if I knew more about Japanese gardens 25 years ago or if I would stay in this house forever, I mean until I die. Very few people are so perfectionist regarding Japanese gardens, as you are. I appreciate everything you post here because I learn from it. Not nececeraly can I follow the advise. I can't create a "Japanese garden", only something what has many features of a Japanese garden. I don't feel if something is not correct the way I've done it or as I tried to copy from a book. I realised it when I've seen a small, crowded garden on a very difficult location built by a Japanese man for himself. It was perfect, peaceful, everything I wanted to accomplish. He had "only" one lantern made from rocks put together, it wasn't the lantern what made his garden authentic, but every rock, moss, plants HOW IT WAS PUT THERE. I can't have that knowledge from books or classes. But get back to your questions. I would attend a class locally ( I live in a big city), few hours or half day even for a week. I wouldn't attend classes what are for professional gardeners or their staff. I would be interested in design, pruning, different fences, working with bamboo, using rocks, placing rocks with plants, wider selection on plants. I don't have the space, resources and 20-30 more years to create a perfect Japanese garden. But still like to read about it, collect more and more books about it just to enjoy them. I was very tempted to order a book from Amazon, The Modern Japanese Garden from Shunmyo Masuno, just to see what is the difference between the traditional and modern design other than size, but was too expensive from the Canadian Amazon. Andrea
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I'm a Master Gardener. I loved the classes & learned a lot. But, I wouldn't recommend them for a true beginner. At least in the New Hampshire program there was an assumption that we knew the basics. Call your local Extension office. Most counties have many free publication for homeowners new to gardening. They will list what does well in your area, for example, as well as having lots of stuff on integrated pest management, disease control, etc. I don't know about your local office...but the one I worked at also had the most extensive gardening related library in the state. If that doesn't prove worthwhile, your local public library is a good place to start. Once you learn the basics of soil, a little botany, and some common pests/diseases you'll be well on your way. Learning about each different tree/shrub/perennial/annual, etc. will not seem so overwhelming once you understand soil. While you're reading, you can start watching your garden area and making notes about what areas receive sun/shade at different times of day during which months during the growing season, are there any areas that stay moist longer than the rest of the site, and thinking about what uses your garden will have. Also, I believe many gardeners will tell you than the "bones" should come first...before plants. By "bones", I mean any hardscape like patios, sidewalks, decks, walls, fencing, etc. Next, permanent plantings like large trees...then, shrubs (both evergreen & deciduous). After those are decided...then it's time to start thinking about perennials & annuals. So, you'll have lots to think and plan for while you're learning what azaleas need to flourish. Also, ask away on the Forum. Many of us suffer from "Male Answer Syndrome" regardless of our sex! lol :)
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gyr_falcon
9 years ago
One of my majors was Ornamental Horticulture, so I took a range of classes. After graduating, I expanded the learning with experience. My husband and I started a nursery and landscape business.

It depends upon your focus and interest level. Community colleges often have hands-on horticulture classes, but not everyone desires a semester or two covering soil science or plant identification. I haven't really checked into the nearby offerings intended for homeowners. What is your area of interest, babyg?
hoosierquilt USDA 10A Sunset 23 Vista CA
9 years ago
Gyr, where is your nursery? I know you're in S. OC, so not that far from me. That's one way to gain experience for sure :-)

For me, it was becoming a Master Gardener. When we had to move to Indiana from California back in 1996, I decided that before I ended up killing everything in my yard (nearly none of which I was familiar with), I ought to learn how to garden in zone 5. Best money I ever spend with respect to gardening. I am trying to get my MG certification in California, now, but classes are during the daytime, and I'm still working full time. Hoping that I can try to take one afternoon off every week for the length of the course next year, though. Really would like to get my MG certification here as well, since we're not planning on moving out of state, again (since we're parked in paradise, now, lol!!) So, any MG course that you can take that focuses on either the foundations of gardening, if you're wanting something basic, or, focuses on an area of gardening you'd like to learn more about or specialize in would be your best bet.

Patty S.

The best garden-related class? And why?

Comments (4)

CA Kate z9

CA Kate z9

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hoosierquilt USDA 10A Sunset 23 Vista CA

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