 |
| Eric teaching about orchids |
January 5, 9 am
Welcome to the World of Bonsai, presented by our long-time grower, Martha Meehan, introduces Bonsai to budding enthusiasts.
 |
| Martha has hosted our Bonsai seminars since 1985 |
January 26, 9 am
Succulents I, In Containers, is a class exploring the many non-hardy plants displayed in our greenhouse. Ideas on displaying and planting succulents indoors and out will be discussed. Succulents II, on hardy plants, will be presented in April.
February 2, 9 am
Bonsai Fertilizers and Soils is today's topic. Join us for a repotting demonstration and methods to grow bonsai.
February 2, 11 am
Itsy, Bitsy, Teeny, Weeny Fairy Gardens are a fun project for families. Bring the kids to create a mini-garden they can enjoy. Materials costs will vary.
February 9, 9 am
Growing Plants Year-Round Using Lights is a subject that is very familiar to our speaker, Eric. Learn more about lighting techniques to produce herbs and vegetables all year.
 |
| Eric is an indoor light/plant enthusiast |
February 9, 11 am
Orchid Care and Repotting is a skill that many find intimidating. Eric will demonstrate the process, and even assist in repotting your orchid. Learn how easy the process can be with the right products and instruction.
February 16, 9 am
Seed Starting and Germination as discussed by our own Donna S will increase the gardener's ability to grow vegetable and annual flowers for transplanting. Donna will talk about the best lighting, seed starting media, heating and the many choices available to those who start their own transplants.
 |
| Donna is our in-house seed guru |
February 16, 11 am
The Displaying Airplants Workshop, led by our own Jen K, promises to be a fun project, as participants frame a group of tillandsias for display. Cost of class will vary.
 |
| Master Gardener Jen loves plant projects |
February 23, 9 am
Gardening Under Glass is a fun way to make houseplant gardening easier. Make your own terrarium after a wee bit of instruction. Buy a glass vessel from us, or bring your own.
February 23, 11 am
Square Foot Gardening 4 U is presented by Air Force veteran Kim Roman. Kim is a fervent disciple of Mel Bartholomew, presenting a method of intensive gardening utilizing smaller spaces to produce abundant harvests.
 |
| Kim loves her fruits and veggies! |
Weekends in March
Tool Sharpening, by C J, is a must for gardeners who need working pruners, loppers, garden scissors, chainsaws, mower blades and other implements that make our garden tasks easier. C J will be here on weekends in March. Customers may leave their tools with C J and have them returned the next day or week. Times to be announced.
March 2, 9 am
Build Your Own Bonsai is one of our most popular workshops. Participants are provided with a tree, soil, wire, pot, tool rental and advice from other bonsai enthusiasts to create a bonsai for inside or out. Cost is 35.00.
March 2, 11 am
1st Annual Hip Houseplant Revue is a houseplant fashion show, complete with a runway. Our models (let me know if you'd like to be one), will present plants as our moderator speaks of each plant's unique properties and care. Let's have some fun! Stick around later as a panel of experts answer questions anyone may have about the best plants for their home, office or living space.
March 9, 9 am
Bartlett Tree Experts Presents---Preventative Care and Techniques for Growing Healthy, Happy Trees. Last year's talk 'How to Kill a Tree' was a hit, so we are trying again, with a new name to help gardeners care for the largest investment they may have in plants on their property. Bartlett Tree has been Valley View Farms' partner in providing tree care for over a decade.
March 9, 11 am
Vegetable Gardening Boot Camp will give new gardeners much-needed information on soil prep, fertilizers, plant selection, garden placement, and other items. Bring your questions and a 16 oz. cup of soil from your yard for us to test while you attend the class.
March 16, 9 am
Herbs, organically-grown locally for us, have seen increased demand as their health benefits and ethnic flavors are much sought after. Our own herb specialist, Jeff M, will help gardeners navigate through the many choices we have in edible gardening.
 |
| Jeff is our urban herb expert |
March 16, 11 am
Vegetable Gardening in Containers will be presented by Marty Gottlieb, of Smart Pots fame. Marty's passion to share his gardening successes have made him a staff and customer favorite here at Valley View Farms. You will be very inspired after today's presentation.
 |
| Marty is very enthusiastic about vegetable container gardening |
March 23, 9 am
Spring Lawn Clinic is presented by our garden shop manager, Brian B. He will review timetables, products, methods- both organic and traditional, necessary to maintain a beautiful lawn all season. Please bring in 16 oz. of soil for free pH analysis.
 |
| Brian knows lawns! |
March 23, 11 am
Growing a Deer Resistant Garden will be presented by Kathy Jentz, a gardener, garden communicator and publisher of Washington Gardener magazine. Bambi may be cute, but we don't want him and the whole herd feeding on our gardens. Kathy will cover proven and humane tactics to deal with deer and other wildlife to keep them out of our edible and ornamental garden.
 |
| Read Kathy's magazine; follow her advice! |
March 30, 9 am
Spring Pond Opening, featuring our own Tim M, details the steps necessary to get fish, plants, pumps, filters and other components of the pond up and running for spring.
 |
| Tim knows ponds! |
March 30, 11 am
Answers to Frequently Asked Gardening Questions from a Pro features our Garden Center manager Brian B. He will offer a basic how-to for a wide variety of gardening topics, including how and when to apply and use fertilizer, how much grass seed to use and when to use a spreader vs. a sprayer. Have questions? This is the perfect venue in which to ask them.
Look for more topics in our April - June schedule to be published in early March. Any ideas for seminars or workshops? Let us know by emailing carrie@valleyviewfarms.com.
