Asexual Reproduction: Grafting (150-02-11-12)
Saturday, February 11, 10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
$35 member/$45 non-member, Beginner-Intermediate, Lecture / Demo, Limit 30, Learning Center

Gain the understanding of the different methods of grafting and why some grafts work and some don't. Much of the class will be spent on practicing and making a number of grafts with various plant materials. Work with expert horticulturalist Jim Caulkins, and return home with your own grafted plants. 

The Forever Garden: Planning your Garden for Seed Saving (150-02-25-12)
Saturday, February 25, 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
$34 member/$45 non-member, Beginner-Intermediate, Lecture / Demo, Limit 30, Learning Center

It is possible to bypass the garden seed industry and save your own seed from year to year... if you know what you need to do! In this special collaboration with the Seed Savers Exchange (www.seedsavers.org), you will learn some basic concepts about seed saving, and how to create a garden that is self-perpetuating. Explore the difference between open-pollinated hybrid seed, and gain an understanding of plant taxonomy, reproductive structures, and pollination methods with Shannon Carmody, who has been the public programs manager at Seed Savers Exchange since 2009. This is the first of a series of seed-saver classes with more to come in 2012.

Creating the Edible Landscape (150-03-03-12)
Saturday, March 3, 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
$35 member/$45 non-member, Beginner-Intermediate, Lecture / Demo, Limit 30, Snyder Building

Would you like a yard that is pleasing to the eye and pleasing to the palate? In this class you will learn to incorporate many different edible plant materials into your landscape attractively and productively. You will discuss possibilities of different fruits and vegetables that are as delicious as they are beautiful. Discover which varieties really work for this zone and hear about some of the favorites of Arboretum landscape gardener Jeffrey Johnson. As a woody plants specialist, he will also be able to address your questions about fruit trees. 

Composting and Improving Your Soil (150-03-17-12)
Saturday, March 17, 10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
$35 member/$45 non-member, All Levels, Lecture, Limit 30, Visitor Center/Azalea Classroom

There is hope for your soil. Regardless of its current condition, there are ways to improve it and create the soil needed for healthy plant growth. In this class, you will learn some of the essentials to what makes good soil and what you can do to better understand what needs to be done. You will learn from expert gardener Dan Miller how to approach composting and create a composting system that works best for your system and setting. 

Take your vegetable gardening to a higher level with expert gardener and vegetable fanatic Larry Cipolla. Take some of your favorites and learn how to incorporate some new varieties, and maximize all of them with techniques in getting the most out of your vegetable gardening space. Learn the what, where, when, and how about vegetable gardening. Find out which varieties will best fit your appetite and your garden site from an expert vegetable gardener.

Pruning Trees and Shrubs (150-04-14-12)
Saturday, April 14, 10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
$35 member/$45 non-member, Beginner-Intermediate, Lecture / Demo, Limit 30, Snyder Building

Proper pruning of your shrubs and trees helps to ensure their long-term health and productivity. In this class, you will learn the latest theories and practical applications for pruning and training from expert Arboretum landscape gardener Jeffrey Johnson. Address issues of fruit production, tree longevity optimization, maintenance minimization, ease of harvest, and pesticide applications. You will spend time in the collections for outdoor demonstrations and practice sessions. Be prepared to work with hand pruners, handsaws, pole saws, loppers, and spreaders.

Selecting and Using Native Plants (150-04-28-12)
Saturday, April 28, 10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
$35 member/$45 non-member, Beginner-Intermediate, Lecture / Demo, Limit 30, Snyder Building

Designing with native trees, shrubs and woodland wildflowers can help create sustainable and easy care landscapes with year round natural beauty. Learn how to best utilize your garden site and how to create the site for native plants. Your instructor Julia Bohnen has extensive experience gardening with native plant species, and she will show you her favorites and guide you in making the best choices for your own setting. 

Creative Container Gardening (150-05-05-12)
Saturday, May 5, 10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
$35 member/$45 non-member, Beginner-Intermediate, Lecture / Demo, Limit 30, Snyder Building

Create colorful designs by breaking from convention and make unexpected combinations of color, texture, height, form, seasonal interest, and color progression for your containers. Through lecture and demonstrations, you will learn skills to apply immediately at home. Expert gardener Larry Cipolla has developed outstanding techniques of bringing interesting plant combinations into a container for seasons full of beauty...and even flavor!

Growing Dahlias (150-05-19-12)
Saturday, May 19, 10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
$35 member/$45 non-member, Beginner-Intermediate, Lecture / Demo, Limit 30, Snyder Building

The glorious blooms of the late summer dahlias dazzel and delight us all. Learn about the origin and history of this popular flower and get tips that really work on how to grow them successfully yourself. You will explore the Arboretum's amazing dahlia collection with leading dahlia expert Gary Unger.

Safe Plant Pest Control: IPM (150-06-02-12)
Saturday, June 2, 10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
$35 member/$45 non-member, Beginner-Intermediate, Lecture / Demo, Limit 30, Snyder Building

Learn the priniciples of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) by undestanding pesticide use, biological and non-chemical use, chemical approaches, insect identification, and preventive measures that every gardener can and should do. Gain insights from Dan Miller, a leading expert in IPM practices.

Hard Core Perennials: Riotous Spring Color (150-06-09-12)
Saturday, June 9, 10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
$35 member/$45 non-member, Beginner-Intermediate, Lecture / Demo, Limit 30, Snyder Building

Find out which perennials can really handle Minnesota's seasons of extremes and which are longest-lived and easiest to maintain. Learn which ones thrive in sunny or shady sites. Focus on the varieties that offer a riot of spring blooming color with expert Arboretum gardener Paul Sotak. Visit the gardens to see various perennial success stories and make choices that will work for your setting.