February

Kitchen Gardens Course

New Class Date: Wednesday, February 17 & Tuesday, February 23, March 9, 6-8pm
Instructor:  Jack Bishop, 40+year seasoned vegetable gardener
Cost:  $30 (free for CGC volunteers) - Sorry this class us full

All you need to know for vegetable gardening success - whether you want to grow a few salad plants or a full herb or vegetable garden!  Topics covered include:  garden size and location, soil fertility, planting times, seeds, instructions for growing vegetables & herbs, dealing with pests, crop preservation, starting plants from seeds, saving seeds & organic gardening methods.

March

Fragrant Shrubs: Appealing Olfactory Options for the Garden

Tuesday, March 9, Noon-1pm
Instructor:  Paul Koloszar, Horticulturist III
Cost: Free Click here to register
Good scents can bring as much (or even more) to a garden as pretty flowers. Paul will give his nose's well-considered opinion on several shrubs that could freshen the air in your landscape.

CGDT: Basic Organic Vegetable Gardening

Rescheduled to: Wednesday, March 10, 6-8:30pm
Instructor:  Dave Koester, Campbell County Extension Agent
Cost:  Free - SORRY - This Class is Full

Topics: Timing the vegetable garden, seasonal considerations, fall gardening, variety selection and intensive gardening techniques, succession planting and companion planting.

 

CGDT: Garden Site Visits

Saturday, March 13, 10am-1pm
Instructor:  Peter Huttinger, NG Coordinator
Cost:  Free Click here to register
The CGDT Class will visit garden sites to be developed by CGDT participants and an established community garden.

Landscaping for Backyard Birds

Saturday, March 13, 10am-Noon
Instructor:  Brian Jorg, Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden Horticulturist
Cost:  $10 (free for CGC volunteers)
Join horticulturist and avid birder Brian Jorg for Landscaping for Backyard Birds. This class will cover practical landscaping tips that will help you create a haven for our winged wonders.  The class will also cover some of the most common birds that we are likely to attract to our backyards.

Growing Mushrooms

Saturday, March 13, 2:30 - 4:30pm - Sorry this class is full
Instructors: Cara Hague, Horticulturist I & Corina Bullock, Youth Education Coordinator
Cost: $25
Our October Mushroom workshop was such a hit, we are offering this one for all those who couldn’t attend, and anyone who has since been inspired to grow their own mushrooms!  You will learn the basics of how to inoculate a log with mushroom spores to cultivate Shitake mushrooms, and come away with a log for growing mushrooms at home.

 

Master Composter Training Course

Held in collaboration with Hamilton County Department of Environmental Services
Monday, March 15, 6-8:30pm
Monday, March 22, 6-8:30pm
Monday, March 29, 6-8:30pm
Instructor:  John Duke, Master Composter, Master Gardener & Founder of American Compost Society
Cost:  Free Click here to register
Unravel the mysteries of how and why composting works and get a first-hand experience of various composting methods. Learn which will work best for your own garden and construct a simple “bin.”  Learn about the fascinating biology of a compost pile and the cycle of life that occurs in decomposing organic matter.  A vermi-composting system will be available to participants for a nominal fee.  Students are asked to pass on what is learned. To complete the course and earn a certificate, fifteen hours of volunteer service are to be completed within one year from the last class. Many volunteer options are available to fulfill this requirement. 

Proper Spring Pruning Techniques

Saturday, March 20, 10am-Noon
Instructor:  Paul Koloszar, Horticulturist III
Cost:  $10 (free for CGC volunteers)
Clip it, clip it good!  The right tools and techniques for pruning can make the difference between butchery and having plants with healthy, aesthetically pleasing forms.  Learn how to properly prune various trees and shrubs in this hands-on class with Paul.

Rain Barrels for Everyone!

Saturday, March 20, 1-2:30pm
Instructor: Jerome Wigner, CGC Volunteer
Cost:  $10 (free for CGC volunteers)
FREE WATER for your plants! Come learn how to construct and use a rain collection system from Jerome Wigner, rain collector extraordinaire! A rain barrel is a great way to help with storm water runoff and save a little money spent on summer watering. Jerome has tips that will help you install a barrel at your home.

How to Have Your Best Garden Ever!

Tuesday, March 23, 6-8pm
Instructor: Holly Utrata-Halcomb, Administrator, Hamilton County Soil & Water Conservation District
Cost:  $10 (free for CGC volunteers)
Just as you need the right ingredients to make a perfect cake, your outdoor plants need the right nutrients, soil texture, moisture and light to perform at their best. This class will provide you with the basics on how to do just that! Information on macro and micro nutrients will be shared along with instructions on how to test your soil fertility and adjust the levels for maximum growth. Soil fertility test kits will be available for purchase at the workshop at a reduced rate.

CGDT:  Designing Your Community Gardening Project

Wednesday, March 24, 6-8:30pm
Instructor:  Peter Huttinger, NG Coordinator
Cost:  Free Click here to register
This CGDT class will feature a hands-on design session of CGDT participants’ community garden sites.

Fruit Tree Cultivation & Pruning

March 27, 10am-1pm
Instructor:  Dave Koester, Campbell County Extension Agent
Cost:  $10 (free for CGC volunteers)
An introduction to the cultivating and pruning of fruit trees for the homeowner and community gardener.  This class will include a classroom presentation and an onsite pruning demonstration at a CGC community garden.

Natural Egg Dying

Sunday, March 28, 2-4pm
Instructor: Corina Bullock, Youth Education Coordinator
Cost:  $5
Have fun as we learn to decorate eggs with natural dyes made from familiar plants, apply natural dried botanicals, and create a charming basket. Wear old clothes or bring an apron. Adult supervision suggested for younger children.

 

April

CGDT:  Basic Botany & Seed Starting

Wednesday, April 7, 6-8:30pm
Instructors:  CGC Horticulturist, Peter Huttinger, NG Coordinator & Corina Bullock, YE Coordinator
Cost:  Free Click here to register
Part 1: Basic Botany:  Learn what you need to know to grow healthy plants in your garden.
Part 2: Seed Starting:  Learn the process of starting plants from seed indoors and out.

Sustainable Gardening with Native Herbs

Saturday, April 10, 10am-Noon
Instructor: Lynda Hogan, Herb Society of America
Cost:  $10
Are you concerned with the health of our native plants?  Gather all the knowledge and resources to provide habitats for pollinators - building “GreenBridges.”  Enjoy presentations about indigenous herbs, invasive species and lament over the collection of native herbs.  Network with others with the same interests and find out how you can help provide Green Social Security for the future.  Information and a guided walk through the gardens at the CGC from Judy Mullins of Mullins Log Cabin (weather permitting),  Lynda Hogan, Herb Society of America Green Bridges Committee, United Plant Savers, WildFlower Farms and others.  Stay afterwards to enjoy an herbal tisane, herb tea cookies and a field salad.

 

Growing Mushrooms II

We've added an additional class! Limited to 20 people, register now!

Saturday, April 10, 3:00 - 5;00pm
Instructors: Cara Hague, Horticulturist I & Corina Bullock, Youth Education Coordinator
Cost: $25
Our October & March Mushroom workshops were such a hit, we are offering this one for all those who couldn’t attend, and anyone who has since been inspired to grow their own mushrooms!  You will learn the basics of how to inoculate a log with mushroom spores to cultivate Shitake mushrooms, and come away with a log for growing mushrooms at home.

 

Edible Landscaping

Monday, April 12, 6-8pm
Instructor:  Sue Trusty, Horticulturist
Cost:  $10 (free for CGC volunteers)
Wouldn’t it be great if you could grow fresh, healthy and wholesome fruits, vegetables and herbs without devoting a part of your landscape to a special “vegetable garden”? Learn how you can enhance your landscape using the best and most beautiful edible plants – some common and some unusual. Your landscape can be just as attractive, but also productive when you plant the right trees, shrubs and herbaceous cultivars. There is even a long list of edible flowers!

Shortcuts to Becoming a Better Gardener

Wednesday, April 14, Noon-1pm
Instructor:  Scott Beuerlein, Owner of Heritage Gardens
Cost: Free Click here to register 
Bypass all the false starts, dead ends, detours and distractions and find yourself on the fast track to inspired and skilled gardening. This pragmatic talk will focus on the best references, the greatest resources and sources, as well as the finest people, organizations, philosophies and techniques to launch you into the heady world of competent gardening.

 

CGDT:  Construction Techniques for the Gardener

Saturday, April 17, 10-1pm
Instructors:  Peter Huttinger, NG Coordinator & Corina Bullock, YE Coordinator
Cost:  Free Click here to register (open only to CGDT certification seekers)
This CGDT class will cover basic construction techniques and procedures for gardeners, including how to build a raised bed, cold frame and trellis/climbing structures.

Composting Basics

Tuesday, April 20, Noon-1pm
Instructor: Corina Bullock, Youth Education Coordinator
Cost: Free Click here to register
Use your lunch hour to learn the basics of composting.  This earth-friendly technique uses the rotting power of nature to convert your yard waste into valuable garden amendments.

Homegrown Tomatoes

Tuesday, April 20, 6-8pm
Instructor:  Jack Bishop, 40+year seasoned vegetable gardener
Cost:  $10 (free for CGC volunteers)
A guide for the tomato gardener in the quest for the perfect tomato and the beginner tomator gardener!  Grow varieties with superior flavor and color that you can’t find at your local supplier.  Topics will include origin & history, soil fertility, seed and plant variety selection, growing & harvesting, pests, saving seeds, starting plants from seeds, seed and plant suppliers.

 

CGDT:  Garden Practicum (off site)

Saturday, April 24, 10-1pm
Instructor:  Peter Huttinger, NG Coordinator & Corina Bullock, YE Coordinator
Cost:  Free Click here to register
This CGDT class will feature a hands on work session at a garden under development by a CGDT participant group.

 

May

Designing with Perennials

Thursday, May 6, 6-8pm
Instructor:  Connie Booth, Master Gardener (and Joyful Retiree!)
Cost:  $10 (free for CGC Volunteers)
What to do with all those lovely plants you just bought?  Connie Booth, our former Volunteer Coordinator, will share her many years of knowledge and experience as a designer to help you understand the basics of garden design.  She will concentrate on the perennial garden and touch on incorporating shrubs into the border.

Container Gardening by the Season

Limited to 20 people, register now!

Saturday, May 8, 10am-Noon
Instructor:  Cara Hague, CGC Horticulturist I
Cost:  $10 (free for CGC Volunteers)
Planting in containers is a great way to add an accent, garden where you have difficult soil or no soil at all and get your plants within closer reach.  Cara will share lots of ideas for vegetables, herbs and many other wonderful plants for containers. 

Weeds: Roses by Other Names?

Tuesday, May 11, 6-8pm
Instructor:  Paul Koloszar, Horticulturist III 
Cost:  $10 (free for CGC volunteers)
Every gardener has an opinion about certain uninvited plants which show up in their garden, but are those plants weeds? The answer isn't always clear; the trite old phrase about one person's trash being another’s treasure sometimes applies.
Join CGC horticulturist Paul Koloszar for this informative presentation and discussion about weeds in your garden.

Perennial Vegetables

Wednesday, May 12, Noon-1pm
Instructor:  Peter Huttinger, Neighborhood Gardens Coordinator
Cost: Free Click here to register
Spend your lunch hour learning how to grow vegetables that are not only delicious but come back every year – asparagus, rhubarb and horseradish. 

Walk Through Sooty Acres

Tuesday, May 18, Noon-1pm
Cost: Free Click here to register
Join Paul Koloszar, Horticulturist III, for a guided tour through the CGC grounds and Hauck Botanic Garden (a.k.a. “Sooty Acres”) to see perennials, trees and shrubs at their peak! 

Rain Barrels for Everyone! II

Saturday, May 15, 2-3:30pm
Instructor: Jerome Wigner, CGC Volunteer
Cost:  $10 (free for CGC Volunteers)
FREE WATER for your plants! Come learn how to construct and use a rain collection system from Jerome Wigner, rain collector extraordinaire! A rain barrel is a great way to help with storm water runoff and save a little money spent on summer watering. Jerome has tips that will help you install a barrel at your home.

Flower Pounding

Limited to 20 people, register now!

Saturday, May 22, 9-10:30am or 11:30am-1pm or 2-3:30pm
Instructor:  Corina Bullock, CGC Youth Education Coordinator
Cost:  $5 per participant
Class size is limited.  Registration is required.
Join us to learn this unique process of decorating fabrics with flowers.  This technique can be used on t-shirts, tablecloths, napkins and more.  Every participant should bring your creativity and a hammer!  This class is for Girl Scout and Brownie troops to earn their way toward an Art to Wear or Making Hobbies badge.  If you’re not part of a troop, but would like to attend the class, please call to check on space availability.    

Garden to Table:  Fresh Cooking Ideas

Limited to 20 people, register now!

Monday, May 24, 6-8pm
Instructor:  Sarah Huskey, Midwest Culinary Institute
Cost:  $10
Whether you are growing your own vegetables, finding the freshest produce at your farmers’ market or just want to learn some great summertime recipes, come sass up your summer during this fun hands-on cooking class where we will take fresh garden produce and turn it into a delicious and nutritious dish.  After tasting all the wonderful creations, you'll be hungry.  So bring a picnic to enjoy in the park afterward.

June

Ask the Experts

Wednesday, June 2, 6-8pm
Cost:  $10 (free for CGC Volunteers)
Now that the gardening season is in full swing, so are weeds, insects and all other sorts of dilemmas!  Bring your garden questions and problems to our panel of horticulture experts from the CGC-OSU Extension’s Horticulture Helpline.  We have no topic for this class, it’s just an opportunity for you to learn from others’ experience and gardening adventures!

Floral Arranging

Saturday, June 5, 10am-Noon
Instructor:  Rosemary Ballard, Floral Designer and Owner of English Rose Designs
Cost:  $10 (free for CGC Volunteers)
This demonstration based class will teach different floral techniques and design components to create an imaginative table centerpiece with seasonal flowers and foliage.  (No experience needed!)

Container Gardening by the Season

Limited to 20 people, register now!

Tuesday, June 8, 6-8pm
Instructor:  Paul Koloszar, CGC Horticulturist III
Cost:  $10 (free for CGC Volunteers)
Let Paul show you how to use tropical plants for bold foliage effects and perennials in containers to give you a long season of interest.

Gardening as a Healing Art

Saturday, June 12, 10am-Noon
Instructor:  Eileen Frechette, Natural Science & Outdoor Educator
Cost:  $10 (free for CGC Volunteers)
Eileen will share her more than 35 years experience as an educator to show how children can benefit from the curative properties of gardening, and how these properties can be used as an integrated therapeutic practice.

Growing and Using Herbs

Tuesday, June 15, 6-8pm
Instructors:  Terry Lemmerman & Sandy Manteuffel, Herb Society of Greater Cincinnati
Cost:  $10 (free for CGC Volunteers)
Seasoned herb gardeners Terry and Sandy will show you how to grow herbs and how to make them last by drying them, making herbal vinegars and other preservation methods.  They will also discuss some unusual and exotic non-culinary herbs and lead a walk through the CGC’s herb garden (which Sandy helped design!). 

Walk Through Sooty Acres

Wednesday, June 16, Noon-1pm
Cost: Free Click here to register
Join Cara Hague, Horticulturist I, on your lunch hour for a guided tour through the CGC grounds and Hauck Botanic Garden (a.k.a. “Sooty Acres”) to see perennials, trees and shrubs at their peak!  Please dress for the weather.

 

Garden to Table:  Fresh Cooking Ideas

Limited to 20 people, register now!

Monday, June 21, 6-8pm
Instructor:  Sarah Daunt, Whole Foods Healthy Eating Specialist
Cost:  $10
Whether you are growing your own vegetables, finding the freshest produce at your farmers’ market or just want to learn some great summertime recipes, come sass up your summer during this fun hands-on cooking class where we will take fresh garden produce and turn it into a delicious and nutritious dish.  After tasting all the wonderful creations, you'll be hungry.  So bring a picnic to enjoy in the park afterward.

July

Container Gardening by the Season

Limited to 20 people, register now!

Thursday, July 8, 6-8pm
Instructor:  Cara Hague, CGC Horticulturist I
Cost:  $10 (free for CGC Volunteers)
Planting in containers is a great way to add an accent, garden where you have difficult soil or no soil at all and get your plants within closer reach.  Cara will share lots of ideas for vegetables, herbs and many other wonderful plants for containers. 

Walk Through Sooty Acres

Wednesday, July 14, Noon-1pm
Cost:  Free Click here to register
Join Scott Beuerlein, owner of Heritage Gardens and organizer of the CGC’s Rare Plant Auction, for a guided tour through the CGC grounds and Hauck Botanic Garden (a.k.a. “Sooty Acres”) to see perennials, trees and shrubs at their peak! 

Plant your own Salad Garden

Saturday, July 17, 10:30am-Noon or 1-2:30pm
Instructor:  Corina Bullock, CGC Youth Education Coordinator
Cost:  $5 per participant
Class size is limited.  Registration is required.
Fresh vegetables have never tasted as good as when you grow them yourself!  Come start a mini salad garden to take home and follow your food from seed to plate.  We’ll use recycled containers; bring your own, if you’d like.  This class is for Girl Scout and Brownie troops to earn their way toward a Make it Eat it or Food Power badge or Boy Scouts working toward a Gardening badge.  If you’re not part of a troop, but would like to attend the class, please call to check on space availability.    

Kids in the Vegetable Garden

Limited to 20 people, register now!

Friday, July 23, 11-12:30
Instructor: Ryan Mooney-Bullock, Green Learning Station Coordinator and avid parent gardener
Cost: $5 per pair.
Children ages 2-6 and their caregivers are invited to visit our new vegetable garden to explore, search, play and harvest vegetables for a lunch we will share together. Come dressed to get wet and dirty. 

Preserving the Harvest:  Canning and Freezing

Limited to 20 people, register now!

Wednesday, July 28, 6-8:30pm
Instructors: Peter Huttinger, Neighborhood Gardens Coordinator and Cheryl Wigner, CGC Volunteer
Cost: $10 (free to CGC Volunteers)
Your garden harvest is bountiful and your tummy is full – now what?  This class just may be the answer!  We will discuss different options for food preservation.  Techniques demonstrated will be canning and freezing; next month we will demonstrate dehydrating, and natural fermentation.