CLASSES 2012

For more information or to register, please call 630-355-4000.

This year we are pleased to present a very full slate of events focused on helping you enjoy gardening and appreciate the special world around us. We have divided them into series so that you can easily find them.

GROW	A series of talks and demos covering many facets of gardening geared to helping you grow in gardening prowess. Lessons from our Learning Gardens Strolls - 10am, both locations. Held on the third Saturday of each month, April through September, at both locations. Walk with one of our gardeners/designers as they give you insight into design, maintenance tips and fresh ideas for your garden.
BEGIN	A step-by-step hands-on series designed for beginning gardeners. These interactive classes are held at 9 am at both locations on the third Saturday of each month, April through September. Bring your questions!
CELEBRATE	Opening Day, Gardener's Art Fest, Growing Rewards Member Night, Winging it Day, Fall Fest and Pumpkin Palooza. Celebrate gardening and nature with us. Great fun!
DESIGN	Our goal is to help you with design basics, right plant, right place knowledge and time-saving tricks for an easy-care and beautiful yard. Please feel welcome to stop by for advice anytime. We will gladly assist as time allows. Design Advice Days - Every Saturday in April, May and June and selected Saturdays the rest of the season Schedule a designated time to get personalized advice on a small landscape area or garden need. Sign up for an appointment in advance through the Tree and Shrub Department. A coupon towards plant purchases is included. Fee: $50. Container Garden Magic - Every Saturday in May at both locations, 11am - 1pm Discover how to create stunning containers that will be the envy of the neighborhood! Join us for new ideas in container garden design with the Growing Place touch. Watch or create your own.
KIDS	This series includes many activities planned to help kids learn to enjoy nature and gardening. We think both you and your children will love them. Look for kids activities at most of our celebrations. Mighty Acorns Kids Club - 10am, Tuesdays; June, July or August blocks, Aurora location. The Mighty Acorns Kids Club welcomes children aged 3 to 12 to participate in garden and nature related activities. Mighty Acorns will receive a t-shirt, visor and a membership card upon registration. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Younger siblings are welcome to help. Choose a block or attend all three. Children are welcome to attend activities on an individual basis as well. Block 1: June 14, 21, 28 Block 2: July 12, 19, 26 Block 3: August 2, 9, 16 Fee: $25 per block or $10 per meeting. Meetings will be divided into age-related groups of no more than 15 in a group.
CREATE	Gardens and art go hand-in-hand. We welcome our guest and staff artists to teach workshops for many garden-related crafts from troughs and stepping stones to mosaics and holiday decorations. Watch for additional workshops as the year evolves.

January 28th:

9:30am or 1:00pm

Make a Hypertufa Trough - Aurora, $35
Wear your 'grubbies' and prepare to get dirty. All materials will be provided to make a hypertufa (lightweight concrete) trough. Size is approximately 14 by 20 inches. You are welcome to bring your own container to use as a mold also. We will offer two ways to form the container, from the inside or outside of the form.

February 4th:

9:30am

Create a Mosaic Flower Pot - Aurora,
4" pot $35, 6" pot $45
Guest artist Lisa Tolbert returns for a class on creating unique mosaic flower pots from a variety of materials. Using a terracotta pot base, students are encouraged to bring china, glass or jewelry pieces to personalize their work. Instruction will include helpful hints, cutting, adhesive and grouting techniques as well as avoiding pitfalls.

February 11th:

9:30am or 1:00pm

Landscape Sampler: Curb Appeal - Aurora, $20
Consider joining us at The Growing Place in Aurora on Saturday, February 11 for 'Landscape Sampler: Curb Appeal', an interactive talk using participants' examples about how to take your front yard landscaping to the next level. Find out how to create an inviting path, build a four-season display and add a focal point. We will discuss basic design principles and how to apply them to your home to create the curb appeal you have always wanted. Registration is required. Call 630-355-4000. Limit 30 each session.

February 18th and 25th:

9:30am or 1:00pm

Build a Fairy or Gnome House - Aurora, $30
Create a magical place for fairies and gnomes! Using logs, twigs, stones, and a variety of 'found' items, let your imagination soar. We'll include a handy planting box with handles, soil and more twigs and stones so you can begin to plan and build the landscape around your house. Class includes a special certificate to be redeemed after April 1st for a plant as well as a gnome or a fairy!

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