Roswell Hosting Free Gardening Lecture Series

ROSWELL, GA — The City of Roswell is set to host a series of free gardening classes this winter/spring, taught by members of North Fulton Master Gardeners.

Each class emphasizes practical gardening techniques at the time of year that is best suited for that activity. All lectures are free and open to the public.

Classes will be held at the Bill Johnson Community Activity Building at Roswell Area Park, 10495 Woodstock Rd.

Registration is encouraged and can be completed by visiting www.roswellgov.com/register.

Maintaining and Pruning Shrubs and Roses

Tuesday, Feb. 18, 7 - 8:30 p.m.

Homeowners will soon begin pruning and fertilizing roses and shrubs to be prepared for our summer heat and possible lack of rain. If plants have grown too large for their location, they may need to be pruned at the right time and done the right way. This class will cover the when, where and how and provide a hands-on demonstration of how to prune. And, it will provide a review of mulching, weed control, watering, fertilizing, and pest control for spring and summer.

Lawn Care for Spring and Summer

Tuesday, Feb. 25, 7 - 8:30 p.m.

To have a beautiful lawn next year, prep work begins in the fall. This free class will cover: February is the ideal time to plan to treat your lawn turf - before weeds germinate. Beautiful, healthy lawns require more than simply mowing and fertilizing. Cool-season and warm-season grasses require similar activities, but at different times, to be effective. This class will cover how cool and warm-season grasses differ and what they require, soil testing, fertilizing, weed control, aerating and watering. Even if someone else takes care of your lawn, this seminar will enable you to work with your lawn service more effectively.

Special Lecture: Growing Fruit in Georgia

*NOTE: Location changed to Bulloch Hall - Osage Room, 180 Bulloch Avenue

Saturday, Feb. 29, 10 - 11:30 a.m.

Melissa Mattee, the Fulton County Agriculture and Resource Agent for the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension, will talk about fruit trees (apple, peach, pear, fig), brambles (raspberry, blackberry), blueberries, strawberries, and grapes. She will cover the selection, planting, pruning, disease and harvesting. After the lecture in the Osage Room, participants are invited to join her and Master Gardeners in the adjoining Bulloch Orchard for a hands-on demonstration of pruning apple and peach trees and grape vines.

Good Soil and Composting

Tuesday, March 10, 7 - 8:30 p.m.

This class is the foundation for our Spring classes on growing and maintaining vegetables, perennials, shrubs, and roses. It provides an understanding of the science of soil and how to improve your soil emphasizing sustainable methods. It will cover the use of compost and mulch to improve and protect your soil. It includes a presentation on the benefits of worm composting and a demonstration of how to do it.

Hydrangeas: How to Plant, Grow and Prune

Tuesday, March 17, 7 - 8:30 p.m.

Hydrangeas are one of the most popular shrubs in North Fulton where they flourish in many landscapes blooming in shades of blue, purple, pink and white. This class will cover how to select the right ones for your landscape, how to plant them and how to maintain them. There will be a hands-on demonstration of how to prune them to optimize blooming.

The Basics of Vegetable Gardening

Tuesday, March 24, 7 - 8:30 p.m.

Get a jump on summer vegetable gardening. Whether you are new to growing vegetables or are interested in learning how to increase your garden’s bounty, this class is for you. It will cover planning your garden, sustainable (organic) garden practices, spring vegetables, herbs, as well as, mulching, weed control, fertilizing and pest control. Learn from a lifelong gardener.

The Fragrant Garden

Tuesday, March 31, 7 - 8:30 p.m.

Learn the secrets of creating enchanting fragrances in your garden to add a new dimension to it. This class identifies fragrant plants for each season. Learn about fragrant container plants as well as annuals, perennials, shrubs, vines, roses, and trees. Fragrances attract pollinators, too.

Container Gardening for Gardens, Patios, and Apartment Decks

Tuesday, April 7, 7 - 8:30 p.m.

Containers with plants contribute additional color, form, texture, and variety to our gardens, patios, and apartment decks. With seasonal changes, they can also be used throughout the year. This class will cover types of plants to consider, choosing containers, soil requirements, selecting and arranging plants and regular care. If you have never had a patio or deck garden, now is an opportunity to learn how.

Establishing and Growing Perennials

Tuesday, April 21, 7 - 8:30 p.m.

Perennials add year-after-year color and form to your gardens, whether you have sun, shade or a mixture of both. This class will cover getting started, selecting perennials and easily grown varieties of good pollinator plants. Learn tips and techniques to help your perennials prosper for years to come including soil preparation, planting and dividing, mulching, watering, fertilizing and weed control. The class will show perennials you may like to consider and some invasive ones you may want to avoid.

For more information about the Free Gardening Lecture Series, contact Craig Fuller at cfuller@roswellgov.com or 770-641-3823.