Events
“GARDENING TOGETHER” WORKSHOPS
We’re all in this gardening thing together, and learning from one another as we go. What’s wonderful is that there is always more to learn. This year, we are hosting a series of Saturday morning workshops that we call “Gardening Together”. We’ll try to keep the workshops short and to the point, but you may want to bring along lawn chairs. All of the workshops are free.
Dividing Perennials: Saturday, April 21, at 10:00 a.m.—Rich will discuss and demonstrate when and how to divide a variety of perennials, including hostas, daylilies and grasses. Most perennials are hardy and easily divided. For many, it’s just a matter of getting over the fear of hurting the plant. We’ll show you how easy it really is.
Pruning Hydrangeas and Other Shrubs: Saturday, April, 28, at 10:00 a.m.—Spring is the time to prune most hydrangeas. However, different families or groups of hydrangeas have their own pruning requirements, so it pays to know which type of hydrangea you have. Rich and Dave Hornbaker will demonstrate proper pruning techniques for hydrangeas as well as other shrubs.
Fairy Gardens: Saturday, May 12, at 10:00 a.m.—Molly Hornbaker Blogg will present a workshop on how to make a Fairy Garden for your home. Fairy Gardens can be created in their own special garden box, but you can get creative with all sorts of containers, or even make a fairy garden in a special spot right in the ground. We have a huge selection of mini accessories and the perfect plants that will stay small and not grow too quickly. Invite the wee ones into your garden space with a fairy garden.
Cut Flower Arranging: Saturday, May 19, at 10:00 a.m.—Learn the basics of flower arranging from David Hornbaker, who is always bringing fresh arrangements into the house. Dave will demonstrate how to do a wonderfully simple arrangement in an ikebana vase, as well as more traditional small and large arrangements. Also, learn what to plant in order to have the flowers you want in early June. After the workshop, we will turn on some music, provide some refreshments, and play with flowers. We will have a supply of fresh-cut material and some inexpensive florist vases on hand for 20 people to make small arrangements to take home. Please call ahead to reserve a spot for that portion of the workshop. The only charge will be for the vase (something like $5.00).
Kathy O’Malley on Photography in the Garden: Saturday, May 26, at 10:00 a.m.—Former WGN radio personality (of Kathy and Judy fame), avid gardener, and our friend, Kathy O’Malley, will share some outdoor photography tips. Hornbaker Gardens is the perfect spot to explore the art of outdoor photography. Kathy’s photos are always interesting and show her creative flair, and she is so much fun to listen to.
Pottery Water Features: Saturday, June 2, at 10:00 a.m.—Just about any piece of pottery or other container can be turned into an attractive, bubbling water feature. David Hornbaker will show you how. Bubblers give you a relatively inexpensive way to have an outstanding water feature in your garden or next to, or on, your patio. A bubbler gives you not only the sound of running water, but the shimmering look of water running over the outside of a textured container. The pebble pots are very popular, and we will have a good supply of them coming in this year.
Pruning Perennials with Jane Morris: Saturday, June 9, at 10:00 a.m.—Jane Morris, previously our head gardener for 12 years, says that early June is the ideal time to take out the pruners to pinch and cut back perennials to control height and shape and make for sturdier, more floriferous plants, thus preventing sprawling plants and the need to stake. Jane has done wonders for our gardens, and she can help you do the same for yours. Jane has started her own business, The Gardening Governess, advising clients on pruning and other general gardening techniques and timing. This workshop will be a good example of her excellent advice.
