Classes at Olbrich Gardens
Olbrich Garden classes require pre-registration, usually by a week before the class starts. Call 608-246-4550 to register. Costs are non-member/member. olbrich.org/education/classes
Ornamental Container Gardens Workshop:
Jeff Epping on how to plant containers. May 19, 6:30-8:30 p.m. $82/$66.
Rose Garden for Every Season:
Learn about hardy, disease-resistant shrub and climbing rose varieties. June 2, 6:30-8 p.m. $15/$12.
Designing a Culinary Herb Garden:
Inspiration, guidelines and information needed to transform a random collection of herb plants into a well-designed garden. June 4, 6:30-8:30 p.m. $38/$30.
Herbal Tea Scoop, From the Garden to the Teacup:
Growing an herbal tea garden. June 11, 6-8:30 p.m., $47/$38.
From the Herb Garden to the Dinner Plate:
Comprehensive herb-by-herb overview of how to choose, plant, grow and use the top 40 culinary herbs. June 14, 1:30-4:30 p.m. $47/$38.
Atwood Neighborhood Tree Walk:
Tips on tree identification, expanding your appreciation for trees. June 15, 6-8 p.m. $15/$12.
Garden Design Walk:
Walk through the outdoor gardens and learn how you can borrow design ideas from any garden space. June 22, 5-6:30 p.m. $15/$12.
Aquaponics for Cold Weather:
Basics of aquaponics design, greenhouse design, fish selection and care, water quality, heating and where to find materials on the cheap. June 28, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. $110.
Do-It-Yourself Photovoltaics (Solar Electric):
Practical background information about solar panels, solar electricity and various photovoltaic systems. July 12, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. $81/$65.
Stunning and Sustainable Gardens Walk:
Lower-maintenance garden alternatives for sun and shade. July 13, 6:30-8 p.m. $15/$12.
A Garden Stroll with Dr. Death:
Brian Hudelson (aka Dr. Death) will discuss common plant diseases. July 15, 6:30-8 p.m. $15/$12.
Flower Arranging with Native Plants and How to Grow Them:
Native plants to include in your landscape for cut flowers and foliage. July 19, 1:30-3 p.m. $15/$12.
Ornamental Grasses:
Grasses and grass relatives that offer dynamic texture, color and interest in the garden, taught by Mark Dwyer of Rotary Gardens. July 23, 6:30-8:30 p.m. $15/$12.
Gorgeous Gravel Gardens Walk:
How gravel gardens can easily be incorporated into home landscapes. July 29, 6:30-8 p.m. $15/$12.
Hydrangeas and Summer Flowering Shrubs Walk:
Learn to use these beauties in your home landscape. July 30, 6:30-8 p.m. $15/$12.
Super Easy Food Preserving:
Preserve high-quality produce throughout the harvest season. Megan Cain will discuss the easiest and quickest ways to put food away using your basement, refrigerator, and freezer — no canning involved. Aug. 20, 6:30-8:30 p.m. $40/$32.
Garden Design for Plantaholics Walk:
Remodel your garden into a beautiful, functional space that will reflect your personality while showcasing all of your treasured plants. Aug. 25, 5-6:30 p.m. $15/$12.
Maximizing Fall Color in the Garden:
Colorful woody plants, perennials, grasses and other plants that will ensure a dynamic, colorful succession throughout the fall season. Aug. 27, 6:30-8:30 p.m. $15/$12.
Tree and Shrub Planting Workshop:
Many trees and shrubs do not thrive, or even survive, due to poor planting techniques. Tips on selecting the best plants to buy, how to prepare the root ball for planting, the correct way to dig and prepare the planting hole, and post-planting care procedures. Sept. 1 (rain date Sept. 8), 6-7:30 p.m. $22/$18.
Plantings for Extended Autumn Interest:
Mark Dwyer of Rotary Botanical Gardens will focus on a combination of the season’s latest blooming plants, superior fall color selections, and the incorporation of woody plants that offer significant interest late in the season. Sept. 2, 6:30-8:30 p.m. $15/$12.
Perennial Combinations for Sunny Places Walk:
Best perennial plant combinations for sunny places. Sept. 3, 6-7:30 p.m. $15/$12.
A Healthy Lawn for a Healthy Community:
Risks of lawn care pesticides and natural and organic ways to maintain a lawn. Sept. 8, 6:30-8:30 p.m. $15/$12.
Other classes, workshops, and sales
Composting Workshop:
George Dreckmann on home composting tasks. Hawthorne Branch Library, 2707 E. Washington Ave., May 1, 10:30 a.m.
First-Time Homebuyer’s Series:
Project Home, 1922 S. Stoughton Rd., two-class sessions take place each month, and September’s class is a longer Saturday session. Free. Register by calling 608-246-3737. May 12 & 19, 6 p.m.; June 9 & 16, 6 p.m.; June 9 & 16, 6 p.m.; July 14 & 21, 6 p.m.; Aug. 11 & 18, 6 p.m.; Sept. 8 & 15, 6 p.m.; Sept. 26, 8:30 a.m.
First-Time HomeBuyer:
UW Credit Union, 3500 University Ave., May 12, 6:30 p.m. Free.
Homebuyer Workshop:
Anchor Bank, 6501 Monona Dr., Monona. May 12, 6-8 p.m. 608-829-2270.
Leaf Mulch Sale (bagged):
Olbrich Gardens, Fridays and Saturdays in May, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. $6.50/bag.
Compost Bin and Rain Barrel Sale:
From the city of Madison at Alliant Energy Center (Olin Avenue lot), May 9, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Madison Antique Showcase & Sale:
Alliant Energy Center Exhibition Hall, May 9, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., and May 10, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. $7 + parking, admission good for both days. madisonantiqueshow.com.
Plant Sale with the Pros:
Experts are on hand to give advice on plant selection and more. Olbrich Gardens, May 8, 11 am-5 p.m., and May 9, 9 am-3 p.m.
Native Plant Sale:
UW-Arboretum Visitor Center, May 9, 9 am–2 p.m.
Madison Area Builders’ Association Parade of Homes:
Features homes at the Community of Bishops Bay, Kilkenny Farms, Westbridge, the Legend at Bergamont, Fox Point, and Windsor Gardens. June 3-28, Mon.-Fri. 4-8 p.m. and Sat-Sun. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. $12/$6 (seniors and kids). maba.org/parade.
