CLASSES

Living companionably with nature is all about finding balance and learning to appreciate that everything has its place. When we work on your landscape one of our goals will be to help each plant find a home in your garden. Remember, “A weed is but an unloved flower!”

I offer a wide variety of classes and workshops on a regular basis for gardeners of all levels. Below is a sampling of what you can sign up for:

The Novice Gardener: Introduction to Edible and Medicinal Herbs and Spices

• Learn about the growing habits and sometimes hidden benefits of herbs and spices in your home garden.
• Explore the folklore and history of herbs
• Experience for yourself the benefits of culinary, medicinal, and aroma therapeutic herbs.
• Enjoy a hands-on class with a complete sampling of herbs and plenty of time for questions and answers.

The Experienced Gardener: Creative Uses for Herbs and Spices

• Discover original ways to use herbs and spices by experimenting with new taste experiences, fresh from your garden.
• Use herbs in a decorative way such as making swags or bundling them and designing hanging ornament.
• Prepare all types of delicious garden-based treats, including special teas.
• Develop and incorporate herbs into your current landscape so that they become a permanent part of your life.

"I love herbs, attempting to grow them & learning that they are more than just pretty smelling plants.  What I actually know about them is almost nothing.  Besides throwing them in some sauce I had no clue.    

Melanie’s class not only offered a compact look at some different varieties of herbs, but some very tasty recipes, some home remedies & household uses that I had never considered.  She was so giving with her knowledge & didn't hesitate to tell us what some of her best resources of information have been.  I couldn't take notes fast enough.

Her wealth of information was priceless.  If anyone as considered how to use herbs in their everyday life, has thought about a meditation garden & what to plant where & why, Melanie's 'The Experienced Gardener' class is a must.  I look forward to learning more at her next class!"

 --Amber

The Practical Gardener: Creating a Functional Herb Garden

• Bring balance and sustainability to your yard using a variety of plant materials.
• Support the health of beneficial insects and wildlife through a carefully planned plot.
• Increase the year round availability of tasty and healthy herbs and spices in your kitchen.

The “No Time for Gardening” Gardener: Designing and Maintaining a Simple Herb and Flower Garden

• Make use of specially selected plants to allow weeds a place in your garden so they don’t require constant removal.
• Layer compost effectively and neatly with the goal of blocking some weeds, giving the plants time to fill in and you a head start on weeding.
• Garden with a minimal time commitment and maximum benefit.

Class descriptions are merely intended as a guideline and any of the workshops may be tailored to meet the needs of gardeners at any level of experience or ability.

Certain classes are also particularly well-suited to young families, seniors, or developmentally disabled adults or children.

Garden Parties

Try one of my Garden Parties-outdoor fun for everyone!

How They Work:

• The host or hostess invites a group of six to eight friends, family, coworkers, or anyone else who enjoys gardening to their home.
• I lead a guided tour around your property, talking about the pros and cons of the different types of plants that are there and making observations and recommendations based on my experience with soil types, vegetation, and other environmental conditions. There will be plenty of time for questions and you, or your guests, will have the option of meeting with me later for more guidance or further work.
• We all enjoy light refreshments together and you all receive a small gift to remember our afternoon together.

Garden parties give the recipient a “gift from the heart” and are a wonderful idea for a bridal or baby shower, a birthday party, a present for new homeowner or any other special occasion.

"Rustic Beauty"