Accokeek Foundation Announces Gardening Workshops

Contact: Kathy Talbot
Phone: 301.283.2113 ext. 32
Email: ktalbot@accokeek.org

Accokeek Foundation Announces Gardening Workshops

The Accokeek Foundation is pleased to offer several new gardening workshops for adults and children. The workshops are affordable and will benefit gardeners of all ages and levels of experience. "We've teamed up with the Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin and Maryland Master Gardeners to bring a wide range of classes sure to benefit the community. Making just a few adjustments in your yards and gardens can have an impact on water quality in our area. Taking the Watershed-Wise Gardening class, or the Building a Rain Garden Class can show you how," says Kathy Talbot, Manager of Special Events and Training. Children will also enjoy the monthly "Nature Nuts" program. Each month has a different theme, allowing children to explore the wonders of nature. So whether your interests are with insects, tree identification, or water conservation, the Accokeek Foundation has something for everyone.

Conservation Landscaping with Watershed-Wise Gardens
Saturday, May 31, 2008 from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m.
Registration Deadline is Tuesday, May 27th
Education Center, Rain or Shine
$10 Members, $15 Non-Members
Sink your spade into the soil this summer with watershed-wise alternatives in mind! We must all consider ourselves stewards of the Chesapeake Bay and of all of the waterways that surround us. There are a plethora of options when planning gardens that are watershed-wise. This workshop will explore xeriscapes, hummingbird gardens, native meadows, and butterfly gardens. Participants will learn about soil, light, and the water needs of select plants. On completion of this workshop, participants will learn how to decrease lawn space, attract pollinators, reduce storm water runoff, and improve soil structure. Class size is limited. There are no refunds after the registration deadline.

Building a Rain Garden
Saturday, June 14, 2008 from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m.
Registration Deadline is Tuesday, June 10.
Members Free, $15 Non-Members
Education Center, Rain or Shine
Rain gardens increase infiltration, decrease surface run-off from roofs, roads, and paved areas, and reduce the risk of flash flooding. In this workshop, our Horticulturist, Alexia Savold will explore the different factors to consider when designing a rain garden such as cost, plant species, necessary tools, and location. Alexia will also share her experience installing our new demonstration rain garden located at the rear of the Education Center. Class size is limited. There are no refunds after the registration deadline.

Nature Nuts
Tuesday, June 17, 2008 from 11:00 a.m. to Noon
3rd Tuesday of each month, April through October
Education Center, Rain or Shine
$6.00 Non-Members, $5.00 Members
Limited to 15 Children, Ages 3-5, Registration Required
This fun-filled hour of exploration at the National Colonial Farm's Museum Garden is the perfect setting to learn about the wonders of nature. Designed for children ages 3-5, the children will hear a story, create a craft project, and go on an outdoor adventure. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Each month will have a different theme. Nature Nuts will also run on July 15th, August 19th, September 16th, and October 21st.

Plant Identification Walk: Native, Non-Native, and Invasive
Saturday, June 21, 2008 from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m.
Meet at Education Center, Light Rain or Shine
$2.00 Non-Member, Free to Members
This two hour walk with Maryland Master Gardener Jessica Milstead will take us down the Bluebird Trail and the Paw Paw Trail. She will point out different species of plants common in our area that are considered native, non-native, and invasive. Bring along a bagged lunch and join us after the walk for a picnic on the grounds. Wear comfortable hiking shoes.

Rain Barrel Workshop
Saturday, August 9, 2008 from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m.
Registration Deadline is Tuesday, August 5th
Education Center, Rain or Shine
Workshop is Free, Rain Barrel is $90
Here's your chance to save money and help the environment! Collecting and reusing rainwater will save money on your water bill, and decrease the impact of runoff on our waterways. Did you know? Every inch of rain that falls on 1,000 square feet yields 623 gallons of water. That's water you can use for free! The workshop will cover installation, maintenance, and landscaping. You may register for the workshop even if you decide not to purchase a barrel. Rain barrels may be purchased for $90. For more information, please contact Kathy Talbot at 301.283.2113, ext. 32 or by email at ktalbot@accokeek.org. This workshop is a partnership with The Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin.

Xeriscaping: Drought Tolerant Landscaping
Saturday, August 16, 2008 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.
Education Center, Rain or Shine
$15.00 Non-Member, $10.00 Member
Registration Deadline is Monday, August 11th.
If you are looking for a garden that is drought tolerant, heat tolerant, and low maintenance, look no further. Xeriscaping is the perfect solution for the homeowner that wants a beautiful, stress free garden. Join Esther Mitchell, Prince George's Master Gardener Coordinator, to learn about xeriscaping and the many attractive planting options it provides, ranging from shrubs to grasses, trees, and even flowers. You can have a blooming garden in the worst of summer, attract birds and butterflies, and decrease your mowing area by making wise plant selections. There are no refunds after the registration deadline.

Insects in Your Garden: Friend or Foe?
Wednesday, August 20, 2008 from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Education Center, Rain or Shine
$15.00 Non-Member, $10.00 Member
Registration Deadline August 14, 2008.
If your garden is turning into an insect extravaganza and you are unsure whether to worry or rejoice, this is the class for you. Pam King, Entomologist and Senior Agent of the Agriculture and Natural Resources Department at the University of Maryland, will show participants how to begin the identification process. We will become familiar with insects commonly found in Maryland gardens and discover a number of ways to battle undesirable insects. We will take a tour of the Museum Garden to see many of these bugs in action...hopefully ALL friendly! There are no refunds after the registration deadline.

The Trouble With Turf
Saturday, September 6, 2008 from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m.
Registration deadline is Tuesday, September 2nd
Education Center, Rain or Shine
$15.00, Class Size is Limited to 30 Participants
Our love affair with lawns has a long and interesting history. Learn how this centuries-old idea has taken over formerly forested and prairied landscapes. Discover the science of soils and the diversity of ways to lose the lawnmower. Hear the fallacies of fescue and benefits of alternative grasses. You might just be inspired to scrap your labor-intensive lawn and spark up a new romance with a watershed-wise garden this spring. This workshop is being taught by Jennifer Willoughby, Communications Specialist at the Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin. There are no refunds after the registration deadline.

Tree Identification Walk
Saturday, September 20, 2008 from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m.
Meet at Education Center, Light Rain or Shine
$2.00 Non-Member, Free to Members
This walk pays tribute to trees in all of their spectacular fall colors. Join Joe Clements, owner of Heaven's Garden in Port Tobacco, Maryland, for a walk down Bluebird Trail into the arboretum and back along the Paw Paw trail. Throughout the walk Joe will talk about the trees encountered and various techniques for identifying trees. Be sure to wear tough, comfortable shoes.

For more information about this and other events or classes, please contact Kathy Talbot.