May Gardening Classes Announced

Contact: Julie Brunton
Phone: 301.283.2113 ext. 20
Email: outreach@accokeek.org

The Accokeek Foundation is pleased to announce May gardening classes. Spring is here and now is the perfect time to get started in your garden. Whether your interests lie with container gardens, water conservation, or composting, we have something for everyone. There's even a children's gardening opportunity with the monthly Nature Nuts program. Program fees range from $5 to $90 so there is something for every budget.

SPRING CONTAINER GARDENING
Saturday, May 2, 2009, 10:00 a.m.-Noon
Education Center, Rain or Shine
$35 Non-Members, $30 Members
Do you want to grow a garden but don't have a yard or access to a community garden? Why not try growing your plants in containers? This class will prepare you for a season of flowers, herbs, and vegetables, all grown in containers by you. Participants will learn how to garden using containers and will have the opportunity to create their own container planting to be taken home after the class.

RAIN BARREL WORKSHOP
Tuesday, May 12, 2009, 7:00-9:00 p.m.
Registration Deadline is Friday, May 8th
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. This workshop is a partnership with The Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin.

NATURE NUTS
Tuesday, May 19, 2009, 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.

COMPOSTING AND SOIL FERTILITY
Wednesday May 20, 2009, 6:30-9:00 p.m.
Education Center, Rain or Shine
Good soil fertility is crucial to the success of a garden. In this class you will learn how to feed the plants you are growing by building and improving your soil. You will learn how to make a successful compost pile, and choose which methods work best for you.

This class is part of the organic gardening class series. Cost per class is $30 for Non-Members, $25 for Members.

Classes will take place on the 3rd Wednesday evening of every month from February to August, with occasional weekend, in-the-field, lab sessions to be scheduled by participants and instructors. Take home materials will be provided. Courses will be taught by Accokeek Foundation staff. Classes may be taken as the series, or individually for an additional price.

Other classes in the series include:
Weed and Pest Management: Wednesday June 17, 6:30-9:00 p.m.
Trouble Shooting/Plant Clinic: Wednesday July 15, 6:30-9:00 p.m.
Seed Saving and Winterizing Your Garden: Wednesday August 19, 6:30-9:00 p.m.

For more information about this and other events or classes, please visit the Accokeek Foundation's web site at www.accokeek.org, or call 301.283.2113, or email the Foundation at accofound@accokeek.org.