Perennial Gardening

Spring is here, bringing gardening fever and the urge for a plant-buying spree! However, before placing that mail order or dashing to the garden center, keep in mind there is more to successful perennial gardening than just buying the plants. Topics covered in class include soil preparation, plant selection, planting methods, fertilizing and more. The second class consists of a slide show and discussion of common and not so common perennials hardy to this area. Bring your green or not so green thumbs and questions!

This class has been canceled.

To register, call the Garden Center at (412) 441-4442 ext. 3925 or download our registration form.

Beginning Bonsai Workshop

This is your opportunity to learn the timeless and ancient art of bonsai in a hands-on workshop. Using dwarf garden juniper, learn the horticultural techniques of styling, wiring, potting and root pruning. All materials will be provided, and each participant will take home a completed bonsai.

Class size is limited to 12 participants. The material fee is due upon registration.

This class is now filled. Please contact us to be placed on the waiting list.

To register, call the Garden Center at (412) 441-4442 ext. 3925 or download our registration form.

Stained Glass Pots

Tired of those ordinary flower pots?? Transform the everyday terra cotta container into a beautiful stained glass mosaic art form that both you and your plant will gladly admire.

To register, call the Garden Center at (412) 441-4442 ext. 3925 or download our registration form.

Summer Wreath - Annuals

Dazzle your neighborhood with a truly unique living wreath that will last all summer with just a little care. We will use purple ageratum, silver dusty millers, and white and red hypoestes to adorn your door, wall or fence using a clipped together frame filled with long, fine moss or jute liner and soil. Alternate floral designs that can be made for all four seasons will be discussed. A “things-to-bring” list will be provided upon class registration.

To register, call the Garden Center at (412) 441-4442 ext. 3925 or download our registration form.

Perennial Garden Maintenance - Hands On!

“What maintenance?? I heard it’s good to plant perennials because you don’t have to do anything to them. You mean I have to take care of them!!” Well, there are high maintenance gardens and lower maintenance gardens, but no such thing as “no maintenance” gardens.

Sign up for a summer workshop to learn tips and practices that will keep perennials looking their best. Topics include grooming (to keep them looking pretty), fertilizing, watering, mulching, controlling insects and diseases, and plant selection. Part of the class will be hands-on in the sustainable perennials beds by the Phipps Welcome Center. Bring hand pruners and gloves.

To register, call the Garden Center at (412) 441-4442 ext. 3925 or download our registration form.

Glass Flowers, Glass Plants

Join us for a heady summer evening as we create an 8" x 12" glass mosaic sun catcher of a day or night garden that will always be in full bloom.  If you want to bring drawings or pictures for inspiration, feel free.
 

To register, call the Garden Center at (412) 441-4442 ext. 3925 or download our registration form.

Make Your Own Terrarium

Learn how to create a living garden contained under glass. We’ll talk about different styles of terrariums and containers (open vs. closed, wet vs. dry), choosing appropriate plants, visual design, and watering and maintenance. Students will plant a terrarium and learn appropriate care.

Bring your own container: anything from a glass bowl to an apothecary jar to that old aquarium gathering dust in your basement. All other materials are provided, including soil, moss, rocks, and plants.

To register, call the Garden Center at (412) 441-4442 ext. 3925 or download our registration form.

Macro Photography

This class will include presentations of the equipment and techniques that can be utilized to “move in close” and make small things appear to be big in your images, as well as many examples of macro photographs, and quick tips for improving your overall photography.

A portion of each week’s session will take place in the Conservatory, where participants will be able to use cameras and tripods to take photographs utilizing the techniques that have been discussed. These photographs will be reviewed and critiqued in a non-challenging environment the following week. This class is open to all levels of experience and will be hands-on, so students need to bring a camera and any closeup equipment they have to each session. All cameras from the simplest point-and-shoots to the most sophisticated digital SLRs are capable of producing great macro images and are welcome.

To register, call the Garden Center at (412) 441-4442 ext. 3925 or download our registration form.