The North Fulton Master Gardeners and the UGA Cooperative Extension in Fulton County are conducting a series of free classes for homeowners on selected weekday evenings.  Each class emphasizes practical activities, at the time of year that is best suited for that activity, so you can enjoy your property with reasonable effort and cost.  Classes are offered from 7:00 to 8:30 PM in Roswell, Alpharetta and Sandy Springs at the following locations:

  • Bill Johnson Community Activity Building, Roswell Area Park, 10495 Woodstock Rd, Roswell, GA
  • Lost Corner Preserve, 7300 Brandon Mill Rd, Sandy Springs, GA
  • Alpharetta: Public Works Department, 1790 Hembree Rd, Alpharetta, GA
  • Alpharetta: City Hall, 2 Park Plaza, Multi-purpose room, Alpharetta, GA

Registration:

Lawn Care for Spring and SummerLawn w house

Mid-February is the ideal time to plan to treat your lawn turf – before weeds germinate. Beautiful, healthy lawns require more than simply mowing and fertilizing.  Cool-season and warm-season grasses require similar activities, but at different times, to be effective.  This class will cover how cool and warm-season grasses differ and what they require, soil testing, fertilizing, weed control, aerating and watering.  Even if someone else takes care of your lawn, this seminar will enable you to work with your lawn service more effectively.

Good Soil and CompostingCompost finished product, zerowastehouston.org

This new class is the foundation for our Spring classes on growing and maintaining vegetables, perennials, shrubs and roses.  It provides an understanding of the science of soil and how to improve your soil emphasizing sustainable methods.  It will cover the use of compost and mulch to improve and protect your soil.

Maintaining and Pruning Shrubs and Rosesshrubs and roses

  • Sandy Springs: Monday, March 4
  • Roswell: Tuesday, March 5

In Mid-March homeowners will soon begin pruning and fertilizing roses and shrubs to be prepare for Atlanta’s summer heat and possible lack of rain.  If plants have grown too large for their location, they may need to be pruned at the right time and done the right way. This class will cover the when, where and how to prune different plants. And, will provide a review of mulching, weed control, watering, fertilizing, pest control for spring and summer.

 The Basics of Vegetable Gardeningvegetable-gardening-tips_mini-e1446569646343

Get a jump on summer vegetable gardening.  Whether you are new to growing vegetables or are interested in learning how to increase your garden’s bounty, this class is for you. It will cover planning your garden, sustainable (organic) garden practices, spring vegetables, herbs, as well as, mulching, weed control, fertilizing and pest control.  Learn from a lifelong gardener.

The Fragrant GardenfrGRANT

Learn the secrets of creating enchanting fragrance in your garden.   This new class identifies fragrant plants for each season to add a new dimension to your garden.  Learn about container plants as well as annuals, perennials, shrubs, vines and roses.  Fragrances attract pollinators, too.

Container Gardeningurn w asparagus fern and verbena, snow in summer, Maddy

  • Sandy Springs: Monday, April 8
  • Roswell: Tuesday, April 9

Containers with plants contribute additional color, form, texture and variety to our landscape.  With seasonal changes, they can also be used throughout the year.  This class will cover: types of plants to consider, choosing containers, soil requirements, selecting and arranging plants and regular care.

Establishing and Growing Perennialsperennials3

  • Sandy Springs: Monday, April 15
  • Roswell: Tuesday, April 16

Perennials add year-after-year color and form to your gardens, whether you have sun, shade or a mixture of both.  This class will cover getting started, as well as, tips and techniques to help your perennials prosper for years to come including: soil preparation, planting and dividing, mulching, watering, fertilizing and weed control, selecting perennials and easily grown varieties.

Gardening Mythsmyths

This new class addresses garden practices many of us have followed for years.  But, what do scientists say about these practices? This class addresses misconceptions born of old. Which are misconceptions?  Are garden products on the store shelf verified by scientific fact?  Do our home remedies for soil amendments and pest control work?  How do mulches affective the soil and which are best for urban gardens?  And, more.

About North Fulton Master Gardeners:

Our mission is to provide horticultural education, service and inspiration in the North Fulton community. We are pleased to once again partner with historic Bulloch Hall and the 2019 Roswell Azalea Festival in bringing Garden Faire to the community. Proceeds from Garden Faire support the Homeowner Gardening Classes.2019GardenFaire1-2-19.

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