Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens Programmes 2012

Winter 2012 Workshops
at the Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens

Winter in the Gardens – Monthly walk-abouts
Every 3rd Saturday January through March

Come enjoy the botanical gardens in all its winter glory.  Learn to identify trees and shrubs by their winter characteristics; check out the birds and other wildlife along the trails and paths.  Walks are for all ages but may be on rough terrain; bundle up and come join us.  Walks will be held the 3rd Saturday January through March.  Meet at the front entrance by the café at 11:00 a.m.  Walks will be approximately one hour in length.  All welcome.
 

Forcing Branches into Bloom
March 17th
10:00 – 12:00

Ever wondered how gardening shows can be so spectacular in the dead of winter?  Learn the art and science of bringing stems into flower ahead of schedule with instructor and curator Sue Clarke who has been involved with forcing for winter shows including Canada Blooms.  Examine hands-on how to select branches for forcing; finding the right spot to gently force the material into bloom and how to display your handiwork in the home.   (Please dress for an outdoor walk).  Cost: $25.00 + $10.00 materials.


Starting seeds and cuttings indoors
March 24th
9:00 – 11:00

Growing your own garden plants from seed or cutting offers tremendous rewards because you can grow exactly the type of plant and cultivar that you want.  For just pennies these plants can be started in time for spring plant out which offers the opportunity to get a jump on the season.  Suzette McDonnell will provide hands on demonstrations to assist the participant in determining the best method for propagating as well as timing and general care requirements. $25.00 + $5.00 materials.


“Mutiny of the Bounty”
April 14
10:00 – 12:00
In the urban landscape there is opportunity for families to grow their own produce.  Many make the mistake of not planning for the “bounty” and are often found creeping around to find an unsuspecting  donor for the super-sized zucchini.  Join Bob Martin, of Martin Farms, whose family has been growing vegetables since 1913 for a hands on look at what is needed to start producing your own vegetables.  Bob will be starting with the soil and working on up to which crops to grow for the average family including tips for producing succession crops and knowing the right time to harvest.  Not interested in producing for your own or your family is small you can still participate and grow a row for the local food bank.
$50.00 with a limit of 20 participants.
All registrations must be received by the Wednesday prior to the workshop, in order to confirm that it will be running.

 

How to Register:

In Person:    Niagara Parks School of Horticulture, Administrative Building, Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens, 2565 Niagara Parkway, Niagara Falls,  ON, Mon. – Fri., 8:30 am – 4:30 pm
By Mail:  Registration form and check to: Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens, Box 150, Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6T2 By
Phone:    (905) 356-8554, extension 221
By e-mail:   learning@niagaraparks.com
Payment Accepted: Visa, Master Card, Discover, or Debit if paying in person
Download: Registration Form