VANDAS MONTH BY MONTH
Martin Motes

Learn from this expert Vanda grower whose new book “Florida Vanda Growing: Month by Month” will be available during the class. Dr. Motes will introduce students to Vanda culture: basic care, watering, feeding, light and air requirements all on a month by month schedule. The workshop will be held at a commercial Vanda grower’s nursery. It will include hands-on potting and basketing, grooming and displaying techniques, an overview of tools, tricks and gadgets, and a tour of the nursery and landscape. All students will go home with two orchids (a $25 value). 

7:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Wednesday, June 2 (one session)
Field Trip: 9:00 to 11:00 a.m.
Saturday, June 5
Registration deadline: Monday, May 31
Fee: Members, $35; Non-members, $55 

CHAINSAWS TO HAND CLIPPERS – PREPARING FOR HURRICANE SEASON AND
THE GARDEN TOOLS YOU NEED
Bob Brennan

This class teaches the safe and proper way to prune trees and shrubs; how and why trees protect your home; and how proper pruning protects your trees! Fairchild’s arborist, Bob Brennan will get your prepared for South Florida’s busy growing season. After learning about the importance of plant choice - the right tree for the right place - you will learn the basics of trimming, including how to predict the plant’s response. A natural look is the goal: this is not a topiary class. Basic tools will be on display and demonstrated. 

6:30 to 9:00 p.m.
Wednesday, June 9 (one session)
Registration deadline: Friday, June 4
Fee: Members, $25; Non-members, $35 

GROWING BROMELIADS IN SOUTH FLORIDA
Peter Kouchalakos

Learn the basics of growing these attractive, adaptable epiphytes. While most often seen growing in the ground or on trees, they also do well in pots. Our instructor/grower will take you through propagating pups, choosing the optimum growing medium and containers, watering and misting, providing air circulation and lighting, fertilizing and finding methods of combating pests. He will also share his experience in growing show plants. Each student will have hands-on experience of repotting a bromeliad and take home a plant. 

7:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Thursdays, June 17 - 24 (two sessions)
Registration deadline: Friday, June 11
Fee: Members, $35; Non-members, $45 

THE ART OF PRUNING
Jeff Wasielewski

Every cut made on a tree injures the tree, so it is important to make sure that each cut is necessary. This class will teach you the basic techniques of pruning including the how, when, where and why of pruning. The class will be half lecture and half hands-on pruning lab and is taught by a certified arborist. 

10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Saturday, June 19 (one session)
Registration deadline: Wednesday, June 16
Fee: Members, $25; Non-members, $35 

THE BAMBOO GARDEN – A PRIVATE GARDEN TOUR AND LECTURE
Gary Rich

Be inspired as this talented grower takes you on a walking tour of his bamboo garden. Bamboo, the largest member of the grass family, evokes images of the tropics. The creaking rustling of the culms is one of the most delightful garden sounds. Gary will demonstrate proper plant placement, trimming, mulching, fertilizing and maintenance to successfully grow bamboo in South Florida. Selection of bamboo for the home garden will also be discussed. He will also host questions that pertain to anything bamboo. Directions to this private garden provided upon registration. Bamboo will also be for sale. 

10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Saturday, June 26 (one session)
Registration deadline: Tuesday, June 22
Fee: Members, $25; Non-members, $35 

HOW TO MAKE YOUR OWN WORM COMPOSTING BIN
Lanette Sobel

Want a healthy garden? Then you must have good soil. Learn from an environmentalist how you can use red wiggler worms to happily transform your organic waste into nutritious, black compost (via vermiculture). If you have a backyard, balcony or just a space underneath your sink you will have the space to provide a home for your wiggly composters. Lanette Sobel will tell you of the amazing benefits of composting and its impacts on climate change and cleaner water and air. Students will go home with the knowledge and guidelines of how to create and maintain their own worm bins. Here’s a great activity to make as a family project. All levels invited. 

7:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Thursday, July 15 (one session)
Registration deadline: Monday, July 12
Fee: Members, $25; Non-members, $35 

TROPICAL FRUIT HORTICULTURE FOR SOUTH FLORIDA
Jeff Wasielewski

Living in South Florida gives us a bounty of tropical fruit, all of which you can grow on your own. Planting, pruning, propagation, pest-control, fertilizing, irrigation and general tree care for tropical fruit trees is on the agenda for this informative class. Many popular South Florida fruit trees will be covered in this class with emphasis on the king of all fruits, the mango. With the knowledge you gain, you will soon have a luscious harvest from your own fruit trees. Our experienced instructor/ arborist will also demonstrate grafting techniques. 

10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Saturday, July 17 (one session)
Registration deadline: Thursday, July 15
Fee: Members, $25; Non-members, $35 

BACKYARD BOTANY FOR THE SOUTH FLORIDA GARDENER
Surey Rios and Scott Hyndman

Does the word ‘botany’ bring back memories of nodding off at your desk in school? Let Fairchild’s experts, Surey and Scott, open your eyes to the world of plants in this action-packed indoor/outdoor class. This course will offer a fresh, hands-on approach to learning the hows and whys of plants, with a focus on the science behind gardening. You’ll explore Fairchild’s collections and discover how plants have adapted to their environment. You’ll also learn about plant reproduction and how you can exploit this knowledge to take your gardening to a new level. You’ll even have a taste of Kitchen Botany, and you’ll never look at your dinner the same way again!! This course is limited to only 20 students. 

6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Thursdays, July 22 and 29 (two sessions)
Registration deadline: Monday, July 19
Fee: Members, $50; Non-members, $75 

CREATING AN ORDERLY JUNGLE
Bob Brennan

Picking the right plant for the right place isn’t always easy, but it can be fun! Once you have selected your trees, knowing what those trees will be like in ten years (size and shape) will help you decide which ones to put in which place. If you have a 10' X 15' back yard, a live Oak may not be a good idea for you. But Coccoloba diversifolia (pigeon plum) may be perfect or maybe a Chrysophyllum oliviforme (satin leaf). Maybe you want something with an aroma? Fairchild’s Bob Brennan will provide you with an abundance of helpful information on how to make your garden an “orderly jungle.” 

6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Thursday, August 5 (one session)
Registration deadline: Friday, July 30
Fee: Members, $25; Non-members, $35 

VEGETABLE GARDENING IN SOUTH FLORIDA
Elaine Farquharson

It’s time to get your vegetable garden ready for South Florida’s growing season. Join us for this informative class on how to grow vegetables in South Florida’s unique conditions. Students will learn all about improving their soil, composting, and building raised beds and trellises. Learn what to plant and when, and how to grow your own transplants. Finally, be prepared to deal with any pesky insects or diseases that may arise. Students will go home with a variety of seeds from which they can start their own gardens. 

6:30 to 9:00 p.m.
Wednesday, August 25 (one session)
Registration deadline: Tuesday, August 17
Fee: Members, $30; Non-members, $60 

WALKING TOUR OF NATIVE PLANTS
Jennifer Possley

Discover the beauty, versatility and benefits of native plants with this tour of Fairchild. Jennifer Possley, Field Biologist, will highlight ornamental specimens and lead an exploration of the natural areas of the garden. You will learn to recognize and name many species of our local flora, and will see inspiring examples of how these can be used in your landscape. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes. 

8:30 to 10:30 a.m.
Saturday, September 11 (one session)
Registration deadline: Tuesday, September 7
Fee: Members, $25; Non-members, $35 

ORGANIC GARDENING
Alison Walker

In this class you will learn the practical steps to creating an organic garden, whether it be edible or ornamental. From a brief history of organic gardening to a compelling vision of how and why organic gardening must be part of our future, this course will both prepare and inspire you to go forth and plant – organically! Topics to be covered will include the basics of soil preparation, variety selection, care, maintenance, and insect and disease prevention and control. 

6:30 to 9:00 p.m.
Wednesday, September 15 (one session)
Registration deadline: Friday, September 10
Fee: Members, $25; Non-members, $35 

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR NATIVES – PLANTS THAT IS!
Bob Brennan and Eric Fleites

There is a perfect spot in everyone’s yard for a native plant. Did you know that natives will attract butterflies and birds who will then use them as their habitats? This course will help you join the search for the perfect spot for all those native plants. 

6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Wednesday, September 22 (one session)
Registration deadline: Friday, September 17
Fee: Members, $25; Non-members, $35 

CONTAINER PALMS
Chris Migliaccio

Your experienced palm instructor will advise you on selection of container palms that can create a lush palm garden for your patio, poolside or porch. Learn about the care of palms, focusing on container culture, and the selection of suitable species to make your moveable garden a tropical haven. A slide show of container palms will show the many options. Students will have the hands-on experience of repotting several palms that they will get to take home. This class is offered only once a year. 

7:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Wednesday, September 29 (one session)
Registration deadline: Friday, September 24
Fee: Members, $25; Non-members, $40 

PRIVATE TOUR AND TALK ABOUT PLANTS FOR MEMBERS’ DAY
Marilyn Griffiths

Be one of the 20 lucky Fairchild members on this special after-hours tour (wine and tramette shuttle service provided). Need plants for your garden? Planning to attend the Members’ Day Plant Sale on October 2nd? Not really sure what plants to buy? Join Fairchild’s Marilyn Griffiths on a one-of-a-kind pre-sale tour where you will learn more about the plants being offered. This tour will take you on a journey through the Garden to see mature examples of many of the sale plants. We’ll talk about what conditions each needs to grow so that you can create a list of ideal plants for your home. We’ll also take a sneak peak at the plants in the sales area and suggestions will be given for a successful Members’ Day experience. 

6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Thursday, September 30 (one session)
Registration deadline: Monday, September 20
Fee: Members of Fairchild only, $15

ORCHID CULTURE FOR THE BEGINNER
Betty Eber

Picture a stunning collection of orchids in full bloom in your garden, patio or Florida room! Learn basic orchid culture for the four most popular orchid genera. Observe this knowledgeable orchid hobbyist as she demonstrates division and repotting on the popular orchid species of Cattleyas, Phalaenopsis, Dendrobiums and Vandas. Species, hybrids, insects and disease control also will be covered.

7:00 to 8:30 p.m.
Tuesdays, October 12 - 26 (three sessions)
Registration deadline: Thursday, October 7
Fee: Members, $60; Non-members, $80 

GROWING GREAT TOMATOES – JUST THE FACTS
Elaine Farquharson

Fairchild welcomes back Elaine for her fourth year and she is ready to give you all her helpful tips on growing FABulous tomatoes. Wouldn’t you love to say that you grew those fresh, juicy tomatoes that are in your salad? Let this experienced and passionate tomato grower give you solid ideas for South Florida growing conditions such as in-ground or raised-bed production, organic versus synthetic methods and self-watering containers. She will also review types and varieties (heirloom or hybrid), mulching, pests and diseases. Each student will take home a variety of Elaine’s choice of heirloom and hybrid tomato seedlings.  

6:30 to 9:00 p.m.
Wednesday, October 13 (one session)
Registration deadline: Wednesday, October 6
Fee: Members, $35; Non-members, $50 

CREATING A GARDEN JOURNAL – With a behind-the-scenes look at Fairchild’s Plant Records
Marilyn Griffiths

Learn how to create a memoir of your garden’s life using different techniques of record-keeping. See examples of some famous gardeners’ and naturalists’ journals. Discover the importance of documentation in a botanic garden and take those ideas and bring them to life in your own journal entries of the plants that you buy at sales and festivals. Let Fairchild’s expert of 17 years become your mentor in organizing your own garden records. 

6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Thursday, October 14 (one session)
Registration deadline: Friday, October 8
Fee: Members, $25; Non-members, $35 

TERRESTRIAL ORCHIDS FOR MIAMI GARDENS
Peter Kouchalakos

Learn how easy it is to add these orchids to your landscape. With proper care you too can introduce fabulous ground-growing orchids that add just the right touch to your tropical garden or your pool patio. Our expert will talk about the types of garden habitats these orchids require and what you can expect in the way of performance. This group of garden orchids includes members of the Phaius, Spathoglottis, Epidendrum and Oncidium genera. Plants will be available for sale after the class. 

7:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Monday, November 1 (one session)
Registration deadline: Thursday, October 28
Fee: Members, $25; Non-members, $35

SMALL, MEDIUM OR LARGE – THE FACTS ON GROWING PLANTS IN CONTAINERS
Alison Walker

This class is essential for those homeowners with small patios and balconies who want to add color and texture by using decorative containers and plants. Learn about the joys – and challenges – of container gardening in South Florida. This class will both inspire creativity and provide practical advice on types of containers, soil and media, and plant care. Alison Walker will demonstrate and create a mini-container garden during this informative class. 

6:30 to 9:00 p.m.
Wednesday, November 3 (one session)
Registration deadline: Friday, October 29
Fee: Members, $30; Non-members, $45 

THE A “BEE” C’S OF BEEKEEPING
Michael Price

Have you ever considered becoming a beekeeper? Get the facts about beekeeping from an expert with over 35 years of experience in keeping beehives. This class covers everything you need to get started. Beekeeping is a gentle hobby. With concern about Africanized bees and current colony collapse disorder, along with the fact that more people are interested in good heath, beekeeping is a timely class. Beginning beekeepers will learn about types of honeybees, work with both honey and bees to produce a honey crop; and receive information about sources for equipment and supplies. This class, designed for novices, is the first in a series to be continued in early 2011. Look for it in our winter class schedule. 

10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Saturday, November 20 (one session)
Registration deadline: Tuesday, November 16
Fee: Members, $40; Non-members, $60 

A SALAD BOWL IN YOUR GARDEN – GROWING SALAD GREENS AND VEGGIES IN CONTAINERS
Elaine Farquharson

Eager gardening students will learn all about growing salad vegetables in containers. Lettuces, mesclun mixes and Asian greens will be emphasized. You’ll even learn the secrets to growing delicious sunflower sprouts and spicy nasturtiums that will top off your gourmet salad. Class will cover different types of containers such as self-watering and “raised” containers, elevated to make harvesting a breeze. Homegrown salad “fixins” will be available to taste and students will receive seeds to get their own salad bowl gardens started. 

6:30 to 9:00 p.m.
Thursday, December 2 (one session)
Registration deadline: Monday, November 22
Fee: Members, $35; Non-members, $55 

GROWING HERBS IN SOUTH FLORIDA – LECTURE AND SALE
Carolyne Coppolo

Fairchild is pleased to welcome back Carolyne Coppolo, owner of the Redland Herb Farm, for her fourth year to introduce students to growing herbs in South Florida. She will share her techniques for nurturing healthy herbs in the ground, in containers and in raised beds. The lecture will cover the seven deadly sins of herb growing, medicinal and culinary uses. You will be able to share your personal harvest with no fear of wondering where your fresh herbs were grown. Potted herb plants and soils will be available FOR SALE during class. 

10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Thursday, December 9 (one session)
Registration deadline: Friday, December 3
Fee: Members, $25; Non-members, $35