SQUARE FOOT GARDENING TECHNIQUES AND FARM TOUR
Carolyne Coppolo

Enjoy a light breakfast snack with coffee or herbal tea before you have a hands-on demonstration of the various gardening methods of “square foot” (organic patchwork) and container gardening. Get the answers to the “4 W’s” of gardening: When, Where, What and Why? Gardeners who have little space and limited time will learn how to get a bountiful harvest using the square foot technique of gardening. Lesson notes will be made available. While answering your gardening questions, your hostess, Carolyne Coppolo, will also take you on a tour of the 100-year-old historical Dade County pine farm house and  property. Herbs, vegetables, commercial potting soil, containers and items from the chef’s pantry will be available for purchase.

9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Saturday, January 9 (one session)
Registration deadline: Tuesday, January 5
Fee: Members, $35; Non-members, $45

JAMES McANALLEN’S PRIVATE GARDEN TOUR
James McAnallen

Don’t let a small city property limit your imagination when designing your home garden. Enjoy touring this past Coral Gables Beautification Award recipient’s north Coral Gables garden. A knowledgeable plant collector and designer, he will expertly lead you through his garden while explaining his success in propagating plants, many of which are from Fairchild’s plant distribution list in the 1970s. He will share his carefully garnered secrets that will show you how to create your own tropical refuge. Map provided upon registration; limited-size tour.

9:00 to 11:00 a.m.
Saturday, February 6 (one session)
Registration deadline: Friday, January 29
Fee: Members, $25; Non-members, $35

A FAIRCHILD WALK AND TALK
David McLean

You will be delighted to have Mr. McLean as your teacher, lecturer and horticulturist as you walk through Fairchild’s agave, cycad and Lisa D. Anness Butterfly Garden areas. Learn about the plants while McLean gives culturing information, design usage and interesting “asides” about the plants seen during this tour. General questions will be discussed and answered about anything encountered. Be prepared to have fun while discovering Fairchild. Wear comfortable walking shoes.

10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Saturday, February 27 (one session)
Registration deadline: Monday, February 22
Fee: Members, $25; Non-members, $35

PRIVATE TOUR OF BETTY EBER’S ORCHID HOUSE AND GARDEN
Betty Eber

For those of you who have taken one of Betty’s orchid classes, you know that she practices what she teaches – how to grow beautiful orchids. She has brought them to class as specimens, now here is your chance to see her magnificent collection on this private tour. Limited to only 15 guests, you shall see how her tried and true techniques perform in her shade house and  among her trees. Light refreshments will be served. Wear comfortable clothing and walking shoes. Map provided upon registration.

10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Friday, March 5 (one session)
Registration deadline: Friday, February 26
Fee: Members, $25; Non-members, $35

EVERGLADES WILDFLOWER WALK
Roger Hammer

Discover the beauty of the Everglades on this leisurely hike along the Long Pine Key Nature Trail in Everglades National Park. Our experienced naturalist is also a delightful raconteur; you'll enjoy this walk whether you are a plant expert or just interested in learning more. Directions and an Everglades National Park entrance waiver will be provided upon registration. You will meet at the Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center parking lot in Everglades National Park. Transportation is not provided.

8:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Saturday, March 13 (one session)
Registration deadline: Friday, March 5
Fee: Members, $25; Non-members, $35

STARLIGHT WALK IN THE EVERGLADES NATIONAL PARK
Everglades National Park ranger-led

Experience the Anhinga Trail by starlight! Night herons, pig frogs, fireflies and gator eyes create a completely different atmosphere on the trail at night. Meet at the Royal Palm benches. Flashlights recommended. Appropriate for families and is ADA accessible.

7:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Saturday, March 20 (one session)
Registration deadline: Thursday, March 12
Fee: Members, $25; Non-member, $35

TOURING A SOUTH FLORIDA NATIVE BACKYARD
Jeff Wasielewski

Many of you have taken one of Jeff’s interesting horticulture classes at Fairchild. Now here’s your chance to take a sneak peek at his garden/yard to see how he has incorporated his horticultural knowledge into a South Florida native landscape. As you stroll through his yard he’ll give you tips on what types of plants to grow to attract birds and butterflies. He’ll also give advice on smart placement of palms and trees (both native and fruit). Come and enjoy an information-packed morning with one of Fairchild’s favorite instructors.

9:00 to 11:00 a.m.
Saturday, April 10 (one session)
Registration deadline: Monday, April 5
Fee: Members, $25; Non-members, $35

LUSH TROPICAL GARDEN PARADISE - A PRIVATE TOUR
Tricia and Chayo Frank

Don’t miss this opportunity to see one of South Florida’s special gardens once featured on HGTV. Our homeowners, who are two talented gardeners, have created the ultimate garden out of an eight-foot deep rock pit quarry. Since 1976 this has been a work in progress and the fruits of their labor are incredible: exquisite waterfalls, fish ponds, palms, ferns, heliconias and a  magnificent exotic collection of hundreds of aroids. Come and see for yourself what one can create out of a totally empty rock pit. Space is limited, wear comfortable walking shoes.

10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Friday, April 30 (one session)
Registration deadline: Monday, April 26
Fee: Members, $25; Non-members, $35