Monthly Meet Up: Foundations of Gardening.

Are you falling in love with gardening and wanting to learn more about planning and caring for your home garden? Foundations of Gardening is a monthly meet-up style workshop series designed to guide you through the seasons, helping you build confidence and skills whether you're just starting out or looking to refresh your knowledge. These hands-on workshops are designed to help you learn the basics of garden planning, plant care, soil health, and more, all in the beautiful and inspirational setting of Bedrock Gardens.

Join Alison Magill, Bedrock’s Garden Educator, as we explore key gardening topics. Each month brings new lessons and discoveries, making this an ongoing opportunity to learn, connect with fellow gardeners, and watch the garden evolve through the seasons. Bring your questions and your insights to share with other garden lovers! Sign up for one, some, or all sessions—register today to save your spot!

May 28 – Annuals vs. Perennials: Choosing the Right Plants for Your Garden

June 17– Watering Wisely: Keeping the Soil Moisture Just Right!

July 30 – Natural Pest Control: Managing Japanese Beetles and More

August 27– Acid vs. Alkaline: Understanding Soil pH for Thriving Plants

September 24 – What to Cut Back (or Not!) in the Fall

All workshops run from 10:30 am – 12:30 pm.

The Foundations of Gardening Meetup sessions are $10 for members (with member discount code) and $15 for non-members with regular admission. This series is recommended for teens and adults.

Cancellations: If you are unable to attend, please let us know 48 hours in advance of the class start time in order to receive a refund.

We have partnered with Popovers bakery to offer coupons at their Epping location. Inquire at the kiosk to get your coupon!

Alison first began to fall in love with gardening as a very small child, playing in the soil of her parents’ giant vegetable garden. Since then, growing plants has been a primary focus of all she does from running a community seed bank, growing herbs for her home apothecary, teaching people how to forage with respect and supporting local food systems. Playing in the soil early on did eventually pay off as it led her to receive degrees in Soil Science and Forest Ecology from UNH. Now she is in her dream job here at Bedrock Gardens serving as the Garden Educator and getting to share her love of plants and the natural world with all of you!

Session 1. May 28 – Annuals vs. Perennials: Choosing the Right Plants for Your Garden

Not sure whether to plant annuals or perennials? Each has its own benefits, from long-lasting blooms to quick seasonal color. This workshop breaks down the differences between the two, helping you choose the best plants for your garden’s style, maintenance level, and growing conditions. We’ll also cover how to combine annuals and perennials for a vibrant, year-round display.

Session 2. June 17– Watering Wisely: Keeping the Soil Moisture Just Right!

Too much water? Too little? Finding the right balance is key to a thriving garden. In this workshop, we’ll discuss best practices for deep watering, how to use mulch effectively, and ways to prevent water runoff. We’ll also explore how the native soil conditions (sandy vs loamy vs clay) can help you decide which plants go where.

Session 3. July 30 – Natural Pest Control: Managing Japanese Beetles and More

Japanese beetles and other garden pests can wreak havoc on your plants, but chemical pesticides aren’t the only solution. Discover natural, organic methods to keep destructive insects in check while supporting beneficial bugs and pollinators. We’ll cover hand-picking strategies, companion planting, homemade sprays, and long-term soil health approaches to create a resilient garden that thrives with fewer pests.

Session 4. August 27– Acid vs. Alkaline: Understanding Soil pH for Thriving Plants

Did you know that soil pH plays a major role in plant health? Some plants love acidic conditions, while others need a more alkaline environment to thrive. In this workshop, we’ll cover how to test your soil, adjust pH naturally, and choose the right plants for your conditions. Learn which plants prefer each type of soil and how to create the perfect growing environment for your garden’s success.

Session 5. September 24 – What to Cut Back (or Not!) in the Fall

Fall cleanup is an important part of preparing your garden for winter, but not everything should be cut back! In this workshop, we’ll explore which plants benefit from pruning and which should be left for winter interest, wildlife, and soil health. Learn how to strike the right balance between tidying up and supporting a healthy, resilient garden for the next growing season.

Host or Publisher Bedrock Gardens