Series: Gardening for Sustainability

NEW SERIES!

Everyone wants to say yes to this question, but what does it really mean to be sustainable in our landscapes? This in-depth series of classes will help you define how you can create a more sustainable garden. We'll first start with the importance of design elements: which plants go where, and how do you maximize their benefits to you and the overall landscape? Next is a thorough examination of creating soil health- the most important basis for true, lasting sustainability through nuturing soil microbes and fostering fertility. Progressing to plants, we'll get into how the right mix of plant varieties have such a profound impact on every aspect of the landscape. Our second half of this series focuses on maintenance, and the smart use of our broader, environmental resources like water, but also taking care of unwanted insects while still preserving our sustainable goal, and conclude with concentrating on waste reduction - the final, end-to-end demonstration and proof of our work to make a truly, sustainable whole.

Each class may be taken separately, but are designed to be taken as a comprehensive unit with each class building upon the previous one and leading to the next. Complete notes and handouts are provided, along with a binder so that you may return for each monthly presentation, and obtain a thorough understanding of these concepts:

• Class 1-Mar 8th: Planning & Design

We will discuss design principles that can help make your garden more efficient. This can include creating windbreaks, where to put your herb and vegetable gardens, and more.

• Class 2-Apr 19th: Building Healthy Soil

Healthy soil is what allows our gardens to flourish. We will discuss the different aspects of healthy soil how to increase the fertility and bioavailability of your garden soil.

• Class 3-May 10th: Creating Plant & Animal Diversity

We will discuss the importance of plant selection. How plant selection can improve your garden production, what plants to choose for the different areas of your garden.

• Class 4- Jun 14th: Managing Water Use

In this class, you'll learn how to manage your irrigation, which irrigation methods work best, and how to manage excess water on your property including rainwater collection and other techniques.

• Class 5- Jul 12th: Pest management

Learn about what pests can tell you about your plants. How to prevent pests and how to treat them organically and without pesticides.

• Class 6- Aug 9th: Reducing & Reusing Waste

Your garden and house waste can be used in the garden. We will discuss how you can turn garden waste into soil fertility. Examples of how your house waste can be used to grow seeds for your garden, and make tasks easier.

Please join us as we embark on this gardening and landscaping adventure to become responsible, soil and environmental stewards.

Rachel Davis is a plant nerd that loves to collect and propagate tropical plants. While volunteering in community gardens in both Carrolton and Plano, she obtained her Bachelors of Science in Sustainable Ecosystems. Starting at North Haven Gardens working in Guest Services as a cashier in April 2022, she has recently become an Assistant Manager. She greatly enjoys teaching how to maximize home garden production and to maintain soil health while giving water management and sustainability practices the attention they deserve.

NOTE: THIS EVENT IS INDOORS IN OUR CLASSROOM.

Host or Publisher North Haven Gardens