When the weather goes downhill here in Blacksburg, we turn to the audio-visual form of gardening for entertainment and education. This year’s line-up of speakers and topics is exceptional! Pre-registration is required for hands-on workshops and suggested for seminars (may also pay at door for seminars). This registration form is also available here. Note: If you haven’t already become a Friend of the Garden for 2007-2008, you can still join and take advantage of the discount rate on the seminars and workshops. Simply print off the membership form below and send it in with the registration (separate check, please). Questions? (540) 231-5970 or e-mail vtgarden@vt.edu.

Registration Form (MS Word Doc)
Registration Form (PDF)
Friends of the Garden Membership Form (MS Word Doc)
Friends of the Garden Membership Form (PDF)

Workshop is FULL - Thanks!!!

The Backyard Greenhouse Workshop
Dr. Holly Scoggins, Associate Professor and Garden Director

Saturday, January 19, 2008 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. (includes light lunch)
Location: Peggy Lee Hahn Garden Pavilion
Love to garden? Then you deserve a backyard greenhouse...a place to start seeds, extend the growing season, over-winter tender plants, and grow flowers and vegetables out of season. Join Dr. Holly Scoggins for this information-packed workshop on how to make it happen.
Session 1: Build it! Greenhouse styles, construction options, methods and costs of operation, zoning regulations, equipment needs, etc.9:30-11:30 a.m.
Session 2: Grow in it! Tips and tricks of successful greenhouse growing, potting media, fertilizers, sanitation, pest management, etc. 12:00-1:30 p.m.
$30 general public or $25 Friends of the Garden (fee includes light lunch)

Special Friends of the Garden Lecture!

Tough Plants for Tough Times

Mark Weathington, Assistant Director JC Raulston Arboretum
Saturday, February 9, 2008 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Location: Fralin Auditorium
With 100 year droughts, water restrictions, and record temperatures the garden can look more like a moonscape than a landscape. Learn about some unusual plants that can stand up to the harshest conditions and still come out fresh as a daisy.
$20 general public or FREE Friends of the Garden members

The Do's and Don'ts of Pruning Woody Plants

Dr. Eric Wiseman, Assistant Professor and ISA Certified Arborist
Saturday, March 8, 2008 10:00 a.m.– 12:00 p.m.
Location: Note change! Will be held at the PEGGY LEE HAHN GARDEN PAVILION
Often wonder when to prune this tree and how to prune that shrub? Pruning is a tricky practice and must be done properly to result in a healthy plant. Dr. Eric Wiseman will share with us proper pruning techniques, why you should/should not prune, the right time of year to prune, and other helpful pruning advice.
$20 general public or $15 Friends of the Garden members

Some Like it Hot: Tropical Plants for Temperate Gardens

Pam Baggett, garden writer, lecturer, and photographer.

Thursday, March 27, 2008 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Location: Fralin Auditorium
There's no denying it: the East Coast rivals the tropics when summer temperatures soar. Popular tropicals like coleus and elephant ears provide months of dazzling color and bold texture, but there are many other, lesser-known selections that can also give your garden that island look. From grasses and vines to radiant foliage and flowering plants, tropicals prove that heat and humidity are assets when you choose the right plants! $20 general public or $15 Friends of the Garden members