[Columbia, SC] - It is not too late to sign up for spring gardening classes at Riverbanks Botanical Garden. Those enthusiasts with a green thumb can get started with the Soul Gardening workshop that is offered this Thursday evening with South Carolina horticulturist Jenks Farmer.

Gardeners still interested in participating in the Growing Garden Series may take individual classes for a fee of $21 (Riverbanks members pay only $15). All classes are taught by experienced Riverbanks horticulturists and Clemson Extension staff, and participants will receive informative handouts and tokens related to the topic at hand. The Growing Garden classes are designed to provide essential information on beginning and developing a garden. Call (803) 779-8717 to register or visit www.riverbanks.org for a complete list of all gardening classes offered throughout the spring.

Soul Gardening
Thursday, February 22; 7pm to 9pm
Come and be inspired as South Carolina horticulturist Jenks Farmer shares the concept of “soul gardening,” gardening from the heart. Jenks, curator of farm and garden for Moore Farms, national garden writer and speaker, and former curator of Riverbanks Botanical Garden illustrates his poetic planting philosophy, “I like gardens that reveal the gardener, show me their heart and taste and lust. The most important thing about them is the abundance of plants. Green, purple, chartreuse and tie-dye leaves dominate the space and obsession of the gardener. Flowers, fruits and vines might have been salvaged from dump or ordered from connoisseur nurseries. Plants trump design, entangle art, tools, benches, steps, and ‘proper’ horticultural practices. In these soulful gardens, there are traces of everyday life, and artists and collectors let their obsessions merge with plants.”  Following the presentation, watch a demonstration of how to make fun garden art. Funky art and plants will be sold as well. $15 members, $21 general public

Foundation Planting Design
Saturday, February 24; 10am to noon
Do you live in an older home with an outdated foundation planting? Or in a newer home that needs identity and style? Whether old or new, many homes have foundation plantings that need revamping. Learn the principles of good foundation design to improve the curb appeal and value of your home. $15 members, $21 general public

Shrubs for All Seasons (Growing Garden class # 2)
Saturday, March 3; 10am to noon
Discover a palette of shrubs that will reward you not only with beautiful flowers but also varied habits, attractive foliage and fall color. Learn how to properly site, maintain and maximize the attributes of some relatively common shrubs in the landscape, such as barberry, loropetalum, spirea, and others. $15 members, $21 general public

Foundation Planting Design
Thursday, March 8; 10am to noon
Do you live in an older home with an outdated foundation planting? Or in a newer home that needs identity and style? Whether old or new, many homes have foundation plantings that need revamping. Learn the principles of good foundation design to improve the curb appeal and value of your home. $15 members, $21 general public

Tool Care with Ted
Saturday, March 10; 10am to noon
A gardener is only as good as his tools. Discover how a sharp tool makes your gardening tasks more efficient! Join Ted Williams with Clemson Extension, and learn which tools are essential for the basic tool shed and how to select, use, and maintain them for optimum performance. $15 members, $16 general public

Pruning Principles (Growing Garden Class #3)
Saturday, March 17; 10am to noon
Learning the correct technique for pruning is the key to maintaining healthy plants. Principles of pruning, using proper tools, techniques of pruning trees and shrubs, and the best time to prune both evergreen and deciduous plants are addressed in this session. Examples of good tools for pruning are also displayed. $15 members, $21 general public

Distinctive Annuals
Saturday, March 24; 10am to 11am
While perennials last year after year, annuals can really add a little extra punch to your garden.  Their long-lasting color is great to brighten up a corner during transitional times or to accent a patio or walkway. Learn about the worthy annuals for your garden and containers. $10 members, $16 general public                

Getting Started with Perennials (Growing Garden Class # 4)
Saturday, March 31; 10am to noon
Learn how to choose the right perennial for the right garden location and how to combine different perennials to create a lovely and interesting garden that blooms throughout the growing season. We will discuss pruning and pinching techniques deadheading, and dividing, as well as other cultural methods to help you keep your garden growing healthy and strong. Time is allotted to discuss any unique situations you may have encountered in your perennial garden, so come ready with your questions. $15 members, $21 general public

Introduction to Temperate Bonsai- Session 1
Saturday, April 7; 10am to noon
This two-part workshop begins with the basics of growing a temperate bonsai. Learn about plant selection, pruning, wiring and general care, and watch pruning techniques and repotting demonstrations. This is the perfect class for anyone looking to get started with bonsai.
$25 members, $31 general public (fee is for both classes)

Introduction to Tropical Bonsai- Session 2
Saturday, April 14; 10am to noon
This workshop offers a non-traditional look at creating a bonsai, using everything from ficus to philodendron, while building on the skills learned in the first session.

The ABCs of Landscape Trees (Growing Garden Class # 5)
Saturday, April 21; 10am to noon
We will discuss planting, pruning, fertilizing and mulching considerations, plus inspecting trees for insects and diseases. $15 members, $21 general public

Create a Container Garden
Saturday, April 28; 10am to noon
Whether you are short on garden space or want to use containers to spice up an area of the garden, this hands-on workshop can show you how to make beautiful containers for any situation. Participants should bring a container up to 18” in diameter and be prepared to plant as the instructor demonstrates an array of colors and unusual plants that can be used in containers. All soil and plants are provided. Presented by Rebekah’s Garden.
$30 members, $36 general public

Basic Lawn Care (Growing Garden class #6 option A)
Saturday, May 5; 10am to noon
Learn the basics of lawn care. Using a holistic turf management approach as a model, we will focus on ways to lessen pesticide use. Topics will include turf culture, mowing, aerating, watering, fertilizing and weeding, and insect and disease control.
$15 members, $21 general public

Herbs (Growing Garden class #6 option B)
Saturday, May 5; 10am to noon
Having a kitchen garden is easy! By learning which herbs grow best in South Carolina, their cultural requirements, and how to use them, you can have a fabulous herb garden in no time. This is a must for anyone that has ever enjoyed the taste and smell of fresh herbs.
$15 members, $21 general public

Keeping Your Garden Healthy (Growing Garden class # 7)
Saturday, May 12; 10am to noon
Acquaint yourself with environmentally friendly ways of keeping your garden free of pests and disease. Integrated pest management (IPM) is a holistic approach for managing pests, including insects and related animals, diseases, and weeds. We will discuss the proper methods for growing healthy plants, including turf, trees, shrubs, annuals and perennials during this session. $15 members, $21 general public

The Cutting Garden
Saturday, May 19; 10am to 11:30am
Riverbanks Director of Horticulture Melodie Leach will guide participants through plant selection for a cutting garden and demonstrate flowers and foliage that make vivid and artful arrangements. $10 members, $16 general public

Hardscape Basics
Saturday, May 19; 10am to 11:30am
Hardscape can add interest and functionality to any garden space. As we go on a walking tour of Riverbanks, we will demonstrate the different materials that have been used and the many ways you can enhance your garden with paths, trellises, arbors and more. This workshop will give you inspiration for sprucing up the garden as well as ideas on how to get started. $10 members, $16 general public