Our Green Atlanta

Are you looking to get your garden off to a great start in 2010? You can start planning now – whether you’re anticipating a vegetable garden, excited about landscaping, or angling for a rose garden, the DeKalb County Extension Service has everything you need to get started or increase your current knowledge base! Below is the schedule of DeKalb County’s 2010 gardening classes, “Gardening for Food, Fitness, and Fun.” You can find a registration form and more info in their PDF brochure here! Be sure to register early!

Gardening Series 2010 – Gardening for Food, Fitness & Fun

• All classes are at 4380 Memorial Dr., Decatur, GA 30032
• Cost is $10 per class if you pay at door or get all 7 for $50 if you pay in advance through the mail
• First 50 registered are guaranteed a seat.
• For more information or to request a printed copy of the brochure, please call 404-298-4080. You can also visit www.dekalbextension.com.

Class #1 - January (Thursday), 2010 from 7 to 9 p.m.
“Understanding soils” |  Speaker: Walter Reeves  |  WSB radio, speaker and writer will tell you about soils
“Basics of composting” |  Speaker: Dr. Jim Spotts  |  well known agronomist, master gardener and King of Compost will share his famous composting secrets

Class #2 – February 2 (Tuesday), from 7 to 8:30 PM
“Basic Vegetable Gardening” |  how to start and what to grow |  Speaker: Bob Westerfield, University of Georgia Home Gardening Specialist.

Class #3 – February 16 (Tuesday), from 7 to 8:30 PM
“Growing Specialty Vegetables” |  emphasizing crops that are popular in other parts of the world but that will grow well in Georgia.

Class #4 – February 23 (Tuesday), from 7 to 8:30 PM
“Identifying and Limiting Common Pests & Diseases of Vegetables” |  Speaker: Gary Peiffer, DeKalb Extension Agent and Horticulture Manager

Class #5 – March 18 (Thursday), from 7 to 8:30 PM
“Roses and Their Care” |  Speaker: Stan Leacock, a well known local rosarian who cares for roses every day in his business and at his home.

Class #6 – April 20 (Tuesday), from 7 to 8:30 PM
“Using Color in the Landscape and Color Trends 2010″ |  Speaker: Tara Dillard, local, well known speaker, designer and garden writer. Tara knows plants and design and she presents her subjects with great wit and enthusiasm.

Class #7 – May 18 (Tuesday), from 7 to 8:30 PM
“Tropical Plants to Know and Grow” |  There are many wonderful tropical plants that will do well in the Atlanta area with the right conditions and the right kind of care. Speaker: Dr. Bodie Pennisi, University of Georgia, Horticulture Specialist in Griffin, GA. Dr. Pennisi is an expert in her field and she works closely with our Georgia commercial plant producers.