Speakers Bureau - Online Catalog
Given the diverse interests and specialties of our Master Gardener speakers, the Speakers Bureau Catalog list of topics is quite extensive.
The following categories are featured in this catalog. By clicking on a category below, you will jump to descriptions of the programs that we offer in that category. Scroll through the category in which you are interested to see specific presentations with brief descriptions.
The following categories are featured in this catalog. By clicking on a category below, you will jump to descriptions of the programs that we offer in that category. Scroll through the category in which you are interested to see specific presentations with brief descriptions.
- Annuals
- Basic Gardening
- Bulbs
- Butterfly Gardening
- Container Gardening
- Edibles
- Floral Design
- Flowering Shrubs & Trees
- Garden Art
- Garden Design
- Gardening with Children
- Historical Plants and Landscapes
- Houseplants
- Insects and Diseases
- Organic Gardening
- Perennials
- Poisonous Plants
- Pollinator Gardening
- Propagation
- Pruning
- Shade Gardening
- Soil
- Specialty Gardens
- Sustainablilty
- Vines and Groundcovers
- Water-Wise Gardening
- Weeds
- Wildlife
Programs by Category:
Annuals
Annuals—Cool Season
Annuals that thrive during the cool season before the heat sets in.
Gardening with Annuals
Learn how to incorporate annuals into your landscape. Extend seasonal interest beyond just spring and summer. Learn how annuals can add color, form and texture. Planning, purchasing and maintenance are covered, as well.
Annuals—Cool Season
Annuals that thrive during the cool season before the heat sets in.
Gardening with Annuals
Learn how to incorporate annuals into your landscape. Extend seasonal interest beyond just spring and summer. Learn how annuals can add color, form and texture. Planning, purchasing and maintenance are covered, as well.
Basic Gardening
The Fall Garden--Putting Your Beds to Bed
Review of the six major issues that affect flower and vegetable growth through the fall and winter; soil-building: compost production and general preparation of gardens for next year's efforts; by-month (Sept., Oct., Nov., and Dec.) review for both flower and vegetable gardens: what they are doing and what you should be doing for them.
Gardening in Greenville County-Years of Lessons Learned
A Master Gardener will share the information they have learned from years of gardening in the Upstate. Topics may include dealing with red clay soil, how to grow vegetables, and the advantages of native plants. This program is designed for newcomers to the area, but all gardeners can benefit from the experiences of others.
The Fall Garden--Putting Your Beds to Bed
Review of the six major issues that affect flower and vegetable growth through the fall and winter; soil-building: compost production and general preparation of gardens for next year's efforts; by-month (Sept., Oct., Nov., and Dec.) review for both flower and vegetable gardens: what they are doing and what you should be doing for them.
Gardening in Greenville County-Years of Lessons Learned
A Master Gardener will share the information they have learned from years of gardening in the Upstate. Topics may include dealing with red clay soil, how to grow vegetables, and the advantages of native plants. This program is designed for newcomers to the area, but all gardeners can benefit from the experiences of others.
Bulbs
Bulb Culture
A bulb, the promise of a plant to come, is a complete package with a miniature plant inside, along with its food. Topics such as the bulb storage, site selection and preparation, planting, and maintenance are discussed in this presentation. Bulb "imposters" are also discussed.
Forcing Amaryllis and Paperwhite Bulbs
A step-by-step of when and "how to" plant and care for amaryllis and paperwhite bulbs; pictures from start to finish.
Bearded Irises: The Dos and Don'ts
This presentation will explain how to dig and divide bearded irises, as well as how to identify iris borers, where to look for them, and what can be done to eliminate them. Demonstration on planting/replanting irises will include proper care of irises.
Spring Bulbs
History of the most common bulbs for this area, definition and selection; selecting optimal site, planting and maintaining; methods of using bulbs, alone or in combination with plant materials, in containers.
Summer Bulbs
Don't get obsessed with May/June gardens! Learn how to incorporate plant material in your garden that will provide you with year ‘round interest.
Bulb Culture
A bulb, the promise of a plant to come, is a complete package with a miniature plant inside, along with its food. Topics such as the bulb storage, site selection and preparation, planting, and maintenance are discussed in this presentation. Bulb "imposters" are also discussed.
Forcing Amaryllis and Paperwhite Bulbs
A step-by-step of when and "how to" plant and care for amaryllis and paperwhite bulbs; pictures from start to finish.
Bearded Irises: The Dos and Don'ts
This presentation will explain how to dig and divide bearded irises, as well as how to identify iris borers, where to look for them, and what can be done to eliminate them. Demonstration on planting/replanting irises will include proper care of irises.
Spring Bulbs
History of the most common bulbs for this area, definition and selection; selecting optimal site, planting and maintaining; methods of using bulbs, alone or in combination with plant materials, in containers.
Summer Bulbs
Don't get obsessed with May/June gardens! Learn how to incorporate plant material in your garden that will provide you with year ‘round interest.
Butterfly Gardening
Beginning Butterfly Gardening
Butterfly needs, top butterfly plants, butterflies of the Upstate.
Butterflies of the Carolinas
This presentation will identify many of the most common butterflies (approximately 20) that we see in our gardens. The discussion will show the life cycles of each and will identify their host plants. Information on how to attract butterflies and a list of nectar plants will also be included.
Monarchs and their Plight
How to recognize a monarch, the life cycles of the monarch, attracting monarchs, their migration, their decline and reasons for, and what we can do to help. The speaker will also share some of her personal experiences raising them.
Beginning Butterfly Gardening
Butterfly needs, top butterfly plants, butterflies of the Upstate.
Butterflies of the Carolinas
This presentation will identify many of the most common butterflies (approximately 20) that we see in our gardens. The discussion will show the life cycles of each and will identify their host plants. Information on how to attract butterflies and a list of nectar plants will also be included.
Monarchs and their Plight
How to recognize a monarch, the life cycles of the monarch, attracting monarchs, their migration, their decline and reasons for, and what we can do to help. The speaker will also share some of her personal experiences raising them.
Container Gardening
Contain Yourself - Creative Container Ideas for All Seasons
Learn to use a variety of materials to dress up existing containers as well as creating fresh new containers to dress up your porch, patio, or garden.
Floral Container Gardening--Fall/Winter
Site, light and soil requirements, selecting appropriate container and planting techniques; designing with seasonal plant materials and spring bulbs; emphasis on plant structure and foliage color for eight months of impact; maintenance: water, fertilization and grooming.
Floral Container Gardening--Spring/Summer
Site, light and soil requirements, selecting appropriate container and planting techniques; designing with plant materials: size, color, texture and scent; maintenance: water, fertilization and grooming.
Getting Ready for Fall from the Outside In
Refreshes spring/summer containers with plants more adapted to cooler temperatures. When and how to bring plants that have been to summer camp back inside so they aren't too traumatized by lower light levels and lack of humidity. Also, how they should be cleaned, pruned and divided to fit into their winter homes. Speaker brings actual containers and changes out plants, if necessary, to illustrate the subject of the talk.
Getting Ready for Spring from the Inside Out
Cleaning up houseplants and preparing them for "summer camp;" includes brief remarks on propagation, pest removal, cultural requirements, and transition to stronger sunlight. Also includes suggestions for editing and adapting outdoor containers for the spring/summer season. Speaker brings actual containers and changes out plants, if necessary, to illustrate the subject of the talk.
Miniature/Fairy Gardens
Basic principles for the two are the same--one involving fairies, the other involves other small items. Speaker brings containers, discusses scale, vegetation, how to maintain it, and how to make the finished product look like a tiny world.
Not Your Ordinary Container Garden
Think of containers as garden beds made smaller and easier to manage. Types and sizes of containers, potting soil, plant combinations, plant cultural requirements, fertilization, and recognizing pests and diseases are all part of a successful container garden.
Uncontained, Unusual Solutions for Container Gardens
Some basic concepts, but using fun and unusual containers for the moment; centerpieces and other holiday arrangements. Suggestions on using non-traditional containers for indoor and outdoor planting.
Vegetable Gardening in Containers
Basic site requirements: light, temperature, appropriate container size/material, soil and support vehicles; best seeds and plants for containers; thorough season maintenance: controlling insects and disease, fertilization.
Contain Yourself - Creative Container Ideas for All Seasons
Learn to use a variety of materials to dress up existing containers as well as creating fresh new containers to dress up your porch, patio, or garden.
Floral Container Gardening--Fall/Winter
Site, light and soil requirements, selecting appropriate container and planting techniques; designing with seasonal plant materials and spring bulbs; emphasis on plant structure and foliage color for eight months of impact; maintenance: water, fertilization and grooming.
Floral Container Gardening--Spring/Summer
Site, light and soil requirements, selecting appropriate container and planting techniques; designing with plant materials: size, color, texture and scent; maintenance: water, fertilization and grooming.
Getting Ready for Fall from the Outside In
Refreshes spring/summer containers with plants more adapted to cooler temperatures. When and how to bring plants that have been to summer camp back inside so they aren't too traumatized by lower light levels and lack of humidity. Also, how they should be cleaned, pruned and divided to fit into their winter homes. Speaker brings actual containers and changes out plants, if necessary, to illustrate the subject of the talk.
Getting Ready for Spring from the Inside Out
Cleaning up houseplants and preparing them for "summer camp;" includes brief remarks on propagation, pest removal, cultural requirements, and transition to stronger sunlight. Also includes suggestions for editing and adapting outdoor containers for the spring/summer season. Speaker brings actual containers and changes out plants, if necessary, to illustrate the subject of the talk.
Miniature/Fairy Gardens
Basic principles for the two are the same--one involving fairies, the other involves other small items. Speaker brings containers, discusses scale, vegetation, how to maintain it, and how to make the finished product look like a tiny world.
Not Your Ordinary Container Garden
Think of containers as garden beds made smaller and easier to manage. Types and sizes of containers, potting soil, plant combinations, plant cultural requirements, fertilization, and recognizing pests and diseases are all part of a successful container garden.
Uncontained, Unusual Solutions for Container Gardens
Some basic concepts, but using fun and unusual containers for the moment; centerpieces and other holiday arrangements. Suggestions on using non-traditional containers for indoor and outdoor planting.
Vegetable Gardening in Containers
Basic site requirements: light, temperature, appropriate container size/material, soil and support vehicles; best seeds and plants for containers; thorough season maintenance: controlling insects and disease, fertilization.
Edibles
Spring, Summer, Fall or Winter Fall Vegetable Gardening
Effects of soil temperature, change in position and intensity of sun and lowering temperatures on vegetable garden's growth; cool /warm season crops, both seeds and plants, planting dates and strategies for production of vegetables from fall to winter/ spring; maintaining and enhancing the garden through fertilization, control of weeds, insects and diseases, and tips on soil-building for the upcoming year. Choose the season you are
interested in (Winter, Spring, Summer or Fall).
Growing Herbs
Brief history and lore of our most commonly grown herbs; optimal site, sustenance, maintenance and propagation; methods of harvesting and preserving herbs.
Growing Vegetables
Basics of vegetable gardening, raised beds, simple integrated pest management, improving soil health, etc.
Growing the Best Tomatoes . . . Ever!
History of tomatoes, types available for this area and your garden's circumstances; growing healthy plants from birth to death; common disorders, insects and diseases: how to monitor and control.
How to Start a Community Vegetable Garden
Cost, structure and operational comparison of Project Host Soup Kitchen Garden (a communal garden) to St. Francis Community Garden (a community garden); defining community's needs/selection of appropriate garden model (community or communal); location/site selection and "Vegetable Gardening 101" review of the basics.
Raised Bed Gardening
Basics of vegetable gardening, building materials for raised beds, how to make your own potting soil, pros and cons of raised beds, etc.
Raised Bed Gardening
The basics of planting and the benefits of raised beds versus a conventional garden.
Seed Starting and Crop Rotation
Discussing the basics of seed starting indoors, in the greenhouse, or in the garden. Also reviewed are the importance of crop rotation and how to do that for a small farm or a suburban garden.
The Basics of Community Gardening
Community gardens are a great way to meet your neighbors while growing food for yourself and others. Learn the various ways to organize your garden, select and prepare a site, and
plan what to grow in the garden. You will also learn about some resources available in Greenville County to assist you in implementing and maintaining your community garden.
Vegetable and Herb Gardening for Senior Citizens
Emphasis on small, manageable container or in-ground gardens for seniors; basic site requirements: light, temperature, appropriate container size/material, soil and support vehicles; best seeds and plants for vegetable production.
Vegetable Gardening
Optimal site: sun/temperature, soil, planting plan; vegetable selection for this area: seeds, plants, timing; maintenance: controlling weeds, insects and disease, fertilization and growing tips.
Vegetable Gardening in Raised Beds/Small Space Gardening
Optimal choices for raised bed materials/size/construction and container size/material; vegetable selection for this area: seeds, plants, timing; seasonal efforts to prolong vegetable production.
Spring, Summer, Fall or Winter Fall Vegetable Gardening
Effects of soil temperature, change in position and intensity of sun and lowering temperatures on vegetable garden's growth; cool /warm season crops, both seeds and plants, planting dates and strategies for production of vegetables from fall to winter/ spring; maintaining and enhancing the garden through fertilization, control of weeds, insects and diseases, and tips on soil-building for the upcoming year. Choose the season you are
interested in (Winter, Spring, Summer or Fall).
Growing Herbs
Brief history and lore of our most commonly grown herbs; optimal site, sustenance, maintenance and propagation; methods of harvesting and preserving herbs.
Growing Vegetables
Basics of vegetable gardening, raised beds, simple integrated pest management, improving soil health, etc.
Growing the Best Tomatoes . . . Ever!
History of tomatoes, types available for this area and your garden's circumstances; growing healthy plants from birth to death; common disorders, insects and diseases: how to monitor and control.
How to Start a Community Vegetable Garden
Cost, structure and operational comparison of Project Host Soup Kitchen Garden (a communal garden) to St. Francis Community Garden (a community garden); defining community's needs/selection of appropriate garden model (community or communal); location/site selection and "Vegetable Gardening 101" review of the basics.
Raised Bed Gardening
Basics of vegetable gardening, building materials for raised beds, how to make your own potting soil, pros and cons of raised beds, etc.
Raised Bed Gardening
The basics of planting and the benefits of raised beds versus a conventional garden.
Seed Starting and Crop Rotation
Discussing the basics of seed starting indoors, in the greenhouse, or in the garden. Also reviewed are the importance of crop rotation and how to do that for a small farm or a suburban garden.
The Basics of Community Gardening
Community gardens are a great way to meet your neighbors while growing food for yourself and others. Learn the various ways to organize your garden, select and prepare a site, and
plan what to grow in the garden. You will also learn about some resources available in Greenville County to assist you in implementing and maintaining your community garden.
Vegetable and Herb Gardening for Senior Citizens
Emphasis on small, manageable container or in-ground gardens for seniors; basic site requirements: light, temperature, appropriate container size/material, soil and support vehicles; best seeds and plants for vegetable production.
Vegetable Gardening
Optimal site: sun/temperature, soil, planting plan; vegetable selection for this area: seeds, plants, timing; maintenance: controlling weeds, insects and disease, fertilization and growing tips.
Vegetable Gardening in Raised Beds/Small Space Gardening
Optimal choices for raised bed materials/size/construction and container size/material; vegetable selection for this area: seeds, plants, timing; seasonal efforts to prolong vegetable production.
Floral Design (Most have a supply fee but product is left by presenter )
Autumnal Arrangements
Using harvest themes, pumpkins for decorations; drying hydrangeas.
Creating Natural Holiday Decorations and Arrangements
Making holiday arrangements using fresh greens from the speaker's garden.
Seasonal Floral Design for Mailboxes and Doors
Decorating for the different seasons as well as for holidays is an activity that many people enjoy. Whether you want to dress up your house for spring, summer, Christmas, Hanukkah, Halloween, or other holidays, remember to include your mailbox and front door. Placing decorations outside is a great way to spread a warm welcome and festive holiday cheer. This presentation will provide you with ideas for decorating, using simple yet celebratory themes that add to the joyful decorations of your home.
Simple Floral Arrangements
Two or three basic floral designs are demonstrated.
Spring Decorations and Arrangements
Creating arrangements using Easter/spring themes.
Using Garden Flowers in Arrangements
Arrangements are created using flowers out of the speaker's own garden.
What’s Wrong with This Arrangement?
Using design principles attendees have in front of them, the speaker does something wrong with each of three arrangements and asks attendees what they think is wrong or disturbing with the arrangement.
Autumnal Arrangements
Using harvest themes, pumpkins for decorations; drying hydrangeas.
Creating Natural Holiday Decorations and Arrangements
Making holiday arrangements using fresh greens from the speaker's garden.
Seasonal Floral Design for Mailboxes and Doors
Decorating for the different seasons as well as for holidays is an activity that many people enjoy. Whether you want to dress up your house for spring, summer, Christmas, Hanukkah, Halloween, or other holidays, remember to include your mailbox and front door. Placing decorations outside is a great way to spread a warm welcome and festive holiday cheer. This presentation will provide you with ideas for decorating, using simple yet celebratory themes that add to the joyful decorations of your home.
Simple Floral Arrangements
Two or three basic floral designs are demonstrated.
Spring Decorations and Arrangements
Creating arrangements using Easter/spring themes.
Using Garden Flowers in Arrangements
Arrangements are created using flowers out of the speaker's own garden.
What’s Wrong with This Arrangement?
Using design principles attendees have in front of them, the speaker does something wrong with each of three arrangements and asks attendees what they think is wrong or disturbing with the arrangement.
Flowering Shrubs & Trees
The 5 Ps of Lavender
The owner of Southern Hills Lavender, a lavender farm in Greer, SC, will share about the lovely plant, lavender. You'll learn what lavender is, how it can be used, and how to plant and prune it. Learn how to grow this beautiful plant in your very own backyard!
Azaleas
Origin, types and methods of growth. Suggestions regarding the best practices with azaleas. A video is shown on Glen Cairn Gardens in Rock Hill, SC, which features one of the largest collections of azaleas in the state.
Growing Beautiful Peonies
The speaker grows about 100 peonies in her garden. Join in the discussion of proper
planting methods, fertilizing, and caring for herbaceous and tree peonies. She will also share a little-known organic soil amendment that makes for beautiful peonies in your garden.
Heavenly Hydrangeas
Whether it’s blue, pink, white, or purple--mophead, lacecap, or paniculata--whether your garden has sun or shade or is small or large--there’s a hydrangea for most every garden. Join in the discussion of how to grow, when to prune, and what variety may work best for your garden.
Is Leyland Dying?
A widely used plant in the southern landscape, the Leyland Cypress, is experiencing problems related to its shallow root system, planting too closely and in poorly drained soil. We will explore the current data around the Leyland Cypress and the common problems associated with planting it in the landscape
Rhododendrons
Rhododendrons for upstate South Carolina; natural habitats and preferred garden climates; types of rhododendrons; planting, care, propagation; examples of "good doers" for this area.
The 5 Ps of Lavender
The owner of Southern Hills Lavender, a lavender farm in Greer, SC, will share about the lovely plant, lavender. You'll learn what lavender is, how it can be used, and how to plant and prune it. Learn how to grow this beautiful plant in your very own backyard!
Azaleas
Origin, types and methods of growth. Suggestions regarding the best practices with azaleas. A video is shown on Glen Cairn Gardens in Rock Hill, SC, which features one of the largest collections of azaleas in the state.
Growing Beautiful Peonies
The speaker grows about 100 peonies in her garden. Join in the discussion of proper
planting methods, fertilizing, and caring for herbaceous and tree peonies. She will also share a little-known organic soil amendment that makes for beautiful peonies in your garden.
Heavenly Hydrangeas
Whether it’s blue, pink, white, or purple--mophead, lacecap, or paniculata--whether your garden has sun or shade or is small or large--there’s a hydrangea for most every garden. Join in the discussion of how to grow, when to prune, and what variety may work best for your garden.
Is Leyland Dying?
A widely used plant in the southern landscape, the Leyland Cypress, is experiencing problems related to its shallow root system, planting too closely and in poorly drained soil. We will explore the current data around the Leyland Cypress and the common problems associated with planting it in the landscape
Rhododendrons
Rhododendrons for upstate South Carolina; natural habitats and preferred garden climates; types of rhododendrons; planting, care, propagation; examples of "good doers" for this area.
Garden Art
Concrete Leaf Casting
A demonstration in which attendees will learn how to cast leaves in concrete. Requires a water source and an entrance to the facility where the presenter can move concrete, sand, and other materials easily.
Creating Hypertufa Containers
Create a stone-like planter that looks like it would be at home nestled in the Victorian gardens of an old English estate. Hypertufa containers are lightweight and provide great drainage. Can be done as a demo (30 minutes) or class. Handout distributed.
Stepping Stones
Learn how to create beautiful and impressive stepping stones to decorate and embellish your garden! Homemade stepping stones are a great way to personalize your walkway or yard. They make thoughtful gifts and are also great keepsakes.T
Concrete Leaf Casting
A demonstration in which attendees will learn how to cast leaves in concrete. Requires a water source and an entrance to the facility where the presenter can move concrete, sand, and other materials easily.
Creating Hypertufa Containers
Create a stone-like planter that looks like it would be at home nestled in the Victorian gardens of an old English estate. Hypertufa containers are lightweight and provide great drainage. Can be done as a demo (30 minutes) or class. Handout distributed.
Stepping Stones
Learn how to create beautiful and impressive stepping stones to decorate and embellish your garden! Homemade stepping stones are a great way to personalize your walkway or yard. They make thoughtful gifts and are also great keepsakes.T
Garden Design
Form, Texture, and Color in the Perennial Garden
Garden Design "101": what makes a great garden; exploration of plant material form, texture, and importance of bloom and (especially) foliage color; how to take a garden's "pulse" for form, texture, and color, and how to enact changes for a more successful year 'round garden.
Form, Texture, and Color in the Perennial Garden
Garden Design "101": what makes a great garden; exploration of plant material form, texture, and importance of bloom and (especially) foliage color; how to take a garden's "pulse" for form, texture, and color, and how to enact changes for a more successful year 'round garden.
Gardening with Children
Gardening with Children
Explore what children can learn as gardening is introduced to them. Find resources and support for projects as well as places to visit.
Junior Master Gardener Program
Overview of the Junior Master Gardener program. Explore the purpose, requirements, and curriculum resources. Ignite a passion for learning, success and service in your kids.
Miniature Gardens for Children
The speaker brings illustrative containers and discusses how children might assemble those of their own, using some inexpensive, some "found" materials.
Pruning & Propagating with Children
Developed to teach a combined 1st through 3rd grade class how to grow plants from cuttings. Provides a hands-on 3-class half-day session covering plant basics, pruning and propagating. A great way to supplement focus on plants. The author will tailor the session to the teacher's needs and background of the students. Grades 1 thru 5 recommended. Thirty students or fewer. Adult participation required.
School Gardens
What you need to know to create one, and how to keep it going once you've got it.
Gardening with Children
Explore what children can learn as gardening is introduced to them. Find resources and support for projects as well as places to visit.
Junior Master Gardener Program
Overview of the Junior Master Gardener program. Explore the purpose, requirements, and curriculum resources. Ignite a passion for learning, success and service in your kids.
Miniature Gardens for Children
The speaker brings illustrative containers and discusses how children might assemble those of their own, using some inexpensive, some "found" materials.
Pruning & Propagating with Children
Developed to teach a combined 1st through 3rd grade class how to grow plants from cuttings. Provides a hands-on 3-class half-day session covering plant basics, pruning and propagating. A great way to supplement focus on plants. The author will tailor the session to the teacher's needs and background of the students. Grades 1 thru 5 recommended. Thirty students or fewer. Adult participation required.
School Gardens
What you need to know to create one, and how to keep it going once you've got it.
Historical Plants & Landscapes
A Biblical Garden--Where Do I Start?
Gardens play prominent roles in our lives and in history. This is an introduction to the requirements for a Biblical garden, the resources available to create something similar in our space, and where some are that we can enjoy.
Historical Trees/Historical Places
A story of area trees and homes, some dating back more than one hundred years, with historical and current pictures. Stories of the gardeners who loved some of these trees (and a few other plants) are mingled in, as well.
Jessie Burnette--A Greenville Legacy Garden
The plants found in a turn-of-the-century garden and the woman who was responsible for planting them. A blend of history and plant information.
A Biblical Garden--Where Do I Start?
Gardens play prominent roles in our lives and in history. This is an introduction to the requirements for a Biblical garden, the resources available to create something similar in our space, and where some are that we can enjoy.
Historical Trees/Historical Places
A story of area trees and homes, some dating back more than one hundred years, with historical and current pictures. Stories of the gardeners who loved some of these trees (and a few other plants) are mingled in, as well.
Jessie Burnette--A Greenville Legacy Garden
The plants found in a turn-of-the-century garden and the woman who was responsible for planting them. A blend of history and plant information.
Houseplants
Houseplants 101
A simple plan for the selection, planting, maintenance and care of various kinds of houseplants is the focus of this presentation. Following "the plan" will keep your houseplants thriving and surviving.
Houseplants 101
A simple plan for the selection, planting, maintenance and care of various kinds of houseplants is the focus of this presentation. Following "the plan" will keep your houseplants thriving and surviving.
Insects and Diseases
Protecting the Pollinators
Scientists estimate that one out of three bites of food people eat exists because of pollinators like bees, butterflies and moths, birds, bats, beetles and other insects. Many pollinator populations are declining due to habitat loss, disease, parasites and environmental contaminants. This presentation addresses what a person can do to help pollinators--especially solitary bees--thrive.
Vegetable Insects and Diseases
In-depth review of the largest--yet most preventable/manageable--"forces of evil" in the vegetable garden; I.D. and damage, prevention control/treatment; proactive measures to take throughout the year for an overall healthier garden environment.
Wondering About Beekeeping
An overview of beekeeping from early spring to late fall and how to protect the bees during the winter. Learn about how to get the bees, how to introduce the Queen to her hive, what are the purposes of the drones, spring/summer upkeep, great tidbits about bees, and harvesting honey. A great class to peak someone's interest and get them involved in a new hobby.
Protecting the Pollinators
Scientists estimate that one out of three bites of food people eat exists because of pollinators like bees, butterflies and moths, birds, bats, beetles and other insects. Many pollinator populations are declining due to habitat loss, disease, parasites and environmental contaminants. This presentation addresses what a person can do to help pollinators--especially solitary bees--thrive.
Vegetable Insects and Diseases
In-depth review of the largest--yet most preventable/manageable--"forces of evil" in the vegetable garden; I.D. and damage, prevention control/treatment; proactive measures to take throughout the year for an overall healthier garden environment.
Wondering About Beekeeping
An overview of beekeeping from early spring to late fall and how to protect the bees during the winter. Learn about how to get the bees, how to introduce the Queen to her hive, what are the purposes of the drones, spring/summer upkeep, great tidbits about bees, and harvesting honey. A great class to peak someone's interest and get them involved in a new hobby.
Organic Gardening
Organic Fertilizers
Organic fertilizers are more about feeding the soil than feeding the plants. There are many organic fertilizers offered today that are much better than traditional chemical-based fertilizers. Organic fertilizers and amendments help our soil hold moisture better and create loose, airy, rich soil. They also help promote growth of healthy organisms, adding to an overall healthier garden.
Organic Fertilizers
Organic fertilizers are more about feeding the soil than feeding the plants. There are many organic fertilizers offered today that are much better than traditional chemical-based fertilizers. Organic fertilizers and amendments help our soil hold moisture better and create loose, airy, rich soil. They also help promote growth of healthy organisms, adding to an overall healthier garden.
Perennials
Gardening with Perennials
Learn how to incorporate perennials into your landscape. Extend seasonal interest beyond just spring and summer. Learn how perennials can add color, form and texture. Planning, purchasing and maintenance are covered, as well.
Gardening with Perennials and Annuals
Learn how to incorporate annuals and perennials into your landscape. Extend seasonal interest beyond just spring and summer. Learn how perennials can add color, form and texture.
Planning, purchasing and maintenance are covered, as well.
Perennials—Shade
All I have is shade! What perennials can I grow?
Gardening with Perennials
Learn how to incorporate perennials into your landscape. Extend seasonal interest beyond just spring and summer. Learn how perennials can add color, form and texture. Planning, purchasing and maintenance are covered, as well.
Gardening with Perennials and Annuals
Learn how to incorporate annuals and perennials into your landscape. Extend seasonal interest beyond just spring and summer. Learn how perennials can add color, form and texture.
Planning, purchasing and maintenance are covered, as well.
Perennials—Shade
All I have is shade! What perennials can I grow?
Poisonous Plants
Wicked Plants
This presentation is based on Amy Stewart's book, "Wicked Plants: The Weed that Killed Lincoln's Mother & Other Botanical Atrocities." Lots of interesting information and stories about many plants.
Wicked Plants
This presentation is based on Amy Stewart's book, "Wicked Plants: The Weed that Killed Lincoln's Mother & Other Botanical Atrocities." Lots of interesting information and stories about many plants.
Pollinator Gardening
Gardens in Action: What Gardeners Need to Know About Butterflies and all the Pollinators. (2 hour session) (New in 2020!)
A two-part presentation about pollinators in general, the risks they face and how residential gardeners can help them. Additionally, a detailed focus on butterflies; what they're all about and what garden plants they find most attractive.
Pollinators in Jeopardy: Gardeners Can Help (New in 2020!)
A discussion of various pollinators and the risks they face. Describes strategies residential gardeners can undertake to preserve a thriving pollinator habitat.
Gardens in Action: What Gardeners Need to Know About Butterflies and all the Pollinators. (2 hour session) (New in 2020!)
A two-part presentation about pollinators in general, the risks they face and how residential gardeners can help them. Additionally, a detailed focus on butterflies; what they're all about and what garden plants they find most attractive.
Pollinators in Jeopardy: Gardeners Can Help (New in 2020!)
A discussion of various pollinators and the risks they face. Describes strategies residential gardeners can undertake to preserve a thriving pollinator habitat.
Propagation
Horizontal Propagation (formerly "Pot" Layering)
Novice and experienced gardeners will love this popular new technique to easily produce mature plants. Through demonstration you will see it is easy to learn and readily adaptable to plants in your yard as well as in containers, while less work than most other techniques. This is an ideal technique for non-gardeners, or those who don’t want to wait years for their perennials to mature from cuttings, or people who have movement difficulty and still want the joy of easily propagating their plants.
Propagation--Seeds and Plants
Brief/humorous history of propagation, how to get started: selecting plants or seeds, simple/economical containers, tools, etc.; plant propagation (asexual): timing techniques, tools and methods; seed propagation (sexual): seed structure, types, viability and how to start.
Success with Seeds
Brief/humorous history of propagation; the structure, nature, protective strategies and dispersal of seeds; how to collect, preserve and prepare for planting; explanation of seed germination and step-by-step process of starting seeds up to planting them in-ground.
2 for 1: Propagating While Pruning
Have more of the plants you love by combining propagation with pruning. This demonstration covers basic pruning techniques with several methods of propagation, and shows techniques to easily combine them. Get many tips to improve your success.
Horizontal Propagation (formerly "Pot" Layering)
Novice and experienced gardeners will love this popular new technique to easily produce mature plants. Through demonstration you will see it is easy to learn and readily adaptable to plants in your yard as well as in containers, while less work than most other techniques. This is an ideal technique for non-gardeners, or those who don’t want to wait years for their perennials to mature from cuttings, or people who have movement difficulty and still want the joy of easily propagating their plants.
Propagation--Seeds and Plants
Brief/humorous history of propagation, how to get started: selecting plants or seeds, simple/economical containers, tools, etc.; plant propagation (asexual): timing techniques, tools and methods; seed propagation (sexual): seed structure, types, viability and how to start.
Success with Seeds
Brief/humorous history of propagation; the structure, nature, protective strategies and dispersal of seeds; how to collect, preserve and prepare for planting; explanation of seed germination and step-by-step process of starting seeds up to planting them in-ground.
2 for 1: Propagating While Pruning
Have more of the plants you love by combining propagation with pruning. This demonstration covers basic pruning techniques with several methods of propagation, and shows techniques to easily combine them. Get many tips to improve your success.
Pruning
Shear Madness
This presentation shows proper techniques, tools and timing for pruning to promote healthy tree and shrub growth in the home landscape.
2 for 1: Propagating While Pruning
Have more of the plants you love by combining propagation with pruning. This demonstration covers basic pruning techniques with several methods of propagation, and shows techniques to easily combine them. Get many tips to improve your success.
Shear Madness
This presentation shows proper techniques, tools and timing for pruning to promote healthy tree and shrub growth in the home landscape.
2 for 1: Propagating While Pruning
Have more of the plants you love by combining propagation with pruning. This demonstration covers basic pruning techniques with several methods of propagation, and shows techniques to easily combine them. Get many tips to improve your success.
Shade Gardening
Ferns
Not just to hang on your front porch any more.
Hostas
Hosta Hit Parade--American Hosta Society's top 10 plants. Culture and nurture of hosta, comparing Greenville's climate to their ancestral climate.
Not Your Mother's Shade Garden
Focuses on the less common plants that can be used in shade.
Shade Gardening
The garden we will all eventually have--a shady one. Advantages of shade, types of shade, reducing or increasing shade, and some plants best suited to shade.
Ferns
Not just to hang on your front porch any more.
Hostas
Hosta Hit Parade--American Hosta Society's top 10 plants. Culture and nurture of hosta, comparing Greenville's climate to their ancestral climate.
Not Your Mother's Shade Garden
Focuses on the less common plants that can be used in shade.
Shade Gardening
The garden we will all eventually have--a shady one. Advantages of shade, types of shade, reducing or increasing shade, and some plants best suited to shade.
Soil
Improving Southern Soils
Southern soils' poor reputation is partially unwarranted. Typically highly fertile, they can be improved tremendously by using some easy and affordable strategies that will heighten the high clay content and make the nutrients available to plants.
Soil Health
Improving southern soils through the use of mulch and compost.
Soil / Soil Testing
History, components and properties of soil in this area and how to improve its fertility; simple soil tests for overall health, percolation and composition; the Clemson soil test: how to take, interpret and act on the results.
Soils 101
General information about soils, including testing benefits and procedures.
Improving Southern Soils
Southern soils' poor reputation is partially unwarranted. Typically highly fertile, they can be improved tremendously by using some easy and affordable strategies that will heighten the high clay content and make the nutrients available to plants.
Soil Health
Improving southern soils through the use of mulch and compost.
Soil / Soil Testing
History, components and properties of soil in this area and how to improve its fertility; simple soil tests for overall health, percolation and composition; the Clemson soil test: how to take, interpret and act on the results.
Soils 101
General information about soils, including testing benefits and procedures.
Specialty Gardens
Carolina Fence Garden
The Carolina Fence garden incorporates basic natural and cultural elements, which have been designated as symbols of our state. It is a landscape component that can be adapted to a variety of settings. Learn how to design your own Carolina Fence garden to showcase specimen and native plants.
Garden Color All Year Long
How to have interest in your garden 12 months a year.
Greenhouse Gardening
Learn about the various types of greenhouses, starting seeds in late winter to be ready for spring planting, how to grow tropical plants and citrus in the greenhouse, and more.
The Joys of Winter Gardens
Ways to enjoy the fourth season. Pleasures found in the winter garden--structure, bark, and the plants which bloom during this season.
Native Plants and Pollinators (New in 2020!)
The Why, What and Where of South Carolina Native Plants. Learn how Native Plants interact and protect our southern pollinators.
The Twilight Garden
History of the Twilight Garden; emphasis on the five senses; selection of appropriate site and planning; hardscapes, lighting, embellishments; designing of garden space and plant selection.
Theme Gardens
General overview of the requirements for a theme garden. Examples, such as: colors, children's garden, college garden. Being creative and personal.
Carolina Fence Garden
The Carolina Fence garden incorporates basic natural and cultural elements, which have been designated as symbols of our state. It is a landscape component that can be adapted to a variety of settings. Learn how to design your own Carolina Fence garden to showcase specimen and native plants.
Garden Color All Year Long
How to have interest in your garden 12 months a year.
Greenhouse Gardening
Learn about the various types of greenhouses, starting seeds in late winter to be ready for spring planting, how to grow tropical plants and citrus in the greenhouse, and more.
The Joys of Winter Gardens
Ways to enjoy the fourth season. Pleasures found in the winter garden--structure, bark, and the plants which bloom during this season.
Native Plants and Pollinators (New in 2020!)
The Why, What and Where of South Carolina Native Plants. Learn how Native Plants interact and protect our southern pollinators.
The Twilight Garden
History of the Twilight Garden; emphasis on the five senses; selection of appropriate site and planning; hardscapes, lighting, embellishments; designing of garden space and plant selection.
Theme Gardens
General overview of the requirements for a theme garden. Examples, such as: colors, children's garden, college garden. Being creative and personal.
Sustainability
Everyday is Earth Day : Sustainable Gardening and Living Tips (New for 2020!)
Give a gift to our gardens and our planet! Learn sustainable gardening and living principles to do now to become good stewards of the environment.
Everyday is Earth Day : Sustainable Gardening and Living Tips (New for 2020!)
Give a gift to our gardens and our planet! Learn sustainable gardening and living principles to do now to become good stewards of the environment.
Vines and Groundcover
Clematis
Gardening upwards--vines to make your garden grow vertically. Nurturing clematis and keeping their pruning needs straight.
Ground Covers
History, definition/types; why, where and how to successfully use for both function and to add beauty; selecting appropriate plants, site preparation, spacing/patterning, planting, mulching, and maintaining.
Clematis
Gardening upwards--vines to make your garden grow vertically. Nurturing clematis and keeping their pruning needs straight.
Ground Covers
History, definition/types; why, where and how to successfully use for both function and to add beauty; selecting appropriate plants, site preparation, spacing/patterning, planting, mulching, and maintaining.
Water-Wise Gardening
Gardening, Growing, (and Surviving) in the Heat of Summer
There are plants we can grow that will do fine with only water from Mother Nature. Join the discussion of what to plant--and how to plant--to best use our water supply. It is possible to have plants thrive year 'round without supplemental irrigation.
Residential Rain Gardens: What, Why, and How
This presentation will define rain gardens, illustrate their importance, explain their construction, as well as list and display some plants appropriate for a sunny rain garden.
Water Conservation / Rain Barrels
Ways to conserve water and how to build a rain barrel. A YouTube from the DNR and a YouTube on rain barrel construction are included.
Gardening, Growing, (and Surviving) in the Heat of Summer
There are plants we can grow that will do fine with only water from Mother Nature. Join the discussion of what to plant--and how to plant--to best use our water supply. It is possible to have plants thrive year 'round without supplemental irrigation.
Residential Rain Gardens: What, Why, and How
This presentation will define rain gardens, illustrate their importance, explain their construction, as well as list and display some plants appropriate for a sunny rain garden.
Water Conservation / Rain Barrels
Ways to conserve water and how to build a rain barrel. A YouTube from the DNR and a YouTube on rain barrel construction are included.
Weeds
Invasive Species in SC landscapes.
A discussion of some well know plant pests and their threat level such as Kudzu; but also details some more familiar nursery crops that are on certain invasive species listings in SC. The material will coincide with some of the plant species that are invasive as listed in the” Exotic Invasive Plant Species of SC” booklet produced by Clemson University and the SC Exotic Pest Plant Council.
Weed I.D. & Management
Discover how to identify weeds, how they spread, how they are managed, can they be managed? We explore the seasons, the leaves, the flowers and the roots. We also review methods of control. A quick review with information to take home.
What is an Invasive Species?
An invasive species is a species that is not native to a specific location, and that has a tendency to spread to a degree believed to cause damage to the environment, human economy or human health. We will discuss common invasive species such as kudzu and others common to the SC landscape and strategies to control and manage these plantings.
Invasive Species in SC landscapes.
A discussion of some well know plant pests and their threat level such as Kudzu; but also details some more familiar nursery crops that are on certain invasive species listings in SC. The material will coincide with some of the plant species that are invasive as listed in the” Exotic Invasive Plant Species of SC” booklet produced by Clemson University and the SC Exotic Pest Plant Council.
Weed I.D. & Management
Discover how to identify weeds, how they spread, how they are managed, can they be managed? We explore the seasons, the leaves, the flowers and the roots. We also review methods of control. A quick review with information to take home.
What is an Invasive Species?
An invasive species is a species that is not native to a specific location, and that has a tendency to spread to a degree believed to cause damage to the environment, human economy or human health. We will discuss common invasive species such as kudzu and others common to the SC landscape and strategies to control and manage these plantings.
Wildlife
Creating a Backyard Wildlife Habitat
How to provide wildlife with the four basic needs: water, food, shelter, and a place to raise their young; seasonal efforts to attract wildlife in spring, summer, fall and winter; designing a simple backyard Wildlife Habitat from augmenting existing landscape to starting from scratch.
Creating a Backyard Wildlife Habitat
How to provide wildlife with the four basic needs: water, food, shelter, and a place to raise their young; seasonal efforts to attract wildlife in spring, summer, fall and winter; designing a simple backyard Wildlife Habitat from augmenting existing landscape to starting from scratch.