All classes begin at 10am and are located at the nursery unless indicated otherwise, space is limited so please be sure to register.
During classes there will also be a sandbox, treasure hunt, and some kid friendly activities (children are still under parents supervision) as well as hot coffee and refreshments.
*denotes kid friendly class, bring your age appropriate child for no charge
*Feb 28th – Beginners Guide to Pruning, Planting, & Training Fruit Trees – Just bought that bare root fruit tree and don’t know what to do next? Our experts will teach you how to prune that young tree and get it started correctly. Learn the best methods for planting your fruit trees as well as options for maximizing yields in smaller spaces, including espaliering or growing more than one tree in a hole. This class is best for gardeners starting out with new fruit trees. Fresh coffee will be on hand to keep you warm for this outside demo. Landscapers- this class qualifies for 2 hours of CEH credit. Registration fee-$10, limited to 20 people.
*March 7th – Pruning Older Fruit Trees – We had such a good response to last year’s fruit tree class that we thought we’d divide into two groups; this class will cover how to prune and restore more established, older fruit trees. Fruit trees require annual pruning for optimal health and productivity, you can even prune up to three times a year to control size and fruit set. Come see pruning demonstrations on existing fruit trees and learn how to tackle those daunting larger specimens, ensuring continued vigor and proper training. Fresh coffee will be on hand to keep you warm for this outside demo. Landscapers- this class qualifies for 2 hours of CEH credit. Registration fee-$10, limited to 20 people.
March 7th 6:00 pm- KMED Plant Nerd Night– we will be one of the presenters at the 1st Annual Plant Nerd Night at Bigham Knoll Campus Gym in Jacksonville. This sounds like a really fun event full of plant shopping, plant presentations by local growers, door prizes and music by our host, The Rogue Gardener- Stan Mapolski. Tickets are $5 at the door. This event is in Jacksonville, not at the nursery.
March 11th, 6- 7:30 pm – Hell Strips and Drought Tolerant Plants – Learn about plants that can take the heat and need less water, especially for that little strip between your sidewalk and the street . There are countless species and varieties with a range of bloom times, shapes and sizes so your garden will never look dull. We will show you how best to care for them and prep the soil. Landscapers- this class qualifies for 2 hours of CEH credit. Registration fee-$17, Please note, this class is at the North Mountain Nature Park in Ashland, please register through the Ashland Parks and Rec. http://www.ashland.or.us/sectionindex.asp?sectionID=426
*March 14th – Berries for Kids and Families – Want to get your kids in the dirt and into gardening with you? Berries are the gateway. Come learn about the great selection of perennial fruits you can grow in your yard- big or small. Explore how to make the most of what the Rogue Valley has to offer- strawberries, blueberries, currants, hardy kiwis, grapes, gojis, blackberries, raspberries, honeyberries, and more. Bring the kids and get them excited about harvesting in their own berry patch. Registration fee-$15, Take home a potted fruit of your choice. Kids free with adult registration.
*March 20thth – Friday, all day, open late until 6pm – Our 10 Year Anniversary and the First Day of Spring!- Somehow we have been in the Rogue Valley for 10 years and quietly taking over more and more of the property with hundreds of plant and tree varieties. Come celebrate our anniversary and the arrival of spring with us! We will have lots of new plants to show you with refreshments throughout the day and into early evening.
March 28th – New to the Valley? New to Gardening? – We get a lot of new transplants to the Rogue Valley stumped on what can grow here and where to start with their landscapes. We will cover our special Southern Oregon climate and what plant choices you do have for successful gardening – including deer resistant and drought tolerant options. If the weather cooperates we will do a planting demonstration in our new display garden. You can even stay for the work party, helping us get this garden planted while receiving some hands on experience in proper planting techniques. Free registration for work party attendees. Landscapers- this class qualifies for 2 hours of CEH credit. Registration fee- $10, free if you stay for the work party.
April 4th– Best Irrigation Practices for the Rogue Valley– taught by Dave Searcy. Description to come…
*April 11th – Native Plants for the Rogue Valley – Native plants are great choices if you are trying to make your garden more water wise and wildlife friendly. Although they can be difficult to navigate, we can help you decipher where each species will thrive, including what does well on the valley floor and in more exposed, hot and sunny locations. Our native expert, Eric Hagerman, will show you the diverse offerings of our native shrubs, perennials, grasses, and trees. For the best results, get them established before the summer heat! Landscapers- this class qualifies for 2 hours of CEH credit. Registration fee-$10.
*April 18th – How to Create a Beautiful Potted Arrangement – Tired of replacing annuals every year? Let us show you how to plant a container for all season interest using compact, evergreen shrubs, perennials, and grasses. It’s easy, beautiful, and a great way to reuse, recycle, and reduce! When the plants outgrow their container simply find a spot for them in your garden. Registration fee-$10, bring your own pots and supplies or we will have many on hand for purchase. Potting soil is included in class fee. Kids are free with adult registration.
April 25th – Alternative Lawns –Ready to rip out your lawn and plant something that takes less input and resources? We will show you some lawn alternatives that are drought tolerant and low maintenance. Or make a complete departure from the monoculture lawn by planting a rich tapestry of groundcovers, adding visual excitement and variation to your landscape. We will talk about some local examples of lawn replacement schemes such as Mtn. Meadows in Ashland. We also have information about the City of Ashland’s Lawn Replacement Incentive Program. Landscapers- this class qualifies for 2 hours of CEH credit. Registration fee-$10.
May 2nd and 3rd – Master Gardener Spring Fair at the Expo Center – come see us at the fair! We will have many unusual plants, edibles, and potted arrangements that you may not have seen at the nursery.
*May 9th – Mothers Day Kids Class – Bring the kids and have them decorate a pot for Mom! Then they can pick out a plant to make it even more special. Lemonade, treats, and our entertaining sandbox will add to the festivities. Registration fee-$10 per kid, includes 4” plant and pot. Adults are free but must be accompanied by a kid.
*May 16th – New This Season! – Shooting Star Nursery specializes in drought tolerant and deer- resistant plants that thrive in the myriad of microclimates that is the Rogue Valley. Come discover exciting new varieties of perennials, grasses and shrubs with a personal tour led by our head grower, Erik Peterson. We have more plants than ever, many of which are grown on site, acclimated to our specific climate and far from ordinary! Landscapers- this class qualifies for 2 hours of CEH credit. Registration fee-$10.
June 6th – The Birds and the Bees: Attracting Pollinators to Your Garden – Flowers rich in pollen and nectar and their resulting seed-heads are important sources of food that must be present year round to sustain a healthy population of pollinators. Come learn about what specific perennials, grasses, shrubs, and even trees our flying friends adore to keep your garden buzzing with activity throughout the seasons. Plus we will have several forms of Milkweed available to insure those Monarch butterflies will be visiting your yard. Landscapers- this class qualifies for 2 hours of CEH credit. Registration fee- $10, kids free with adult.