2026 Fall Classes (all classes at nursery unless noted otherwise): 

Register at https://roguevalleynursery.com/classes/

 Sept. 19th, 10-noon- Deer Resistant Plants with Christie at OSU Extension—One of the most common challenges of gardening in the Rogue Valley is the plentiful deer population. For the past 21 years, Shooting Star Nursery has gained expertise working with customers throughout the region, as well as designing landscapes that incorporate deer resistant plants and utilize gardening strategies t0 help those plants survive and thrive. Join Christie Mackison, owner of Shooting Star Nursery and landscape designer, as she shares her extensive knowledge of how to successfully create beautiful gardens in our deer friendly valley.
Registration for class: $15 per person, register on OSU website: https://extension.oregonstate.edu/mg/jackson/events/deer-resistant-plants

Sept. 19th– 10-11:30am, New Wave Perennial Inspo with Bonni at the nursery—Here at Shooting Star we love our perennials, so of course we are smitten with this popular Dutch style that has taken the gardening world by storm~ embracing a more naturalistic approach and honoring the beauty of perennials and grasses in every season. Come learn about some of the fab new plants we are growing this year, including many North American natives and cultivars, perfect for this wild, meadowy look. We have options for a range of sun, soil and moisture conditions, that will not only provide beauty, texture, diversity and seasonality, but will also bring pollinators flocking to your yard.   Bonni will share some useful vignettes and mixes to inspire you in creating your own New Wave plantings!
Registration for class: $15 per person, limited to 20 registrations, 15% discount to class participants on day of class

Sept. 26th, 10-11:30am, Late Season Pollinator Plants with Bonni—When it comes to creating habitat to support pollinators and other beneficial wildlife, natives are of prime importance, but where to begin?  The Rogue Valley has special considerations to account for and so there are a range of ‘natives’ that work here.  We have an abundance of microclimates, soil types and critter challenges that can limit the options, and in general we share more in common with our northern California neighbors than the true ‘Pacific Northwest’.  Come learn about all the incredible selections we carry, including many new species and in particular late bloomers (both native and not), and how to choose what will work best and provide maximum benefit in your garden. Our rock/demonstration garden will be a great place to check out some examples in full effect! Registration for class: $15 per person, limited to 20 registrations, 15% discount to class participants on day of class

October 3rd, 10-11:30am , Fall color with Christie—We’ll take you on a tour of some of our favorite choices for dramatic fall color and durability in this changing climate. And we aren’t just limited to trees and shrubs! Christie will show off the copious options we have for gorgeous fall-blooming perennials and their ideal ornamental grass counterparts, to really help you ramp up late season interest in your garden. Fall is the best time to plant, especially trees, but really most plants in general appreciate getting established over the cooler months, and will reward you with a stronger performance come next summer.
Registration for class: $15 per person, limited to 20 registrations, 15% discount to class participants on day of class

Oct.17th-10-11:30 am-  Small Space Solutions with Bonni—Many landscapes today lack the square footage of old time gardens, but we still want the charm and beauty they embody. And who wants to be constantly keeping larger plants in check with laborious size reducing pruning? There is more need than ever for smaller growing shrubs and trees, and it seems the plant/nursery industry is heeding that call. Bonni will share her faves for smaller spaces- from columnar and dwarf trees, to compact versions of familiar plants, as well as some exciting new selections!  It’s all about choosing wisely – right plant for the right place!
Registration for class: $15 per person, limited to 20 registrations, 15% discount to class participants on day of class

Oct. 17th-11:00-12:30,  Let’s make a Gravel Garden with Christie—Inspired by so many amazing gardens and methods pioneered in Mediterranean climates, we are ready to plant a new drought tolerant gravel garden! Christie will show you the process, from design and plant selection through bed preparation and a sample planting.    The plants highlighted will all be very drought tolerant and mostly lower growing. This approach utilizes a super fast draining and low nutrient soil mix with a gravel mulch that helps these xeric plants take advantage of fall and winter weather without getting waterlogged or rotting in our typical freeze/thaw cycle. The resulting well established roots are ready to support spring and summer growth with more resilience and less irrigation needs. This concept is also perfect for a fire-wise application.
Registration for class: $15 per person, limited to 20 registrations, 15% discount to class participants on day of class