01 NEW! The Basics of Butterfly Gardening

9:00 AM - 10:15 AM

Presenter: Jane Hurwitz

Description:

Learn how to choose and cultivate plants that will attract a range of butterflies to your garden and help sustain all the stages of their life cycles. Many creative ideas on how to make your yard and garden an oasis for butterflies and other creatures will be covered.

Location: Hickman Hall, -, HICKMAN - Room 101

02 An Overview of Hydroponic Basics for the Homeowner

9:00 AM - 10:15 AM

Presenter: David Specca

Description:

The basics of hydroponic plant growth will be covered at a beginner level. Topics including types of hydroponics, common crops, and basic fertilizer requirements will be explored. We will also discuss homemade hydroponic systems and kits that are commercially available for the home gardener.

Location: Hickman Hall, -, HICKMAN - Room 202

03 Easy Drip Irrigation for Your Garden

9:00 AM - 10:15 AM

Presenter: Robert Dobson

Description:

Drip irrigation is the most efficient way to water a garden and easy to install. Learn the basics to grow a bumper crop and conserve water at the same time.

Location: Hickman Hall, -, HICKMAN - Room 211

04 NEW! Starting a Small Farm, One Step at a Time

9:00 AM - 10:15 AM

Presenter: William Hlubik

Description:

Participants will learn the basics of transitioning their passion for gardening into a productive small scale micro-farm operation, one step at a time.

Location: Hickman Hall, -, HICKMAN - Room 214

05 NEW! A Look at the Wonderful World of Bulbs

9:00 AM - 10:15 AM

Presenter: Bruce Neary

Description:

Bulbs can begin flowering as early as February and last until October. We will discuss the various types and use of spring, summer and fall flowering bulbs. Topics include implementing bulbs into existing landscapes, and when and how to plant them.

Location: Loree Building, -, LOREE - Room 020

06 NEW! Small and Large Trees for Your Garden

9:00 AM - 10:15 AM

Presenter: Bruce Crawford

Description:

Most people reduce their list of small trees to Dogwoods and shade trees to Maples without giving the topic any further thought. Fortunately, the palette of trees or even large shrubs that can be ‘limbed-up’ to serve as a tree is immense. Bruce will discuss the various plant options available within this palette that will extend your garden’s season of interest well beyond spring, as well as some fun thoughts on how to design and incorporate these plants in your garden!

Location: Hickman Hall, -, HICKMAN - Room 138

07 Composting and Good Soils: A Gardener's Best Tools

9:00 AM - 10:15 AM

Presenter: Virginia Lamb

Description:

When gardeners pay attention to the health of their soil, gardening becomes much easier! Learn the soil health basics, as well as composting tips and how to's, that will help you create your best garden soil and your best garden with the least effort.

Location: Loree Building, -, LOREE - Room 022

08 Introduction to Plant Identification

9:00 AM - 10:15 AM

Presenter: Ted Szczawinski

Description:

This class will focus on the techniques used to identify woody plants, trees, and shrubs. Ted will teach you how to unlock clues found in the bark, the fruit, the leaves, the flowers, and more.

Location: Hickman Hall, -, HICKMAN - Room 205

09 NEW! Walkways, Pathways, and Stairways: Our Portals into the Garden

9:00 AM - 10:15 AM

Presenter: Derron Dover

Description:

In this workshop, we will discuss different types of entries into the garden and home. We will also discuss proper construction and methods for making each one unique in its own right.

Location: Hickman Hall, -, HICKMAN - Room 201

10 Introduction to Honey Bees and Beekeeping

9:00 AM - 10:15 AM

Presenter: Michael Haberland

Description:

Learn the basic knowledge and techniques used in beekeeping today! The biology of the honey bee and the craft of beekeeping will be examined by exploring honey bee anatomy, physiology, colony social structure and language, and products of the hive. Students will be introduced to the basic tools and knowledge to keep bees responsibly and productively. Management and current topics in beekeeping will be discussed.

Location: Hickman Hall, -, HICKMAN - Room 131

11 Pondless Water Features

10:30 AM - 11:45 AM

Presenter: Robert Belleck

Description:

This class will cover pondless water features and water accents for your landscape, as well as installation do’s and don’ts.

Location: Hickman Hall, -, HICKMAN - Room 202

12 NEW! What Makes a Landscape Beautiful?

10:30 AM - 11:45 AM

Presenter: Kirsten Soriano

Description:

There are many factors that go into creating a successful landscape. Environment, location, and wildlife, to name a few. In this workshop, we will critique a variety of beautiful landscapes in the Jersey Shore area. We will discuss choosing the right plant material, plant combinations, maintenance, and seasonal flowers. This class will be a fun visual garden tour guaranteed to inspire your landscape creativity.

Location: Hickman Hall, -, HICKMAN - Room 138

13 NEW! Planting for Honey Bees-Seasonal Planting

10:30 AM - 11:45 AM

Presenter: John Zingis

Description:

Seasonal planting for pollinators is a key element in providing a source of food for pollinators year round. Understanding the planting landscape and selection of indigenous plant species is an important element of successful gardens. Learn the basics and receive reference guides to have your own year round pollinator garden.

Location: Hickman Hall, -, HICKMAN - Room 214

14 NEW! Growing the Perfect NJ Tomatoes and Peppers Organically

10:30 AM - 11:45 AM

Presenter: William Hlubik

Description:

Participants will learn how to grow the very best tasting organic tomatoes and peppers in their garden by improving soils, selecting top performing varieties, and utilizing sound horticultural techniques.

Location: Hickman Hall, -, HICKMAN - Room 101

15 NEW! Jam'in Basics

10:30 AM - 11:45 AM

Presenter: Daryl Minch

Description:

Sweet or savory, jams taste yummy! Learn the basics of making jam, jelly, and other spreads for shelf storage (canned) or the freezer. We’ll discuss ingredients, equipment, and techniques and learn about low sugar options.

Location: Hickman Hall, -, HICKMAN - Room 216

16 NEW! Garden Accessories, Alias Garden Bling

10:30 AM - 11:45 AM

Presenter: Bruce Crawford

Description:

Gardens are always fun and enjoyable, but like clothing, they can look a little better with accessories – some garden bling so to speak! These accessories can be simple, such as a container, or as complicated as artwork or fountains. Also, just as with clothing, too much garden accessorizing is not a good idea. This program will go through some thoughts on the many different types of garden accessories and how they can be tastefully incorporated into the garden.

Location: Hickman Hall, -, HICKMAN - Room 211

17 Tips for Early and Late Season Vegetable Gardening

10:30 AM - 11:45 AM

Presenter: Virginia Lamb

Description:

Learn how to take advantage of the benefits of spring and fall gardening. Topics include site selection, bed preparation, plant selection, season extenders, crop rotation, soil health, and cover cropping.

Location: Loree Building, -, LOREE - Room 022

18 Best Management Practices for Pruning

10:30 AM - 11:45 AM

Presenter: Ted Szczawinski

Description:

Believe it or not, proper pruning techniques will keep your plants healthier and happier as well as extend their life cycle. A healthier plant is better equipped to resist disease and stress damage. This is one workshop that you don’t want to ‘cut!’

Location: Hickman Hall, -, HICKMAN - Room 205

19 Revised! Landscaping for Winter Interest

10:30 AM - 11:45 AM

Presenter: Derron Dover

Description:

This fun and informative workshop touches on some cool plants that can bring excitement to an otherwise dreary winter. We will discuss foliage, bark, fruit, and flowers. Yes, flowers in the winter!

Location: Hickman Hall, -, HICKMAN - Room 201

20 NEW! Vegetables That Take Root

10:30 AM - 11:45 AM

Presenter: Angela Monaghan

Description:

Learn best practices for growing underground vegetable crops such as potatoes, carrots, beets, sweet potatoes, ginger, and more!

Location: Loree Building, -, LOREE - Room 020

21 NEW! Hands-On: Potted Plant Creations

1:15 PM - 2:30 PM

Presenter: Jenny O'Connor

Description:

You will compose and create your own potted plant arrangement in this newly offered hands-on workshop. Jenny will provide you with tips for choosing the proper containers, types of soil, and plant combinations. She will show you how to construct an arrangement that is both visually appealing and long lasting. (Additional fee of $45 - 25 person limit)

Location: Hickman Hall, -, HICKMAN - Room 119

22 Easy Breezy Succulents

1:15 PM - 2:30 PM

Presenter: Kirsten Soriano

Description:

Looking for something new and fun to add to your gardening palette? Succulents make great landscaping features, container gardens, and house plants. Topics will include indoor and outdoor plant care, design ideas, and a how-to on propagating new plants in your home!

Location: Hickman Hall, -, HICKMAN - Room 211

23 NEW! Assessing Your Garden for PH and Nutrient Needs

1:15 PM - 2:30 PM

Presenter: John Zingis

Description:

This workshop will provide an overview for soil sampling techniques, using soil testing kits, and introduce Rutgers Soil Testing Laboratory.

Location: Loree Building, -, LOREE - Room 020

24 NEW! Designing the Yard of Your Dreams

1:15 PM - 2:30 PM

Presenter: Jim Welsh

Description:

This workshop will provide an overview of the yard design process, starting from the analysis of your property and the identification of how your yard can best serve your wants and needs. It then introduces basic design elements and principles and provides a review of some landscape styles to inspire you in the creation of your own landscape plan.

Location: Hickman Hall, -, HICKMAN - Room 214

25 NEW! Trellises in the Edible Garden

1:15 PM - 2:30 PM

Presenter: Amy (Program Coordinator) Cook

Description:

Do your tomatoes consistently outgrow or knock over your tomato cages? Are your raspberry canes falling into your garden path? Want to grow cucumbers but don't have enough space? If you answered yes to any of these questions, this workshop is for you. We will learn about various methods for expertly installing and managing trellises for a variety of edible crops.

Location: Hickman Hall, -, HICKMAN - Room 101

26 NEW! Garden Photo Tips

1:15 PM - 2:30 PM

Presenter: Joel Heffner

Description:

Learn how to take better pictures with the camera you always have with you...your smartphone! Techniques will be demonstrated live as well as shown on slides. In addition, you'll learn about apps that can be used to enhance your photos and techniques to preserve your garden memories.

Location: Hickman Hall, -, HICKMAN - Room 131

27 NEW! A Rose Parade: Slendor in the Garden

1:15 PM - 2:30 PM

Presenter: Greg Wolek

Description:

This workshop will take a comprehensive look at the planting, pruning, and care of roses in the landscape. Rose varieties and the uses of roses in your garden will be discussed, as well as a demonstration on proper pruning.

Location: Hickman Hall, -, HICKMAN - Room 205

28 All About Hydrageas

1:15 PM - 2:30 PM

Presenter: Steven Kristoph

Description:

Big leaf hydrangeas provide a gorgeous show of pink and blue mopheads during the summer. Their popularity has increased in recent years since the introduction of the Endless Summer series and others. This fascinating genus also contains eye catching white snowball trees, as well as lace caps and oak leafs…there is even one that climbs! This presentation will describe the differences among the major types of hydrangeas, care and culture, and their use in the home landscape.

Location: Hickman Hall, -, HICKMAN - Room 201

29 NEW! The Cook's Herb Garden

1:15 PM - 2:30 PM

Presenter: Caren White

Description:

Fresh is always best when it comes to herbs. Learn how to plan, care for, and harvest a culinary herb garden for any cuisine.

Location: Loree Building, -, LOREE - Room 022

30 NEW! Native Pollinators and the Native Plants That Feed Them

1:15 PM - 2:30 PM

Presenter: Kim Eierman

Description:

Our native pollinators include many different species of bees, beetles, butterflies, moths, birds, flies, and even wasps. These different species of pollinators are attracted to and can utilize different native plants. A successful pollinator garden must feed all of them. Explore our native pollinators and the native plants that feed them.

Location: Hickman Hall, -, HICKMAN - Room 138

31 HANDS-ON: Fresh Flower Arranging

2:45 PM - 4:00 PM

Presenter: Anthony Baradhi

Description:

Learn how to make flower arrangements and decorate your home with fresh flowers. Basic techniques for flower arranging will be demonstrated. You will take home the beautiful arrangement that you make in class. Please bring floral clippers (and gloves if you prefer) to class with you. (Add’l fee, $45pp - 25 person limit.)

Location: Hickman Hall, -, HICKMAN - Room 119

32 Revised! The Grass is Always Greener

2:45 PM - 4:00 PM

Presenter: Pedro Perdomo

Description:

This class is a must for turfgrass (lawn care) enthusiasts. Learn the basic management practices used to prepare and maintain a healthy lawn all spring and summer long. Topics to be covered will include fertilization, dethatching, seed selection, and more.

Location: Hickman Hall, -, HICKMAN - Room 211

33 NEW! Fertilizer and Pesticide Calibration Demystified

2:45 PM - 4:00 PM

Presenter: Joseph Clark

Description:

This talk will cover label interpretation and simplified math formulas so applicators can do safe and effective applications. During the label section, we will discuss signal words, PPE selection, REI (reentry interval), application rates, and how to implement the information. The math part of the talk will cover the basic math formulas needed to calibrate sprayers and spreaders so that applications can be completed according to the label. There will be outdoor demonstrations on equipment calibration techniques (weather permitting).

Location: Hickman Hall, -, HICKMAN - Room 131

34 NEW! Deer Control Methods and Deer Resistant Plants of the Past and Present

2:45 PM - 4:00 PM

Presenter: Chris Markham

Description:

As the local deer population has exploded over the past 30 years, gardeners have continued to battle to keep their landscapes and gardens protected from these hungry herbivores. As their numbers have grown, some of the old methods to protect the plantings have become ineffective, and many of the once known "deer resistant plants" have become much more palatable to the deer. This presentation will focus on some of the plants that are still currently deer resistant, as well as some of the modern methods used to protect the plants.

Location: Loree Building, -, LOREE - Room 020

35 NEW! Raised Bed Vegetable Gardens: Where, Why, and How

2:45 PM - 4:00 PM

Presenter: Amy (Program Coordinator) Cook

Description:

This workshop will walk you through the pros and cons of raised bed gardens; how to lay them out and construct them; gardening techniques specific to raised beds; and management tips for keeping them in top condition.

Location: Hickman Hall, -, HICKMAN - Room 101

36 Revised! Designing With Native Plants

2:45 PM - 4:00 PM

Presenter: Bruce Crawford

Description:

Most people think about adding native plants to the garden, but few think about how to compose an attractive garden using predominantly natives. Taking into consideration the concepts of creating outdoor spaces and the use of color and texture, Bruce will look at methods for developing attractive gardens that also support our native pollinators!

Location: Hickman Hall, -, HICKMAN - Room 138

37 NEW! A Change of Scenery on the Way to Your Front Door

2:45 PM - 4:00 PM

Presenter: Greg Wolek

Description:

Leaving behind the dull and boring as you walk through the “looking glass,” this workshop will teach you ways to enhance the entrance to your home. Texture, form, and how to integrate color with annuals and perennials will be explored.

Location: Hickman Hall, -, HICKMAN - Room 205

38 Berrymania

2:45 PM - 4:00 PM

Presenter: Steven Kristoph

Description:

Want to have delicious and nutritious fruit right from your own yard, but don't have the room for an apple, peach, or cherry tree? Why not consider the "berries?" Blueberries, strawberries, and the brambles (like blackberries and raspberries) are easy to establish, can be grown organically, and provide you with fresh fruit throughout the growing season. Most types can be successfully container grown if space is at a minimum. All aspects of culture and care will be covered in this presentation.

Location: Loree Building, -, LOREE - Room 022

39 NEW! Organic Gardening: Beneficial Soil Organisms

2:45 PM - 4:00 PM

Presenter: Kristin Lauersen

Description:

This workshop will discuss how to cultivate beneficial soil organisms to improve soil health and grow strong, healthy plants.

Location: Hickman Hall, -, HICKMAN - Room 214

40 NEW! Top 10 Garden Apps

2:45 PM - 4:00 PM

Presenter: Kenneth Karamichael

Description:

Learn about the latest gardening apps available for your computer and smartphone. From identifying plants, designing your gardens and containers, and sharing your experiences to a helpful digital care calendar, reminder alerts, or even trouble-shooting in the garden – this innovative session will demonstrate the latest tech tools for the home gardener.

Location: Hickman Hall, -, HICKMAN - Room 202