with Najat Nicola, Diablo Women’s Club

Any container that holds water can become a vessel to hold your flowers. More often than not we gravitate to our favorite containers to use over and over, but the fact is, some of our collectibles look better with flowers in them. Let us get out these quirky objects and rustic heirlooms and give them a new life. The first class will be a demonstration by the teacher. Students will work on their arrangements in the next three classes and must provide their own materials.

Dates: (4 Fridays): February 3, 10, 17, 24
Time: 9:30 a.m. to Noon
Cost: $65 GHF members/$75 non-members
Materials fee: $15 (for flowers in 1st class)

with Gail Durkin, physical therapist and Master Gardener ‘06

Learn how to use and support your body as you garden. Gail will share exercises and techniques to prevent injury to the spine, arms and legs in a variety of gardening postures while staying in proper alignment. A physical therapist for more than 40 years, Gail leads workshops and classes on preventing injuries while safeguarding the body in daily life and in the garden.

Date: Saturday, February 4
Time: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Cost: $20 GHF members/$25 non-members

With Master Gardener and pruner Carla Preisler & GHF Garden Manager Patrice Hanlon

Learn about winter pruning techniques and the cultural practices used at GHF that encourage beautiful, profusely flowering and healthy plants. Includes discussion of the proper tools for the task, the importance of creating healthy soils, using organic amendments, and the role that insects play in the health of the garden. Spend part of the morning in the garden with Carla & Patrice demonstrating pruning techniques of shrubs, perennials and trees, after a discussion of why, when and what we prune.

Date: Saturday, February 11
Time: 9 a.m. to Noon
Cost: $20 GHF members/$25 non-members

with Darien Eckberg, principal and owner, Darien Eckberg Designs

Create unique plant containers to enhance your balcony or patio using hypertufa, a lightweight material composed of Portland cement and horticultural additives that yield the look of stone or granite without the heft. In a workshop taught by local landscape designer Darien Eckberg, students will explore different hypertufa recipes. Dress to get dirty, bring a pair of latex or plastic gloves and your sense of fun! The instructor will provide all other materials.

Dates (2 separate sessions): Saturday, February 25 & Saturday, March 24
Time: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Cost: $75 GHF members/ $85 non-members

Session 1

Session 2

With Grant Marcoux, Blacksmith, owner Pilgrim Soul Forge

Gardening is manual labor and can be very demanding! Knowing how to use and care for tools will reduce the amount of wear and tear on your body. Buy a quality tool, care for it and it will last a lifetime or more. A sharp, well-maintained tool will be easier to use, produce less fatigue and be safer. Dull, poorly maintained tools injure more people than well maintained tools do.

Date: Saturday, March 10
Time: 10 a.m. to Noon
Cost: $20 GHF members/$25 non-members

with Patrice Hanlon, GHF Garden Manager, Susan Handjian, Garden Consultant/Coach

Learn about the Diablo Valley’s unique bioregion. Develop crucial knowledge about climate-appropriate plants for your home and garden as well as key facts about the soil, climate, watersheds, history and wildlife biodiversity of the region that help you create and maintain a beautiful landscape.

• Interactive mapping of local watersheds and microclimates for optimal growth cycles and minimal yard maintenance
• Intensive discussion of how to create healthy soil & hands-on activities for testing garden soil
• Exploration of best plant selection for your area
• Tour of Walnut Creek’s new Creek Walk Garden
• Guidance for distinguishing your garden as a certified Wildlife Habitat to help Walnut Creek become a Certified Wildlife City
• Win a free one hour garden consultation with Patrice and Susan

Date: Saturday, March 17
Time: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Cost: FREE ($20 registration fee refunded at class)

EARLY REGISTRATION for Walnut Creek Residents ends February 17; open registration is February 17 - March 10

FREE WORKSHOP SPONSORED BY THE CITY OF WALNUT CREEK’S CLEAN WATER PROGRAM AND THE GARDENS AT HEATHER FARM.

with Christine Finch, Bay-Friendly Landscape Professional & co-author of EBMUD’s Plants and Landscapes for Summer-Dry Climates

Learn how roots provide for and partner with the Soil Food Web to create healthy soil and a thriving garden; what you can do to support and promote the Soil Food Web to build a deep harmony into your landscape. Compost and compost tea, mulching and top dressin techniques will be explained. Learn all you need to know to employ the Soil Food Web ‘army’ to transform your clay soil into rich beautiful topsoil.

Date: Saturday, March 31
Time: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Cost: $20 GHF members/$25 non-members