Keeping That Tree Alive and Thriving!
Alex Johnson, urban forestry manager, city of Durham, NC

Just how does a tree work? How can I purchase a healthy tree and transplant it successfully? As a self-proclaimed “tree geek,” Alex brings a wealth of knowledge, experience and enthusiasm to this program. Learn the fascinating strategies that trees employ to grow and survive and how to select a tree and nurture it through establishment.
Thursday, Feb. 4, 6:30-8 pm.
Location: Doris Duke Center
Fee: Gardens members $8; General public $10
To register call 919-668-1707

Walk on the Wild Side
Stefan Bloodworth, curator, or Annabel Renwick, horticulturist, Blomquist Garden of Native Plants, Duke Gardens

Explore wild North Carolina in these seasonal walks through the Blomquist Garden of Native Plants on the first Thursday of every month.
1st Thursdays, Feb. 4, March 3, April 7, May 5, June 2, July 7, Aug. 4, 11 am-noon
Location: Meet at the Blomquist Garden entrance.
Participant limit: 15
Fee: Gardens members $5; General public $7
Pre-registration required. Parking fees apply.
To register call 919-668-1707

Mushroom Logs
Andy Currin, avid vegetable gardener and Duke University campus horticulturist

Enjoy fresh shitake mushrooms grown in your own garden! Each participant will be supplied with a 12” section of log, pre-drilled and ready to “plant” with mushrooms. Andy will take you through the process of seeding the log, sealing it with wax, and then maintaining it for the six months it will take to grow your first crop of mushrooms. Each log should produce mushrooms for several years.
Section a: Saturday, Feb. 6, 10 am-noon
Section b: Saturday, Feb. 6, 1-3 pm
Location: Doris Duke Center
Participant limit: 15
Fee: Gardens members $30; General public $35
To register call 919-668-1707

Basic Botany and Plant Growth
Alec Motten, associate professor, Duke University Department of Biology

How does a plant grow? How does it manage water and nutrients? What factors influence the production of flowers and fruits? This course will explore these questions and more using a combination of lecture and hands-on approaches. Previous participants have commented that Alec’s enthusiasm and skillful instruction make the topic come alive.
4 Tuesdays, Feb. 16-March 8, 6-9 pm
Participant limit: 15
Fee: Gardens members $110; General public $130
Qualifies for credit in the Home Horticulture Certificate required course.
To register call 919-668-1707

Landscape Plants for North Carolina Gardens
Jan Little, director of education and public programs, Duke Gardens

Expand your palette of plants with information from this class. Each season this class covers another group of approximately 75 plants suitable for North Carolina gardens. You will learn identification skills and design use, and understand the culture of each plant. Class time is primarily outdoors and each student receives a portfolio of photos showing the plants studied that season.
Winter: 3 Tuesdays, Feb. 23-March 8, 3-5:30 pm
Spring: 4 Wednesdays, March 16-30 and April 6, 4-6 pm
Summer: 4 Wednesdays, May 11-25 & June 1, 4-6 pm
Location: Doris Duke Center
Participant limit: 15
Fee per session: Gardens members $90; General public $110
Qualifies for Home Horticulture Certificate required course
Qualifies for Nature Photography certificate optional course.
To register call 919-668-1707

Wayfaring Insects: Invasive Pests in Our Back Yards
Katie Rose Levin, project coordinator, Grounds Department, Duke University

More and more we hear about insects that are munching their way through our trees. The tree leaves, bark and trunk – all are attractive to the Emerald Ash Borer or spring and fall cankerworms. Katie will walk you through the life stages of these pests, describe when our trees are most vulnerable and outline the means to control pests through a variety of methods.
Thursday, Feb. 25, 6:30-8 pm
Location: Doris Duke Center
http://www.hamsterforpresident.com/NOTICES/notice62_PunxsutawneyPhil.jpgFee: Gardens members $8; General public $10
To register call 919-668-1707