ABOUT OUR CLASSES
Our free Saturday classes begin at 10:00 AM and last for approximately one hour, unless otherwise noted. No pre-registration is required. Come early, enjoy complimentary coffee and treats, and meander through our unique hideaway. All class attendees receive a 10% plant discount on the day of the class (not valid on sale plants) and can participate in the class drawing to win a free plant!
SCHEDULE
March 13 – Mediterranean Plants with Christian Cobbs of Magic Gardens
Living in a Mediterranean climate, we have an enormous selection of plants available to us in the Bay Area. Plants from all of the Mediterranean zones thrive here. Join Christian Cobbs, Magic Gardens’ Nursery manager, for a thorough discussion of these fantastic plants.
March 27 – Grow Your Own Salad with Stefani Bittner of Magic Gardens Edible Landscaping
The best-tasting salads start with fresh lettuce right from the garden! It's easy to grow and a great way to start your garden off in Spring. Join Stefani Bittner of Magic Gardens Edible Landscaping for this fun and informative class. Topics covered include: bed/soil preparation, heat and light requirements, planting techniques, companion planting, organic pest control, fertilizing, and harvesting techniques.
April 3 – Tomatoes with Fred Hemple of Baia Nicchia
Baia Nicchia is an organic farm located in Sunol, California, specializing in gourmet vegetables and herbs that thrive in the Bay Area. A trained biologist, owner Fred Hempel and his partner Jill Shepard have a mission beyond breeding tomatoes: educating people on the best way to grow tomatoes. "If people really knew what tomatoes are supposed to taste like, they wouldn't buy them at the grocery store"
Magic Gardens will be the Berkley source for Baia Nicchia’s organic vegetable and herb starts, including their specialty tomatoes this year.
April 17 – Succulents with Christian Cobbs of Magic Gardens
Succulents are some of our favorite plants at Magic Gardens. Join Christian Cobbs, Magic Gardens Nursery manager, for a discussion on gardening with succulents. Plant varieties, growing conditions and water requirements will be discussed.
April 24 - The Summer Vegetable Garden with Stefani Bittner of Magic Gardens Edible Landscaping
Food just tastes better when it is fresh from the garden. Learn how to start your own vegetable garden with Stefani Bittner of Magic Gardens Edible Landscaping. Topics covered include: bed preparation, fertilizing, discussion of organic vegetable varieties for the home garden, climate needs, companion planting, and organic pest control.
May 8 – Herbs with Jill Sheppard Baia Nicchia
Bring your Mom and join Jill Sheppard of Baia Nicchia for a class on Herbs this Mother’s Day weekend. Baia Nicchia is an organic farm located in Sunol, California, specializing in gourmet vegetables that thrive in the Bay Area. Jill will discuss her favorite herb varieties, their growing habits and culinary uses.
May 15 – Attracting Beneficial Insects to Your Garden with Stefani Bittner of Magic Gardens Edible Landscaping
Making your garden a haven for beneficial insects is easy and fun. It is also one of the most cost effective and environmentally sound ways to prevent insect pests from getting the upper hand on your food crops and ornamentals. Learn more with Stefani Bittner of Magic Gardens Edible Landscaping on Saturday May 15.
May 22 – Bamboo with Christian Cobbs of Magic Gardens
Know your bamboo; know your space, is Christian Cobbs, Magic Gardens’ Nursery Manager, philosophy for this misunderstood plant. Join Christian on Saturday, May 22 for a discussion on bamboo and how to use it successfully in your garden.
