Short Courses, Workshops & Garden Walks

Orchids for Beginners

Saturday, May 12, 9:00 am to Noon
FEE: $69
WHERE: Betula Room
CODE: 071PSO2M (for May 12)

Do you love the elegance and beauty of orchids, but are afraid to grow them? This workshop will introduce the popular genera of orchids and highlight those best-suited for home and greenhouse growing. You will learn their growth requirements and how they differ from other houseplants. Learn about their natural habitat and briefly review their plant structure. Come back to use your new found knowledge to enjoy Longwood's Orchid Extravaganza!  Fee includes a near-to-blooming size orchid.

INSTRUCTORS: Thomas Purviance and Dr. John Salventi are the owners of Parkside Orchid Nursery. Thomas is a former Director of Alumni and Development Programs at Westminster Choir College, and John is a former healthcare professional. They started raising orchids as a hobby that escalated into a full-time business. Parkside has grown to be one of the largest orchid nurseries in the northeastern United States with 13,000 square feet of growing space. These courses are designed for homeowner gardeners and  professionals wishing to expand their knowledge of specific plant groups. Each course offers in-depth study of a specific group of landscape plants.

Trough Planting

Friday, May 18, 9:30 am to 12:30 pm
FEE: $129
WHERE: Acer Room
CODE: 071PSTPM
Limited to 12 students.

In this fun workshop, you'll learn how to show off a trough you've made or purchased with the best plantings. Weatherproof garden troughs are great showcases for small, gemlike hardy plants. There is a different sense of proportion for troughs, for which dwarf perennials and shrubs often look best. Betty will explain trough specific issues including dimensions, soil volume, exposure, scale, and finishes. You'll receive soil, rocks, mulch, moss, one dwarf evergreen shrub and five perennials to plant your own trough with Betty's assistance. Wear old clothes and garden gloves. Bring your own trough (maximum interior measurement is 18 inches on the long side).

INSTRUCTOR: Betty Mackey has created and produced two multimedia CD’s (2006) on Papercrete Troughs, and Moments in the Garden on container gardening. She is the editor of the book Creating and Planting Garden Troughs, and Creating and Planting Alpine Gardens. She has shared her knowledge of trough making at the Philadelphia Flower Show.

Specialty Nurseries Tour

Friday, June 1, 8:00 am to 6:00 pm
FEE: $139
WHERE: Visitor Center Parking Lot
CODE: 071PSSND

This tour has become a yearly favorite, as you visit terrific nurseries (specific list to be revealed on the bus) to find special plants for your gardens. Plant expert and enthusiast David Culp will be on hand to introduce you to these special places and answer your plant questions. You will have a difficult time controlling your plant addictions and shop-aholic tendencies when you see the great selection of both annuals and perennials at reasonable prices. Shop to your heart's content. We'll load your treasures on a van at each stop and they'll be waiting for you back at Longwood. This will be a great beginning to the gardening season! Includes lunch, snacks, drinks, transportation and plant transportation back to Longwood. Bus leaves from the back of the Main Visitor parking lot promptly at 8:00 am. Dress for the outdoors.

INSTRUCTOR: David Culp is the popular instructor for the Series II certificate courses Sun Perennials and Shade Perennials. His home garden is one of the treasures in our area and his knowledge of and enthusiasm for plants is truly infectious.

Rose Lore and More

Saturday, June 30, 12:30 to 3:30 pm
FEE: $79
WHERE: Acer Room
CODE: 071PSRLA

No other plant in human history has inspired as much literature, poetry and art as the rose. Roses have played an important role in the cultural and medical evolution of societies across the globe for many years. We will introduce the wonderful possibilities of rose essential oil use, the medicinal history of roses, rose oil/water and how rose oil is extracted from plants. Debbie and Linda visited the rose harvest in Isparta, Turkey in May 2006 and will show some beautiful slides of that trip. Explore rose lore, cooking with various rose essences and self care with products made from precious rose ingredients. Participants will receive rose products to taste and take home.

INSTRUCTORS: Linda Weihbrecht is a certified Clinical Aromatherapist and aromatherapy wellness educator. She has taught aromatherapy courses of all levels for healthcare professionals. Linda actively promotes the benefits of aromatherapy to communities and companies in the local area and beyond. Debbie Freund is founder and owner of Scents and Scentsibility. She is an international Aromatherapy teacher and has lectured extensively on the subject in health care facilities throughout the U.S. and is certified in clinical aromatherapy for health care providers. She taught at the Ojai Lavender Festival in Ojai, CA in 2005.

Register now!