The Oregon Garden has announced the lineup for its 2012 Garden University lecture and workshop series.

Lectures will be taught by an array of experts who demonstrate extensive knowledge and practical experience related to their topic.

“We’ve seen a growing interest in our Garden University program and are excited to offer an expanded slate of topics and speakers for this next year,” said Beth Maurer, membership and volunteer coordinator for The Oregon Garden. “Our Garden University is ideal for anyone who has an interest in gardening or horticulture and wants to learn more.”

Each lecture’s $15 enrollment fee also includes entrance to The Oregon Garden. Lectures may be attended a la carte, or, a included free with membership of the Oregon Garden.

Memberships begin at $50 annually for individuals; $75 for couples. To become a member of The Oregon Garden, visit www.oregongarden.org.

2012 lecture series details

-January 14, “Exploring Costa Rica’s Wildlife.” World-renowned herpetologist, photographer and author Paul Freed brings to life the diverse colors, sounds and movement of Costa Rica’s natural wonders. Class begins at 1 p.m. in the Education Center.

-January 21, “Beauty and the Value of Rain Gardens.” Amy Whitworth, owner of Plan-It Earth Design discusses how, when and where to create rain gardens that are both functional and beautiful while benefitting wildlife and the insect population. Class begins at 1 p.m. in the Education Center.

-February 11, “Herbaceous Cooking.” Internationally published author and outdoor living specialist Kris Wetherbee imparts her passion and knowledge on using herbs from garden to table. Learn tips on herb growing, storage and preparation, then taste the difference fresh herbs can make as Wetherbee prepares and shares a recipe or two. Class begins at 1 p.m. in the Education Center.

-March 30, “Grow Your Own Herbal Spa.” Learn to plant an herbal theme garden and to create healing and aromatic spa products. Herb expert Sue Goetz shares easy tips and ideas for peppermint foot scrub, sugar scrubs, powders, fragrant mists and more. Class begins at 3 p.m., location TBD.

-March 31, “Herbal Lotions and Potions.” Herb expert Sue Goetz shares tips and recipes for making lotions, bath salts, herbal waters and other household products from fresh garden herbs. The class will also discuss herb varieties and tips on harvesting and preservation. Class begins at 10:30 a.m., location TBD.

-March 31, “Deciduous Divas.” Roger Gossler of Gossler Farms Nursery shares his passion for woody plants, shrubs and trees and how they can be stars of the garden. Gossler has cultivated plants now used industry wide and continues to be a source for the rare and unusual. Class begins at 1 p.m. in the Education Center.

-April 7, “Growing Warm Season Crops in Cooler Climates.” Award-winning writer and radio commentator Willi Galloway shares how to overcome the challenges of adapting warm-weather crops to more mild climates. She is renowned for her extensive experience in kitchen gardening, seasonal cooking and vegetables. Class begins at 1 p.m. in the Education Center.

-May 12, “Garden Gems with Dan Heims.” A globetrotter and media personality in search of the newest perennials, Dan Heims of Terra Nova Gardens uses horticultural humor to share his exciting finds and extensive knowledge. Class begins at 1 p.m. in the Education Center.

-May 19, “Vertical Gardening for Small and Large Spaces.” From succulent-covered walls to vegetable towers, garden designer and columnist Rebecca Sweet highlights a range of innovative vertical gardening ideas. Class begins at 1 p.m. in the Education Center.

-June 9, “Dirt Cheap Gardening.” Using a lighthearted approach, gardening author and columnist Marianne Binetti teaches creative ways to spend less on garden maintenance while enhancing landscape curb appeal. Class begins at 1 p.m. in the Education Center. Book signing to follow.

-June 23, “Wicked Plants: The Deliciously Dark Side of the Plant World.” Bestselling author of Wicked Plants, Amy Stewart offers an A to Z of plants that kill, maim, intoxicate and otherwise offend. Drawing on history, medicine, science, and legend, Stewart presents tales of bloodcurdling botany that will entertain, alarm, and enlighten even the most intrepid gardeners and nature lovers. Class begins at
11 a.m. in the Education Center.

-June 23, “Wicked Bugs: Fearsome and Ferocious Creatures in your Backyard and Beyond.” Bestselling author Amy Stewart takes a darkly comical look at creatures that infest, infect, and generally wreak havoc on human affairs. It’s a mixture of history, science, murder, and intrigue that begins—but doesn’t end—in your own backyard. Class begins at 1 p.m. in the Education Center.

-July 14, “Clematis Myth Busting.” Rogerson Clematis Collection curator Linda Beutler untangles the snarl of misinformation about clematis cultivation. This author and lecturer’s passion for clematis led to a personal collection of 250 separate species and cultivars as well as the publication of her first book. Class begins at 1 p.m. in the Education Center.

-August 11, “Carnivorous Plants.” Author, biologist and astronomer Barry Rice speaks on studying, growing and conserving carnivorous (and otherwise bizarre) plants. Class begins at 1 p.m. in the Education Center.

-September 21, “Floral Design Workshop.” Learn new ways to grow, glean and gather floral design ingredients – in every season. Outdoor Living Expert Debra Prinzing will also share
sustainable design techniques, resources and a recommended plant list for growing a cutting garden.
Class begins at 6 p.m. in the Education Center. This class requires a workshop fee and that students bring particular materials.

-September 22, “Mastering Your Point-and-Shoot Camera.” Popular photographer and garden blogger David Perry uses his whimsical and fun-loving manner to teach storytelling photography and how to access little secrets hidden within most digital point-and-shoot cameras and single lens reflex cameras. Class begins at 9 a.m., location TBD.

-September 22, “The Five-Mile Bouquet: Seasonal, Local and Sustainable Flowers.” Learn about eco-friendly growing and bouquet design approaches from popular photographer and garden blogger David Perry and outdoor living expert Debra Prinzing. They will share their passion for local and seasonal flowers in an illustrated presentation that centers around the “Green Flower Movement.”
Class begins at 2 p.m. in the Education Center.

-September 29, “Falling into Autumn: Plant Combinations for the Season of Decadence.” Garden expert Lucy Hardiman teaches this class at 1 p.m. in the Education Center.

-October 6, “The Buzz About Bee-keeping.” Beekeeper extraordinaire Mark Thompson teaches this class at 1 p.m. in the Education Center.

For more information on Garden University, please visit www.oregongarden.org or call (503) 874-8100. Tickets may be purchased in advance or at The Oregon Garden Visitor Center on the day of the event.

For attendees wishing to stay the night, special lodging packages (ranging from $89 to $129 depending on date) are available through the garden’s adjacent 103-room Oregon Garden Resort. Packages include a double occupancy room, breakfast, two lecture tickets and admission to The Oregon Garden. Reservations at The Oregon Garden Resort can be made online at http://www.moonstonehotels.com/Oregon-Garden-Resort.htm or by calling (800) 966-6490. Be sure to mention “Garden University.”

The Oregon Garden is an 80-acre botanical sanctuary that showcases the natural wonders of the Pacific Northwest with more than 20 individual themed gardens and related attractions. The Oregon Garden is located in the historic town of Silverton just 45 miles south of Portland. For more information, or, to become a member, please call (503) 874-8100 or visit www.oregongarden.org.

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