MARK YOUR CALENDER – UPCOMING EVENTS

Want to see your garden event here? Send your events to info@trianglegardener.com.

JANUARY

Walk on the Wild Side
January 5, 11am-12noon
Explore wild North Carolina in these walks through the Blomquist Garden of Native Plants. Fee charged. (members free). Registration required. Sarah P. Duke Gardens, Durham. 919-668-1707. gardens.duke.edu.

Friends of the Arboretum Lecture
January 5, 7:30pm-9pm
“Plant Hunting Expeditions of E. H. Wilson.” Jason Lattier, Department of Horticultural Science graduate student, will present a program on E. H. Wilson, one of the greatest plant hunters of all time who traveled China over 100 years ago to collect many of the exotic plants we enjoy in our gardens today. Fee charged, (members, NC State students, Dept. of Hort. Science faculty/staff free). JC Raulston Arboretum at NC State University, Raleigh. 919-513-7005. www.ncsu.edu/jcraulstonarboretum.

Durham Photography Club
January 9, 6:30pm-8pm
Monthly meeting with topics on photography. Fee charged. Sarah P. Duke Gardens, Durham. 919-668-1707. gardens.duke.edu.

Attracting Birds and Butterflies to Your Garden
January 12
What could be better than a garden where some of the flowers can actually take flight and liven things up? Discover with Frank Hyman which earthbound flowers attract the flying flowers–birds and butterflies–to your garden. And learn why some of the flashy “New!New!New!” flowers touted in catalogs and magazines may not be the best choice. Free. East Regional Durham Library, 211 Lick Creek Lane, Durham. 919-560-0203.

Friends of the Arboretum Lecture
January 21, 10am-11:30am
“Wildflowers Go Wild.” Betsy Pringle of the William C. Coker Garden Club and the Rock Garden Society, shares her lifetime of experiences with wildflowers in the Carolinas. Fee charged, (members, NC State students, Dept. of Hort. Science faculty/staff free). JC Raulston Arboretum at NC State University, Raleigh. 919-513-7005. www.ncsu.edu/jcraulstonarboretum.

Plantsmen’s Tour
January 10, 1pm-2:30pm
“Hot Plants That Take Cold Temperatures,” by Mark Weathington, Assistant Director and Curator of Collections. Learn about some plants from dry areas of the world, many of which never see temperatures below freezing, which are thriving at the Arboretum. Free. JC Raulston Arboretum at NC State University, Raleigh. 919-513-7005. www.ncsu.edu/jcraulstonarboretum.

Become a Green Gardener Volunteer
January 11, 5-week training program
Interested in talking to other gardeners about their gardening successes, failures, and questions? The North Carolina Botanical Garden invites you to join The Green Gardeners- volunteers who help and offer advice to visitors and callers. Free. North Carolina Botanical Garden. Chapel Hill. 919-962-0522. ncbg.unc.edu.

Organic Vegetable Gardening 101 – Basic Botany/Horticulture
January 14, 9:30am-11am
A six class series geared to the novice gardener, learn about organic vegetable gardening practices, basic techniques, and the horticultural reasons behind them. Fee charged. Logan Trading Co. 919-828-5337. www.logantrd.com.Gardening for Urban Spaces – Class 1

January 14, 10am-11:30am
Topic: Getting Started. Learn about gardening in central NC, sustainable and organic gardens, and when, what and how much. Fee charged. Registration required. Atlantic Avenue Orchid and Garden, Raleigh. 919-878-8877. www.atlanticavenuegarden.com.

The Homeowner’s Guide to Designing and Building Your Residential Garden
January 14 & 21, 9:30am-12:30pm
This two-session workshop teaches the basics of landscape design, and provides hands-on experience for designing and building a home garden. Fee charged. Registration required. North Carolina Botanical Garden, Chapel Hill. 919-962-0522. ncbg.unc.edu.

Chasing the Winter Blues at the Garden Hut
January 14, 11 am
Carol Stein’s Gardeners Forum “Attracting Bluebirds”. Free. Registration required. The Garden Hut, Fuquay-Varina. 919-552-0590. www.NelsasGardenHut.com.

Durham Beekeepers
January 16, 6:30pm-9pm
Monthly meeting for those interested in learning more about beekeeping, or sharing techniques. Sarah P. Duke Gardens, Durham. 919-668-1707. gardens.duke.edu.

Planting the Landscape: Design II
January 17-31, Tuesday 6pm-9pm (3 sessions)
Students will work with landscape designer Jan Little and study plant combinations and evaluate the use of color and texture in their designs to complete the planting design. Fee charged. Prerequisite Design Your Home Landscape I. Sarah P. Duke Gardens, Durham. 919-668-1707. gardens.duke.edu.

A Garden of Moss
January 17, 6:30pm-8pm
The Durham Garden Forum. David Spain of Moss and Stone Gardens will share his expertise on moss culture and design strategies. Fee charged (members free). Sarah P. Duke Gardens, Durham. durhamgardenforum@gmail.com.

North Carolina Native Plants
January 17, 7:30pm
Lauri Lawson of Niche Gardens in Chapel Hill will speak about North Carolina native plants at the Gardeners of Wake County monthly meeting. Niche Gardens specializes in native plants with an emphasis on shade plants. Free. J.C. Raulston Arboretum at North Carolina State University, 4415 Beryl Road, Raleigh. www.gardenersofwakecounty.org.

Plants of Distinction: Winter—Variegated Evergreens
January 18, 1pm-3pm
Jason Holmes, curator of the Doris Duke Center Gardens, will introduce you to spectacular plants that offer a distinct ornamentality. Fee charged. Sarah P. Duke Gardens, Durham. 919-668-1707. gardens.duke.edu.

Digital Photography: Understanding Digital Camera, Camera to Computer & Photo Editing
January 18-February 1, Wednesday 6pm-9pm (3 sessions)
Learn about your camera’s bells and whistles from photographer Rick Fisher. Students will review all functions and menus, control settings and white balance, and learn to load, edit, and organize photos on a computer. Bring camera and manual to each session. Fee charged. Sarah P. Duke Gardens, Durham. 919-668-1707. gardens.duke.edu.

Vegetable Gardening Through the Year
January 19-February 2, Thursday 6:30pm-8:30pm (3 sessions)
Discover the treats of each season in this three-part course. The winter series introduces you to winter cover and companion crops, seed starting, cold frames and other season-extending strategies. Fee charged. Sarah P. Duke Gardens, Durham. 919-668-1707. gardens.duke.edu.

Moss Gardens in a Dish
January 21, 9am-12noon
Create an amazing miniature world using a variety of mosses in the dish of your choice, with guidance from David Spain, of Moss and Stone Gardens in Raleigh. Learn about the care and planting of moss. Fee charged. Sarah P. Duke Gardens, Durham. 919-668-1707. gardens.duke.edu.

Organic Vegetable Gardening 101 – Planning & Design
January 21, 9:30am-11am
A six class series geared to the novice gardener, learn about organic vegetable gardening practices, basic techniques, and the horticultural reasons behind them. Fee charged. Logan Trading Co. 919-828-5337. www.logantrd.com.

Gardening for Urban Spaces – Class 2
January 21, 10am-11:30am
Topic: Garden Types and Designs. Learn about rows, raised bed, integrated and vertical, aesthetics and functionality. Fee charged. Registration required. Atlantic Avenue Orchid and Garden, Raleigh. 919-878-8877. www.atlanticavenuegarden.com.

Winter Botany
January 21 & 28, 1pm-4pm
Spend some time in the Gardens and Duke Forest with Ken Moore, former assistant director of NC Botanical Garden, to learn the secrets of winter botany. Book provided. Fee charged. Sarah P. Duke Gardens, Durham. 919-668-1707. gardens.duke.edu.

Gardening with Herbs
January 22, 2pm-4pm
A lecture to hear about incorporating herbs into your landscape, part of the Durham Master Gardeners’ Extension Gardening Series. Free. Registration required. Sarah P. Duke Gardens, Durham. 919-668-1707. gardens.duke.edu.

Gardening Tips that Save Time, Save Money, Save Your Back and Save the Earth Too
January 26
Would it be easier to enjoy your garden if you didn’t feel enslaved by it? Frank Hyman will show you how to have great gardens while spending less time working in them. And more time relaxing in them. Save some money and the planet while you’re at it. Free. East Regional Durham Library, 211 Lick Creek Lane, Durham. 919-560-0203.

Friends of the Arboretum Lecture
January 26, 7:30pm-9pm
“London-Plus Gardens.” See the sights, plants, and gardens friends and staff of the JC Raulston Arboretum saw when they visited London in June 2011. Fee charged, (members, NC State students, Dept. of Hort. Science faculty/staff free). JC Raulston Arboretum at NC State University, Raleigh. 919-513-7005. www.ncsu.edu/jcraulstonarboretum.

Nature Photography Winter Workshop
January 28 & 29, 9am-5pm
Nature photographer John Shaw will teach basic and advanced principles related to nature photography and the digital darkroom. Fee charged. Sarah P. Duke Gardens, Durham. 919-668-1707. gardens.duke.edu.

Organic Vegetable Gardening 101 – Bed Preparations/Building Soil
January 28, 9:30am-11am
A six class series geared to the novice gardener, learn about organic vegetable gardening practices, basic techniques, and the horticultural reasons behind them. Fee charged. Logan Trading Co. 919-828-5337. www.logantrd.com.

Gardening for Urban Spaces – Class 3
January 28, 10am-11:30am
Topic: Soils and Composting. Learn about ideal soil, improving soil, and composting containers and methods. Fee charged. Registration required. Atlantic Avenue Orchid and Garden, Raleigh. 919-878-8877. www.atlanticavenuegarden.com.

Fruit Tree Training
January 28, 10am-12noon
Dr. Mike Parker, Tree Fruit Specialist at NC State University, will demonstrate how to train fruit trees. Free. Central Crops Research Station, Clayton. 919-989-5380 or by e-mail snbanks@ncsu.edu. johnston.ces.ncsu.edu.

Orchid Open House
January 29, 12noon-5pm
Annual Orchid Open House, unusual colors to see during prime orchid season, including sale of everything in the greenhouse. Atlantic Avenue Orchid and Garden, Raleigh. 919-878-8877. www.atlanticavenuegarden.com.

Winter Flora (4 part class)
January 29, February 5, 12, 19, 1:45pm-4:45pm
Enjoy discovering that many trees and shrubs are easily recognized when not covered with leaves. Field trips provide experience in recognizing winter and early spring native plants in a natural setting. Fee charged. North Carolina Botanical Garden, Chapel Hill. 919-962-0522. ncbg.unc.edu.

Vegetable Gardening Workshop
January 29, 2pm-3:30
Hosted by Wake County Extension Master Gardeners. Free. Yates Mill County Park, Raleigh. 919-250-1084. mgardener@wakegov.com.

FEBRUARY

Walk on the Wild Side
February 2, 11am-12noon
Explore wild North Carolina in these walks through the Blomquist Garden of Native Plants. Fee charged (members free). Registration required. Sarah P. Duke Gardens, Durham. 919-668-1707. gardens.duke.edu.

Friends of the Arboretum Lecture
February 2, 7:30pm-9pm
“Sexual Behavior in the Plant Kingdom,” with Brian Jackson, Assistant Professor, Department of Horticultural Science, NC State University. Fee charged, (members, NC State students, Dept. of Hort. Science faculty/staff free). JC Raulston Arboretum at NC State University, Raleigh. 919-513-7005. www.ncsu.edu/jcraulstonarboretum.

Beekeeping for Beginners
February 4 & 11, 9am-12noon
Beekeeper Donna Devanney will discuss bees as garden partners, introduce you to the equipment needed to begin and how to select bees, and cover the basics of annual management and maintenance. Fee charged. Sarah P. Duke Gardens, Durham. 919-668-1707. gardens.duke.edu.

Organic Vegetable Gardening 101 – Plants
February 4, 9:30am-11am
A six class series geared to the novice gardener, learn about organic vegetable gardening practices, basic techniques, and the horticultural reasons behind them. Fee charged. Logan Trading Co. 919-828-5337. www.logantrd.com.

How to Plant a “Premium” Rose Garden
February 4, 10am
Interested in learning how Witherspoon plants a rose?  Join us February 4th for a detailed demonstration of what it takes to plant a bareroot rose. Free. Witherspoon Rose, 3312 Watkins Rd, Durham. 919-489-4446. www.witherspoonrose.com.

Gardening for Urban Spaces – Class 4
February 4, 10am-11:30am
Topic: Cultivating. Learn about seeds, cutting, and transplants. Fee charged. Registration required. Atlantic Avenue Orchid and Garden, Raleigh. 919-878-8877. www.atlanticavenuegarden.com.

Plantsmen’s Tour
February 7, 1pm-2:30pm
“Scintillating Cypress,” with Mark Weathington, Assistant Director and Curator of Collections
Take a look at the Cupressaceae family of plants, a wonderful diversity of plants which provide texture, color, scent, and winter interest to the garden. Free.  JC Raulston Arboretum at NC State University, Raleigh. 919-513-7005. www.ncsu.edu/jcraulstonarboretum.

Human Impact on the Environment: The Ecology of Change
February 8, 15, 22, 29, 6:30pm-9pm (4 sessions)
Join Daniel Richter, a professor at Duke’s Nicholas School of the Environment, to review the environmental influence of humans across time and debate the future. Fee charged. Sarah P. Duke Gardens, Durham. 919-668-1707. gardens.duke.edu.

Growing Herbs in the Kitchen Garden
February 9
Fresh herbs thrown into the dinner pot are reason enough to have them growing in your garden. But they’re also evergreen, fragrant, drought hardy and the deer don’t like them. Herbs are good for the garden even if you eat out every night. Frank Hyman will explain how best to grow them, both in the ground and in pots. Free. East Regional Durham Library, 211 Lick Creek Lane, Durham. 919-560-0203.

Basic Botany and Plant Growth
February 9, 16, 23, March 1, 6pm-9pm (4 sessions)
How does a plant grow? How does it manage water and nutrients? What influences the production of flowers and fruits? This course with Alex Motten, associate professor of biology at Duke, will explore these questions and more. Fee charged. Sarah P. Duke Gardens, Durham. 919-668-1707. gardens.duke.edu.

Introduction to Nature Photography
February 10, 11, 12 (times vary)
Photographer Jennifer Weinberg will teach equipment basics, field strategies and techniques, exposure, lighting and compositional skills, includes hands-on practice sessions. Fee charged. Sarah P. Duke Gardens, Durham. 919-668-1707. gardens.duke.edu.

Organic Vegetable Gardening 101 – Tending the Garden
February 11, 9:30am-11am
A six class series geared to the novice gardener, learn about organic vegetable gardening practices, basic techniques, and the horticultural reasons behind them. Fee charged. Logan Trading Co. 919-828-5337. www.logantrd.com.

Gardening for Urban Spaces – Class 5
February 11, 10am-11:30am
Topic: Pest Management. Learn about bugs, weeds and beneficials. Fee charged. Registration required. Atlantic Avenue Orchid and Garden, Raleigh. 919-878-8877. www.atlanticavenuegarden.com.

Pruning Demo
February 11, 11am
With horticulturist Nelsa Cox. Free. Registration required. The Garden Hut, Fuquay-Varina. 919-552-0590. www.NelsasGardenHut.com.

Blueberry Production and Pruning
February 11, 10am-12noon
Dr. Bill Cline, Blueberry Specialist at NC State University, who will share information on growing  and pruning blueberries. Free. Smithfield. 919-989-5380 or by e-mail snbanks@ncsu.edu. johnston.ces.ncsu.edu.

Making a Gourd House for Backyard Birds
February 11, 1:30pm-4pm
Mary Ann Rood and Paul Buescher, NC Gourd Society
February 11, 2012 (Saturday) – 1:30 PM–4:00 PM
Learn to make a cleaned, dried gourd into a birdhouse with Mary Ann Rood and Paul Buescher of the NC Gourd Society. Fee charged, (members, NC State students, Dept. of Hort. Science faculty/staff free). Registration required. Materials provided. JC Raulston Arboretum at NC State University, Raleigh. 919-513-7005. www.ncsu.edu/jcraulstonarboretum.

Houseplant How-To
February 11, 2pm
Learn the basics of lighting, temperature, humidity, and regular maintenance for keeping houseplants healthy and happy. Free. Logan Trading Co. 919-828-5337. www.logantrd.com.

Photoshop for the Nature Photographer
February 11, 18, 25, 9:30am-12:30pm (3 sessions)
Nature photographer Paul Salazar will teach how to configure Photoshop, use Camera Raw Image Processing, make selections and use masks, create darkroom effects, use filters and manage color in Photoshop. Fee charged. Sarah P. Duke Gardens, Durham. 919-668-1707. gardens.duke.edu.

Friends of the Arboretum Lecture
February 12, 1pm
Join Cindy Watson of Cam Too Nursery for a lecture on a walk in the winter garden. Free. JC Raulston Arboretum at NC State University, Raleigh. 919-513-7005. www.ncsu.edu/jcraulstonarboretum.

A Walk in the Winter Garden
February 12, 2:30pm-4pm
Celebrate the winter season with a tour of many of the Arboretum’s magnificent plants at their peak during the winter months including Japanese flowering apricots, witchhazels, hellebores, conifers, hollies, winter honeysuckles, camellias, and others. Free. JC Raulston Arboretum at NC State University, Raleigh. 919-513-7005. www.ncsu.edu/jcraulstonarboretum.

Durham Photography Club
February 13, 6:30pm-8pm
Monthly meeting with topics on photography. Fee charged. Sarah P. Duke Gardens, Durham. 919-668-1707. gardens.duke.edu.

Create Your Own Bonsai Plant
February 18, 9:30am-1:30pm
Harold Johnson, of the Triangle Bonsai Society, will discuss the different bonsai styles and traditions, and then you will learn to use those techniques and create your own bonsai. Materials supplied. Fee charged. Sarah P. Duke Gardens, Durham. 919-668-1707. gardens.duke.edu.

Organic Vegetable Gardening 101 – Harvest & Beyond
February 18, 9:30am-11am
A six class series geared to the novice gardener, learn about organic vegetable gardening practices, basic techniques, and the horticultural reasons behind them. Fee charged. Logan Trading Co. 919-828-5337. www.logantrd.com.

Prune Your Roses Right
February 18, 10am
Pruning your roses is one of the more important and intimidating tasks that goes with proper rose care.  It takes a steady hand and the proper procedure to ensure the best possible growth for your rose bush. Free. Witherspoon Rose, 3312 Watkins Rd, Durham. 919-489-4446. www.witherspoonrose.com.

Gardening for Urban Spaces – Class 6
February 18, 10am-11:30am
Topic: Maintenance, Harvesting, Preserving. Learn about trimming and maintaining, harvesting, canning, storage, and long term storage. Fee charged. Registration required. Atlantic Avenue Orchid and Garden, Raleigh. 919-878-8877. www.atlanticavenuegarden.com.

Friends of the Arboretum Lecture
February 18, 10am-11:30am
“Woodland Garden Plants—Part 2″ with Suzanne Edney, JCRA Volunteer and Garden Designer. Fee charged, (members, NC State students, Dept. of Hort. Science faculty/staff free). JC Raulston Arboretum at NC State University, Raleigh. 919-513-7005. www.ncsu.edu/jcraulstonarboretum.

Native Plant Seed Propagation Workshop
February 18, 1pm-4pm
Learn about the propagation of native perennials and woody plants by seed, including seed collection methods, post-collection handling, and seed storage. Fee charged. Registration required. North Carolina Botanical Garden, Chapel Hill. 919-962-0522. ncbg.unc.edu.

Durham Gardening 101: Getting Ready to Grow
February 19, 2:30pm-3:30pm
A monthly program taught by the Durham Extension Master Gardeners. Free. South Regional Library, Durham. 919-560-7409.

Durham Beekeepers
February 20, 6:30pm-9pm
Monthly meeting for those interested in learning more about beekeeping, or sharing techniques. Sarah P. Duke Gardens, Durham. 919-668-1707. gardens.duke.edu.

Water: The Ecology of Change
February 21-March 13, Tuesday 6pm-9pm
Study water from an ecological perspective and gain a new appreciation for the wonders of the water planet. Fee charged. Sarah P. Duke Gardens, Durham. 919-668-1707. gardens.duke.edu.

Great Perennials for the Garden Bed
February 21, 6:30pm-8pm
The Durham Garden Forum. Garden designer Edith Edelmann will share her top picks for the perennial border. Fee charged (members free). Sarah P. Duke Gardens. durhamgardenforum@gmail.com.

Container Gardening
February 21, 7:30pm
Phil Campbell of Campbell Road Nursery will speak on container gardening  at the Gardeners of Wake County monthly meeting. Now is the time to start planning your spring and summer container projects. Free. J.C. Raulston Arboretum at North Carolina State University, 4415 Beryl Road, Raleigh. www.gardenersofwakecounty.org.

Hellebore Festival
February 24-25
Species, interspecies, singles and doubles, 1000’s of hellebores in flower. One hour north of the Triangle near Henderson, NC. Pine Knot Farms. 434-252-1990. www.pineknotfarms.com.

Traditional Japanese Tea Gathering: First Voice of Spring Tea     
February 24, 10:45am-12noon OR 1pm-2:15pm
Experience the warmth of a traditional Japanese tea in the Duke Gardens teahouse with Nancy Hamilton, a practitioner of Urasenke Tradition of Tea. Fee charged. Sarah P. Duke Gardens, Durham. 919-668-1707. gardens.duke.edu.

Prune Your Roses Right
February 25, 10am
Pruning your roses is one of the more important and intimidating tasks that goes with proper rose care.  It takes a steady hand and the proper procedure to ensure the best possible growth for your rose bush. Free. Witherspoon Rose, 3312 Watkins Rd, Durham. 919-489-4446. www.witherspoonrose.com.

Designing With Flowers: Introductory Course
February 25-March 21, Saturday 10am-12:30pm
Learn the basics of floral design from Theo Roddy while you create various types of flower arrangements to take home and enjoy. Bring your own container, other supplies provided. Fee charged. Sarah P. Duke Gardens, Durham. 919-668-1707. gardens.duke.edu.

Mysteries of Magnetism
February 25, 1pm-2:30pm
Uncover the mysteries of magnets and explore the property of magnetism. Learn to make a compass, paint with magnets and become a magnetic performer. For children ages 8-10; adult chaperone required. Fee charged. Sarah P. Duke Gardens, Durham. 919-668-1707. gardens.duke.edu.

Vegetable Gardening Workshop
February 26, 2pm-3:30pm
Hosted by Wake County Extension Master Gardeners. Free. Crowder District County Park, Apex. 919-250-1084. mgardener@wakegov.com.

Native Plants for Our Gardens
February 26, 2pm-4pm
A lecture to learn about native plants that can work across a range of garden settings—sun, shade, wet, dry, part of the Durham Master Gardeners’ Extension Gardening Series. Free. Registration required. Sarah P. Duke Gardens, Durham. 919-668-1707. gardens.duke.edu.

Sustainable Landscapes
February 27, 9am-3pm
A seminar to help you “green” your garden with topics on soil management, smart watering, rain gardens, vegetable gardens, and critter management. Fee includes lunch. Pre-register. Durham County Center, Durham. 919-560-0525 or prjones@durhamcountync.gov.

MARCH

Hellebore Festival
March 2-3
Species, interspecies, singles and doubles, 1000’s of hellebores in flower. One hour north of the Triangle near Henderson, NC. Pine Knot Farms. 434-252-1990. www.pineknotfarms.com.

Fourth Annual Triangle Camellia Society Show and Sale
March 10
See hundreds of blooms representing many varieties from exhibitors across the southeastern United States in this show judged by the American Camellia Society. Entry of blooms in the show is open to all and can be entered from 8am-10am on the day of the show. There is no entry fee and club members will be on hand to assist newcomers with entry procedures. Entries must be from plants of named varieties owned by the exhibitor.  Gardeners wishing to determine their unknown varieties of camellias are encouraged to bring them for identification. Properly identified blooms are eligible for entry in the show. The show is open to the public from 1pm-5pm. A plant sale will be held 10am-4pm, offering many different varieties suitable for
gardens in our area. Free admission. J.C. Raulston Arboretum at NC State University, 4415 Beryl Road, Raleigh. www.americancamellias.org