Phoenix Perennials - Take Classes

The 2010 Workshop Schedule will be announced in the March 2010 E-Newsletter and then posted here. Thank you for your interest.

Welcome to our workshop offerings for 2009. This year we bring you some popular old favourites and some new and exciting subjects. Our workshops are grouped thematically into series. Feel free to take just one class in a series or all of them. We have special series offers if you choose the latter. We also have an overall special workshop offer. Sign up for four classes and receive 10% off. Details are below. And remember, please book in advance as spaces are limited.

Waking Up the Perennial Garden: Earth-Friendly Gardening Techniques | Instructor: Diane Brown | Saturday April 11th, 10am | $15 |

Phoenix Fresh Herbs: Plant Up a Container with Great Culinary Herbs | Instructor: Shelley Brignall | Saturday May 16^th, 10am | $15 |

Phoenix Fresh Veggies: Plant Up a Container with Unusual and Heirloom Varieties | Instructor: Shelley Brignall | Saturday May 23^rd, 10am | $15 |

The Buzz of Beneficials: Plant Up a Container to Attract Butterflies, Birds and Hummingbirds to your Garden | Instructor: Diane Brown | Saturday June 13^th, 10am | $15 |

Phoenix Fresh Winter Veggies: Plant Up a Container with Cool Season Edibles | Instructor: Shelley Brignall | Saturday September 19^th, 10am | $15 |

Gardens in Miniature: Plant Up a Stone Art Container with Alpines and Other Diminuitive Plants | Instructor: Shelley Brignall | Saturday April 18^th, 10am | $15 |

Perennial Hanging Baskets: To Boldly Go Where No Perennial Has Gone Before! | Instructor: Belinda Cardoso | Saturday April 25^th, 10am | $15 (Cost does not include the hanging basket. Cost and information TBA.)

Living Wreaths: Plant Up a Wreath with Fantastic Succulents | Instructor: Felice Andersen | Saturday May 2^nd, 10am | $45 (Cost includes the high quality wreath frame which is $30.) |

Containers to Die For: Discover the Easy Secrets to Success with Perennial Containers | Instructor: Cliff Thorbes | Saturday May 9^th, two workshops starting at 10am and 2pm | $15 |

Jewels of the Spring Garden: Bulbs for Spring Containers | Instructor: Shelley Brignall | Saturday September 26^th, 10am | $15 |

Winter Containers to Die For: Plant Up a Container to Create Winter Interest | Instructor: Cliff Thorbes | Saturday October 3^rd, two workshops starting at 10am and 2pm | $15 |

The Grill and the Grape: Great Wines for Barbecue Season | Instructor: Randy Rae | Saturday May 30^th, 2pm | $30 |

Summer Wines: Great Bottles for Patio and Garden Instructor: Randy Rae | Saturday July 11 ^th, 2pm | $30 |

Designing for Shady Places: Shade Garden Design for Average, Dry and Moist Locations | Instructor: Diane Brown | Sunday May 3^rd, 1pm | $15 |

The Fragrant Garden: Planning for Year-Round Olfactory Bliss | Instructor: Belinda Cardoso | Saturday June 6^th, 10am | $15 |

Grasses that Captivate: The Transformative Powers of Ornamental Grasses | Instructor: Shelley Brignall | Saturday September 12^th, 10am | $15 |

*To take advantage of our special offers the workshops must be purchased all at the same time. Workshops purchased as part of a special offer are not transferrable to other attendees and must be used by one person.

DOWN TO EARTH SERIES | Waking Up the Perennial Garden: Earth-Friendly Gardening Techniques | Instructor: Diane Brown | Saturday April 11th, 10am | $15 | This workshop will introduce the cornerstones of successful gardening which include the concept of right plant-right place, the care, maintenance and division of perennials, the benefits and techniques of natural lawn care, and the basics of caring for the soil of your garden beds including composting and mulching. This is a great workshop to get the season started off right.

CONTAINER SERIES | Gardens in Miniature: Plant Up a Stone Art Container with Alpines and Other Diminuitive Plants | Instructor: Shelley Brignall | Saturday April 18^th, 10am | $15 | Stone Art planters are amazing containers that look like an authentic hollowed out rock only they’re light and manageable (www.stoneartgardens.com). They are perfect for planting up gardens of small plants and look great on patios and as centrepieces on tables. After some general instruction and an introduction to a number of alpines and small plants, each participant will have the opportunity to design and plant up their own Stone Art container. We will have a wide variety of these containers for you to choose from ranging in price from $12 to $47. The cost of the container and the plants you use are not included in the price of the workshop.

CONTAINER SERIES | Perennial Hanging Baskets: To Boldly Go Where No Perennial Has Gone Before! | Instructor: Belinda Cardoso | Saturday April 25^th, 10am | $15 (Cost does not include the hanging basket. Cost and information TBA.) | In this workshop you’ll take perennials into the unknown and on to the world of the hanging basket. You’ll learn about perennials that are suitable to growing in hanging baskets and then you’ll get a chance to plant up your own to take home with you! Please bring your own large hanging basket or there will be an option (to be announced) to purchase a quality hanging basket from the nursery.

CONTAINER SERIES | Living Wreaths: Plant Up a Wreath with Fantastic Succulents | Instructor: Felice Andersen | Saturday May 2^nd, 10am| $45 (Cost includes the high quality wreath frame which is $30.) | And you thought wreaths were only for Christmas time! Felice will introduce you to an intriguing idea in succulent gardening – planting up a wreath with sempervivums, echeverias and other interesting succulents. You can hang them on your sunny door or gate or lay them on a table as a centrepiece. No matter how you use them you’ll be sure to wow everyone with this unique garden feature. After some general instruction, each participant will have the opportunity to design and plant up their own wreath! *The cost of the high quality wreath frame ($30) is included in your workshop. The plants you select are not included.

POWER OF PERENNIALS SERIES | Designing for Shady Places: Shade Garden Design for Average, Dry and Moist Locations | Instructor: Diane Brown | Sunday May 3^rd, 1pm | $15 | We will explore principles of shade garden design and introduce you to a palette of shade plants for various levels of soil moisture. Each participant will then have the opportunity to apply these principles in miniature by planting up their own shade pot. Please bring your own large pot (minimum 12-14 inches in diametre). A large, black, seven gallon plastic pot can be provided at an additional cost of $6. Please order your pot when you book your workshop.

CONTAINER SERIES | Containers to Die For: Discover the Easy Secrets to Success with Perennial Containers | Instructor: Cliff Thorbes | Saturday May 9^th, two workshops starting at 10am and 2pm | $15 | This is a fun hands-on workshop for gardeners of all levels who are interested in learning how to successfully create gorgeous perennial containers. After some practical and design instruction each participant will plant up and take home their own container. Please bring your own large pot (minimum 12-14 inches in diametre) with enough space for at least 3 to 5 one gallon perennials. A large, black, seven gallon plastic pot can be provided at an additional cost of $6. Please order your pot when you book your workshop.

DOWN TO EARTH SERIES | Phoenix Fresh Herbs: Plant Up a Container with Great Culinary Herbs | Instructor: Shelley Brignall | Saturday May 16^th, 10am | $15 | In this companion workshop to Phoenix Fresh Veggies you will learn about growing annual and perennial culinary herbs in containers and garden beds. After some practical and design instruction each participant will plant up and take home their own herb container. Please bring your own large pot (minimum 12-14 inches in diametre). A large, black, seven gallon plastic pot can be provided at an additional cost of $6. Please order your pot when you book your workshop.

DOWN TO EARTH SERIES | Phoenix Fresh Veggies: Plant Up a Container with Unusual and Heirloom Varieties | Instructor: Shelley Brignall | Saturday May 23^rd, 10am | $15 | You can’t eat much more locally than your own back yard! Shelley will introduce you to a host of cool, unusual and heirloom vegetables including purple tomatoes, rainbow-coloured greens, squash and cucumbers that grow on bushes, spinach that grows on vines, peas with blue pods, and white eggplants. After some practical and design instruction each participant will plant up and take home their own veggie container. Please bring your own large pot (minimum 12-14 inches in diametre). A large, black, seven gallon plastic pot can be provided at an additional cost of $6. Please order your pot when you book your workshop.

GARDEN LIVING SERIES | The Grill and the Grape: Great Wines for Barbecue Season | Instructor: Randy Rae | Saturday May 30^th, 2pm | $30 | In this wine tasting you will be introduced to a number of big, bold and delicious well-priced wines perfect for pairing with barbecued meats, salmon, and vegetables.

POWER OF PERENNIALS SERIES | The Fragrant Garden: Planning for Year-Round Olfactory Bliss | Instructor: Belinda Cardoso | Saturday June 6^th, 10am | $15 | It is possible to have fragrance in the garden almost all year round. Join Belinda, Phoenix Perennials’ fragrance expert, for a tour of myriad enchanting perennials, shrubs and vines that, while offering beautiful foliage, form, and flowers, will also contribute the enchanting dimension of scent to your garden.

DOWN TO EARTH SERIES | The Buzz of Beneficials: Plant Up a Container to Attract Butterflies, Birds and Hummingbirds to your Garden | Instructor: Diane Brown | Saturday June 13^th, 10am | $15 | In this workshop you'll learn how to attract butterflies, birds, hummingbirds and beneficial insects to your garden beds and planters through the careful selection of beautiful plants loved by our favourite garden visitors. In the second half of the workshop participants will plant up a container to act as a bird and butterfly magnet for their gardens. Please bring your own large pot (minimum 12-14 inches in diametre). A large, black, seven gallon plastic pot can be provided at an additional cost of $6. Please order your pot when you book your workshop.

GARDEN LIVING SERIES | Summer Wines: Great Bottles for Patio and Garden Instructor: Randy Rae | Saturday July 11th, 2pm (New Date and Time) | $30 | In this wine tasting you will be introduced to a number of delicious and refreshing well-priced wines perfect for the summer patio and garden. From bubbles to whites and light reds, you will learn about and taste some great solutions for summer entertaining or for just kicking back in your garden and enjoying the fruits of your labours!

POWER OF PERENNIALS SERIES | Grasses that Captivate: The Transformative Powers of Ornamental Grasses | Instructor: Shelley Brignall | Saturday September 12^th, 10am | $15 | The popularity of ornamental grasses continues to grow as gardeners discover their many virtues. Don't get it yet? Come to this informative talk and learn what grasses can do for you and your garden. Already enamoured with ornamental grasses? You'll love this workshop too. You'll get tips on using them for best effect in your garden design. As well, you'll be introduced to several cultivars you might not have seen before.

DOWN TO EARTH SERIES | Phoenix Fresh Winter Veggies: Plant Up a Container with Cool Season Edibles | Instructor: Shelley Brignall | Saturday September 19^th, 10am | $15 | You can’t eat much more locally than your own back yard! Shelley will introduce you to a host of cool, unusual and heirloom vegetables that you can grow in the fall and winter. After some practical and design instruction each participant will plant up and take home their own veggie container. Please bring your own large pot (minimum 12-14 inches in diametre). A large, black, seven gallon plastic pot can be provided at an additional cost of $6. Please order your pot when you book your workshop.

CONTAINER SERIES | Jewels of the Spring Garden: Bulbs for Spring Containers | Instructor: Shelley Brignall | Saturday September 26^th, 10am | $15 | Meet the spring blooming wonders that you can include in your garden and in pots including a number of uncommon but exciting possibilities. You will also receive instruction on designing with bulbs and planting them in layers for knock out displays. Each participant will then plant up and take home their own container. Please bring your own large pot (minimum 12-14 inches in diametre). A large, black, seven gallon plastic pot can be provided at an additional cost of $6. Please order your pot when you book your workshop. The cost of the bulbs that you choose to include in your container are not included in the cost of the workshop.

CONTAINER SERIES | Winter Containers to Die For: Plant Up a Container to Create Winter Interest | Instructor: Cliff Thorbes | Saturday October 3^rd, two workshops starting at 10am and 2pm | $15 | This is a fun hands-on workshop for gardeners of all levels who are interested in learning how to successfully create gorgeous perennial containers that will provide months of winter interest and an antidote against the dark, cold days of the year. After some practical and design instruction each participant will plant up and take home their own container. Please bring your own large pot (minimum 12-14 inches in diametre) with enough space for at least 3 to 5 one gallon perennials. A large, black, seven gallon plastic pot can be provided at an additional cost of $6. Please order your pot when you book your workshop.

Felice Andersen first encountered the weird and wonderful world of succulent plants while working in South Africa. After later travels and work in Mexico she became “totally hooked” on these low-maintenance, drought-resistant, colourful and bizarre plants. Her home and garden in sunny Tsawwassen is the perfect place to pursue her passion. FeIice has taken numerous horticultural courses and is an active member of the Master Gardener Association of British Columbia and the Desert Plant Society.

Diane Brown is a graduate of Kwantlen's Landscape Design program and was the coordinator of the Earthwise Garden for many years. She has designed gardens with garden ecosystems in mind and specialized in presenting earth-friendly workshops. She works part time for Phoenix Perennials and does landscape design, garden consultations, and workshops in her spare time.

Shelley Brignall is an inspiring gardener who loves plants. She is intirigued with the art of garden design pariticularly the emphasis of the soft landscape and the design of container gardens. Shelley is a graduate of the UBC Certificate in Garden Design program. She has her own garden design and consulting business and also works part time for Phoenix Perennials where she is involved in garden design as well as various educational workshops.

Belinda Cardoso is an experienced and eclectic gardener who grows plants from the “normal to the sublime.” She has an encyclopedic gardening knowledge and has worked at Phoenix Perennials for the past three years where she has proven herself to be an expert on fragrant plants among many other things. Belinda is also heading up our seed propagation program in 2009.

Randy Rae is a passionate wine aficionado who has attained his WSET Level 3 Advanced Certificate and is currently working on his Diploma. He is a member of various wine groups, travels the world to visit diverse wine regions, frequently attends local and international wine tastings, and maintains his own extensive cellar.

Cliff Thorbes is a certified horticulturalist, artist and designer. He is passionate about container garden design and integrating original art into the garden to create a unique and personal statement. Cliff returns this year to reprise his popular seminars on design and on the secrets to creating containers that will captivate the senses.

Spaces are limited. Please call (604-270-4133) or visit the nursery to book your space. Payment is required when booking. If you would like to take advantage of one of our special offers please let us know at the start of your booking.

Each workshop requires a minimum of 10 people and a maximum of 15-25 depending on the workshop. If the minimum is not met we may not be able to run the workshop in which case we will contact you a few days before the scheduled date of the workshop and give you a credit towards another class, a credit at the nursery, or a refund.

Workshop participants will receive a 15% discount on any purchases they wish to make the day of their workshop. We cannot give rainchecks on this discount so please plan for enough time to do some shopping after your workshop or head off for some lunch and then return in the afternoon.

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