Two sets of gardening classes coming up in Buffalo

Learn more about gardening in two sets of classes starting this month.

The series at the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens starts on Sept. 10. The classes from the Master Gardeners in Erie County start Sept. 20.

Horticulture classes at Botanical Gardens

Introduction to Horticulture classes will be delivered by David Clark, CNLP, who is a nationally known garden educator.

These classes will give you the basic education and skills you’ll need as a beginner, and it’s a great refresher for experienced gardeners.

You can take an individual class or sign up for the series.

All classes take place from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Saturdays.

The fee is $25 per class or $22.50 per class for Botanical Gardens members.

Topics and dates are:

Botany 101 – Sept. 10

Impress yourself and your friends with your wisdom on the plant science of seeds, roots, shoots, stems, leaves and fruits. Even if you disliked biology and physiology, you’ll have fun learning in this class. Rediscover the basics of how plants work, and apply this knowledge to your garden.

Plant Propagation – Sept. 17

Amaze yourself with your new (or refined) green thumb ability to propagate healthy new plants using many techniques and various growing mediums from this class.

Pests and Diseases –Oct. 1

Recognize signs of issues and challenges in your garden or indoor space. Learn about some common and uncommon pests/diseases you may encounter and discover mitigation techniques. Take your questions to class.

Shrubs and Trees – Oct. 8

This class will cover information on how to use trees and shrubs in the landscape, how to plant new trees and how to care and maintain them. Various species are highlighted. Get some great ideas or just appreciate all that trees do for us in this fun and practical class.

Annuals and Perennials – Oct. 22

Take a look at how to select flowers and foliage given your space and their growing needs. Discover can’t-miss selections! Be prepared to come away with a list of favorites to start planning for next year.

Introduction to Garden Design – Oct. 29

Now that you’ve got an idea of what plants you can select that will work best with your garden space, the next step is how to plan that space out. This class will cover tips on sketching, color theory, curves, drifts and hardscaping to put it all together. Have an established garden space but feel like it needs a refresh? Go back to basics with this class for a fresh look forward.

Fall classes by Master Gardeners in Erie County

Invasive plants, insects and worms will be discussed in fall gardening classes held by the Master Gardeners in Erie County.

Register online or contact jah663@cornell.edu or (716) 652-5400 ext. 176.

The cost for the public is $15 per class or $45 for all three classes. For Master Gardeners in any county, the cost is $15 per class or $40 for all three classes.

Topics and details are:

The Ten Least Wanted List: Invasive Insects in the Garden

Tuesday, Sept. 20 from 6:30-8 p.m.

Cornell Cooperative Extension office, Roycroft Campus, 21 South Grove St., East Aurora

Invasive insects can damage food crops, ornamental plants and decimate species such as elm and ash trees. Gardeners are often among the first to note the presence and damage done by these insects. Learn to be an informed observer of your environment.

Jumpin’ Jehosaphat – It’s Jumping Worms

Wednesday, Sept. 28 from 6:30-8 p.m.

Cornell Cooperative Extension office, Roycroft Campus, 21 South Grove St., East Aurora

Jumping worms (Amynthas species) have appeared in WNY gardens where they can dramatically change soil texture and strip nutrients from topsoil, killing plants. Learn how to identify jumping worms by their unusual movements, understand their life cycle, and distinguish them from common earthworms in your garden.

Invasive Plants and Weeds: What’s a Gardener to Do?

Saturday, Oct. 1 from 10-11:30 a.m.

Unity Church of Buffalo, 1243 Delaware Ave., Buffalo, NY 14209

Invasive and aggressive plants are competitors in your garden – crowding out valued plants and competing for water, light and nutrients. This class will help gardeners identify a variety of these plants and provide some alternatives in plant choices.