More and more research and experience sing the praise the long term benefits of compost. Learn the difference between worm compost, worm tea, and compost tea. Cover the basics of composting while taking a step further by not only learning about, but physically making, worm compost bins and compost tea makers. Utilize the wealth of knowledge of three highly experienced and successful organic farmers who yield big results from their use of compost. The materials to make a worm bin or tea maker is included in the price of the class. Identify the organisms living among us and how they can be used to benefit your garden and your wallet!
Wednesday, March 17 at KOC from 6 to 8:30pm at the KOC
“Container Plants: Tried and True” Class
(including plant combining) with Diana Duff and Stephen Beehee owner of Anuenue Gardens
Most plants can be successfully grown in containers. Talk to two experts about their experience while watching a slide show of Hawaii specific tried and true potted plants. Kava, taro, citrus, bananas, palms, cycads, and bamboo are just a few beautiful and treasures that promise to thrive and produce in your containers. Get detailed lists of happy plants for pots and expand your palate for garden variety. Find out more about local establishments available to help you find the plant you are looking for.
Saturday and Sunday, March 20 and 21 from 9 to 3pm
at the Donkey Mill
“Mold Your Own Containers” Workshop with Elena Garcia Artist and Teacher
Hypertufa is a porous and attractive pot choice for many potted plants. Hypertufa construction is an old and highly desirable skill to have. Once you learn the basics of mixing ingredients, building molds and curing your project, you can design and produce custom containers at home. This 2-day workshop will focus on container making, safety, recipes, molds/forms, technical process, and surface treatment. The approximate size of container each participant builds in the workshop it 18" long x 12" wide x 10" high. The price of this workshop includes membership to the Donkey Mill enlisting you to receive their informative newsletter and discounts on upcoming classes.
Wednesday, March 24 from 6 to 8:30pm at the KOC
“Conceptual Garden Design” Class with BreeLyn DuPertuis and local Feng Shui consultant.
One of the many benefits of container gardening is the ability to refine and change your plants and spacing. Applying efficient and realistic design principles will streamline the look, function and maintenance of your garden. Bring pictures and concepts of potential container garden projects to class and apply the principles directly to your life. Understanding the flow of colors, textures, and growing cycles enhance the attractiveness and advantages to your garden areas giving is a more professional and effective look and feel. Get introduced to basic applicable Feng Shui principles and see how they can apply to your gardens.
Saturday, March27 from 9 to 2pm at Pele’s Island Plants Nursery
“Orchid and Succulents” Workshop/Field Trip with Bob and Phoenicia Zeller.
Wind through Pele’s Plants impressive nursery specializing in, but not limited to, a huge variety of orchids and succulents. Take advantage of the KOC discount and instructional tour of rare and beautiful orchids by Phoenicia Zeller. Bob Zellers shares some of his secrets of how he cares and propagates his mind boggling array of precious succulents. After a brown bag lunch (dessert provided but the Phoenicia), we take to the work station to get our hand dirty with planting, propagating and caring for orchids and succulents. Learn some of the best ways to tie orchids to rocks and trees. Specialized dirt will be available on site. Take advantage of this once a year VIP nursery treatment.
Wednesday, March 31 from 6 to 8:30pm at the KOC
“Container Plant Doctor” with BreeLyn DuPertuis and guest speaker
Go over the deduction skills needed to troubleshoot sick plants and unhealthy gardens. Understand the basics of diagnosing the difference between nutrient deficiencies and pests infestation. Learn the pruning and planting skills to keep your plants healthy. Lower your water bill by increase water holding capacity by adding organic material to long term plants. Take home thorough handouts that will serve as practical reference guides to future plant problems.
KOC is hosting a Kona Nursery Crawl free to Container Gardener Students on April 3. Hear plant details from the owners themselves and take advantage of special KOC discounts. Container Gardening students may also attend the Donkey Mills Earth Day Celebration for free on April 24 featuring a Bonsai demonstration.
Becoming an expert Container Gardener cannot be mastered in a classroom alone. Those who chose to become KOC certified will pass a written exam as well as have one year to turn in 10 documented hours of consolation time and 10 documented hours of hands on container gardening. All plant lovers have needed a mobile garden at one time or another. If you are just entering the plant world, container gardening is a fun and informative way to start.
Certification Price -$299 includes text book and material
6 classes not including March 20, 21 are $160
Membership Discounts
Scholarships Available
For Details call KOC office 329-7286 or Bree 333-2690
