Gardening Series for 2004-2005
Turn your Brown thumb to Green!

Taught by Linda Singh, The Kitchen Herbalist™.
   as seen regularly on the TV show - Sonoran Living Live, ABC 15
Offered through Southwest Gardener.

Choose between class series running on Saturday or Monday

This nine month series of classes will give you practical, hands-on experience in edible gardening in the Sonoran Desert. You will watch the seasonal changes in Linda’s demonstration garden all the while enjoying a seasonal dish prepared with herbs and vegetables from the garden. Linda will share with you her functional, organic and delightful approach to gardening and cooking that will leave you feeling inspired and confident to go at it yourself. Whether you are gardening in pots, on a patio or in a large yard, there will be plenty for you to learn. This is a great opportunity to participate in Linda’s renowned demonstration garden and share in some of her delicious recipes.

Each class will include a garden tea/beverage and a food item that features a fresh pick from the garden. Recipes and preparation guidelines will be provided. There will be opportunities for you to get your hands dirty in the garden, if you choose, during the series. Each participant is encouraged to share their gardening journey through the course, if they are on one. Several people take this class because they like the idea of gardening but are not yet gardeners themselves. Others are transplanted gardeners, having moved from almost anywhere else that has very different growing conditions. No matter the reason, you are sure to make friends (gardeners and garden lovers are all great people!), talk dirt, learn, laugh and feast all in one class! You will gather LOTS of resources.

The Class was a big hit last year. Click here for comments from students.

There will be several opportunities for you to get your hands dirty in the garden, if you choose, during the series. Each participant is encouraged to share their gardening journey through the course, if they are on one. Several people take this class because they like the idea of gardening but are not yet gardeners themselves. Others are transplanted gardeners, having moved from almost anywhere else that has very different growing conditions. No matter the reason, you are sure to make friends (gardeners and garden lovers are all great people!), talk dirt, learn, laugh and feast all in one class!

Saturday Series: ( 9 Saturdays between August 28th and May 14th )
Class Times: 9:30 AM until 12:30 PM, unless otherwise noted
Class Dates: August 28, September 18, October 16, November 13, (skip December), January 8, February 26, March 19, April 16, and May 14
 NOTE: Make up class available, ask for details

Monday Series: ( 9 Monday mornings between August 30 and May 16th )
Class Times: 9:30 AM until 12:30 PM, unless otherwise noted
Class Dates: August 30, September 20, October 18, November 15, (skip December), January 10, February 28, March 21, April 18, and May 16
 NOTE: Make up class available, ask for details

Cost:  $385. (for the complete series of 9 classes)   It includes the book, Desert Gardening for Beginners and a $20 gift certificate to Southwest Gardener, and of course the eats prepared by Linda during classes.
Not sure if this class fits your needs, give Linda a call or send her an email and explain your concerns.

Class size is limited, so register today! Call Southwest Gardener at (602)279-9510 for more details.

• Class 1
  This is the overview and beginning planning stage where you learn to make the most of your environment. We’ll talk about microclimates, sun exposure, bed types and designs. We will review lots of resources, local planting guides and square foot gardening. There will be a book review and time for perusing and those of you who are going to start a garden will get the first steps to get started on.
• Class 2
  First tour of Linda’s garden. We will talk about shade structures, trellises, site placement, microclimates, watering needs and my choice systems, soil amendments and plant selection. Emphasis will be on pointing out the stages and happenings in Linda’s garden and what will be done over the following month and why. Planting activity and selection. Picture review of your “gardens”.
• Class 3
  Taking dirt seriously! Covering the basics of composting, keeping it simple and letting Mother Nature do her magic. Planting now and for the spring. Check out the upcoming fall harvest. Wildflowers. Garden maintenance.
• Class 4
  Class takes clippers to the garden to do a little herb gathering to take home. We will talk about how to dry the herbs and explore some nice gift ideas. Plan for seed selections and spring garden considerations flowing in with current garden harvests. Look at seed starting tools/equipment to get ready for December/January seed starting activity. Frost protection.
• No Class in December
• Class 5
  Reap what you sow in this class for we will be having fun planting our seed starter packs. We will do seed swaps, encourage experimenting and learn the basics about planting seeds and caring for seedlings. This is a fun hands-on class you don’t want to miss! Talk about fruit trees.
• Class 6
  Busy getting spring beds and soil ready. We will do a little digging, soil amending and getting ready for planting. Weather permitting, we will plant some tomatoes. Cover the overall activity going on and plans for the following weeks before next class. Busy time in the garden! How to plant seedlings. Cutting back perennials.
• Class 7
  If February wasn’t busy enough, we are getting even busier trying to keep up with the garden! Fall harvesting is wrapping up and there is lots of chamomile, calendula, lavender and citrus to harvest. How to protect tomatoes, and care for them through season. Learn how to start plants from cuttings and take some home.
• Class 8
  Bugs! The good, bad and the ugly! Learn about the importance of a balanced ecosystem in your garden. Review some organic control methods. Thinking about protection from the sun for your garden. Harvests – what to do with all that bounty! Troubleshooting garden challenges. Review of favorite gardening books from the class.
• Class 9
  Class potluck and recipe exchange. Picture review of gardens. Cooking demonstration by Linda. This class is a perfectly fun and tasty end to our class series and marks the beginning of new friendships and harvests for the future. You are invited to bring a friend with you as well.