This content was published: June 7, 2001. Phone numbers, email addresses, and other information may have changed.
Cultivate Your Green Thumb With PCC Gardening Series
Photos and story by James Hill
TIGARD/NEWBERG – Summer is almost here and it’s time to get that garden into shape. A non-credit series at Portland Community College will give gardeners the basics on everything from medicinal herbs and pest control to pruning and watering. For beginners, the classes will prepare them to experiment at home, discover where their passion lies, make the most out of their space, and stay under budget.The classes will run from 10 a.m. to noon at the PCC center in Newberg, located at 301 N. Elliott Road, and from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Tigard Senior Center, located at 8815 S.W. O’Mara Road. The classes are every Tuesday starting June 26 and ending Aug. 21. Students may register for the entire series at a cost of $54 or may sign-up for individual classes at a cost of $10 each.Series topics include:Soil – On June 26, students can learn to provide ideal structure and nutrients for healthy, robust plants and get info on composting, fertilizing and sensible irrigation.Container Gardening – On July 3, the class will give tips on how to surround yourself with nature’s bounty with containers and learn techniques.Herbs – On July 10, students will gain knowledge on growing culinary and medicinal herbs in a pot or how to weave them into their garden.Right Plant, Right Place – On July 17, students will learn techniques to grow trees, shrubs, roses and rhodies and how to choose the right plant for the right place.Annuals, Perennials – On July 24, students can see what these flowers are, where they grow best, and when they should be planted.Fruits and Vegetables – On July 31, the class will feature raised beds and companion planting to save money, time and energy and how to plan a winter harvest.Pest Control – On Aug. 7, students will learn safe and sensible ways to prevent or rid their garden of insects, diseases and weeds.Pruning – On Aug. 14, the class will show when, what, where and how to prune trees and shrubs for symmetry.Water Wise – On Aug. 21, students will gain insight on how to use water efficiently and get tips on installing a drip irrigation system and using waste water.For more information, call 503-538-9774.
About James Hill
James G. Hill, an award-winning journalist and public relations writer, is the Director of Public Relations at Portland Community College. A graduate of Portland State University, James has worked as a section editor for the Newberg Graphic... more »