Donaldson's spring classes and workshops to begin

Sign-up now for free classes offering tips on plants, flowers and herbs HACKETTSTOWN — Donaldson’s Greenhouse and Nursery kicks off its spring classes and workshops series on Friday, April 25 at 6:30 p.m. in the greenhouse at 178 Airport Road. “Create a Living Spring Flower and Herb Wreath” on April 24 will enable participants to build a living wreath using pansies, violas, and an assortment of herbs. Bring garden gloves, and Donaldson’s will supply all materials. “Container Garden Workshops” on Thursdays, April 30 and May 7 encourage gardeners to learn about using color, height, and texture to create eye-catching hanging baskets or containers that work in any space, said organizers. Garden gloves are recommended, and supplies are provided. Rethinking the appearance of the front yard is the topic on Thursday, May 14 during a “Foundation Planting Design Workshop.” In this, participants will learn about using evergreens, deciduous shrubs, long-blooming perennials, ornamental grasses, and foliage plants for color and interest in every season. They will also come to understand the view from inside the house is just as important as that from the street. “Organic Vegetable Gardening” Thursday, May 21 presents ideas on growing fresh flavor without the use of chemicals. The class will discuss soil preparation, plant selection, nutrition, maintenance, and preventatives for planting a garden full of healthy fresh fruit, vegetables, and herbs. “How to Plant, Grow, and Cook with Herbs” Thursday, June 11 covers the basics, from choosing and planting to harvesting, drying, and cooking these fresh and delicious plants. Participants will create a container garden using their favorite herbs, and are encouraged to bring garden gloves. Materials are supplied. Bird-friendly plants, shrubs, and trees will be discussed Thursday, June 18 when “Gardening for the Birds” presents a look at using plants to create shelter and provide food for our feathered friends. While adding a few outside elements such as birdfeeders and birdbaths can dramatically increase the variety of species homeowners may find outside their windows, those same techniques can also improve and beautify the landscape, said organizers. “Three Seasons of Color with Flowering Shrubs” on Thurs., June 25 wraps up the series with a presentation on the use of shrubbery for attracting hummingbirds and butterflies, creating bird habitats, and thwarting hungry deer. Shrubs will be presented in succession of color from March through November. Class sizes are limited and registration is requested prior to each session. For more information and registration, call 908-852-7314 or visit www.donaldsongreenhouse.com.