Class offerings under the Desert Botanical Garden Mastership Program are labeled as follows:
(DGM-C) Desert Gardening Mastership Core
(DGM-E) Desert Gardening Mastership Elective
Tree Biology (DGM-E)
This foundational class will explore the wonders of tree anatomy and physiology and explain in simple terms how trees work. Learn how understanding tree form and function is essential to practicing proper tree maintenance. This interactive class will show you how trees obtain and use essential elements, how they compartmentalize decay, how they grow, mature and uniquely respond to their environment and how we can use this knowledge to improve their chance of success. Instructed by John Eisenhower. Limit 25.
Tuesday / March 23 / 6 - 9 p.m.
Member: $30 / General Public: $38
Click here to register on-line for March 23 class.
Pruning Trees and Shrubs (DGM-E)
Give the trees and shrubs in your landscape some ‘TLC’. In this introductory presentation learn the basics of pruning to keep your investments healthy, functional and looking great. You will learn the art and science of good pruning, including how to prune young trees for good structure, the five types of pruning and when to use them, and how to avoid the two worst pruning mistakes. You will leave this program ready to prune your own trees and shrubs with confidence and effectiveness. Includes a pruning demonstration plus informative take home materials and resources. Instructed by John Eisenhower. Limit 25.
Sunday / March 28 / 1 - 4 p.m.
Member: $30 / General Public: $38
Click here to register on-line for March 28 class.
Environmental Challenges of Desert Gardening (DGM-C)
Why don’t gardenias thrive in my garden? Why do my tulips fall flat? Why isn’t the soil in my yard dark and rich? The answer–you are in the Sonoran Desert! This introductory class is designed to teach you about the challenging conditions you will face when gardening in the low desert. Learn how to work with the unique soils, temperature extremes, bi-modal rainy seasons and human influences that impact plants in your landscape. Instructed by Garden curator Kirti Mathura. Limit 25.
Mondays / April 5 and 12 / 6 - 9 p.m.
Member: $60 / General Public: $75
Click here to register on-line for April 5 class.
Beginning Bonsai
When you love desert trees but cannot fit any more in your landscape, try them as miniature bonsai creations. This hands-on workshop will provide you with succulent plant, bonsai pot and soil. Under the gentle guidance of your instructor and your imagination, you will learn how to turn a plant into a living piece of art. Three classes will cover the basics of bonsai, including plant and pot selection, shaping, wiring, watering and fertilizing. Instructed by Phoenix Bonsai Society educators. Limit 15.
Thursdays / April 8, 15, 22 / 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Member: $85 / General Public: $105
Click here to register on-line for April 8 class.
Planting a Monsoon Garden
In advance of the monsoon rains, this class will focus on techniques and tips for planting a Sonoran Desert summer crop garden, including amending the soil, protecting your crops, and when, how and what to plant. The class will cover features of indigenous agriculture as it was practiced in the past and also new ideas about agro-ecology and regionally based agriculture. Instructed by Ray Leimkuehler, horticulturist for the Plants and People of the Sonoran Desert Trail at the Garden. Limit 25.
Sunday / April 11 / 1 - 4 p.m.
Member: $30 / General Public: $38
Click here to register on-line for April 11 class.
Drip Irrigation: Design and Installation
Homeowners will learn how to design a drip irrigation system that will be efficient and able to handle your landscape as it grows to maturity. Proper zones for plant materials, soils and microclimates will be covered, as well as concepts of hydraulics to ensure systems will function properly, not only at start-up but over time. The installation portion covers the point of connection out to the end caps. Learn to avoid many of the common mistakes associated with drip system design and installation. Hands-on activities include connecting poly tubing with a compression coupler, as well as three styles of emitter installation and when each should be used. Instructed by Jeff Lee. Limit 20.
Saturday / April 17 / 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Member: $30 / General Public: $38
Click here to register on-line for April 17 class.
Bring in the Butterflies
Nothing is more enchanting than colorful butterflies fluttering through your garden. Discover the best plants to incorporate into your landscape for attracting exquisite adult butterflies and the plants that allow them to complete their life cycle. Learn tips on specific plants as well as overall habitat suitable for bringing in the butterflies. Instructed by Kirti Mathura. Limit 25.
Sunday / April 18 / 1 - 4 p.m.
Member: $30 / General Public: $38
Click here to register on-line for April 18 class.
Urban Wildlife Landscape Design
Attract amazing wildlife to your yard by thinking like a frog or a lizard, or perhaps even a native or migratory bird. Learn how to design a backyard wildlife habitat from the critters’ perspective: what they need, what they like, how they live, eat and breed. Spend a delightful light-hearted three hours thinking like an animal. Instructed by Paul Holderman. Limit 20.
Tuesday / April 20 / 6 - 9 p.m.
Member: $30 / General Public: $38
Click here to register on-line for April 20 class.
Gardening with Perennials
Enhance your garden with perfect perennials. Discover a phenomenal array of desert-adapted plants and how to use them successfully in your landscape. Learn the various life cycles of these useful beauties, their peak seasons, sun or shade preferences, and much more. Instructed by Garden curator of shrubs Kirti Mathura. Limit 25.
Mondays / April 26 and May 3 / 6 - 9 p.m.
Member: $60 / General Public: $75
Click here to register on-line for April 26 class.
“Scentsational” Gardening
Delight in fragrant blooms and foliage that tantalize your sense of smell as well as your sense of visual style. Do not miss this great opportunity to familiarize yourself with the best plants to create an enchanting scented landscape at your own home. Instructed by Kirti Mathura. Limit 25.
Wednesday / April 28 / 6 - 9 p.m.
Member: $30 / General Public: $38
Click here to register on-line for April 28 class.
Watering and Controller Programming (DGM-E)
Take an active role in the health of your landscape by learning correct watering techniques and how to properly control your home irrigation system. Learn the ins and outs of programming irrigation controllers through hands-on exercises using controller models in the classroom. Learn when to water, how much, and how proper watering not only benefits your landscape, but actually conserves water and lowers your utility bill. Instructed by Jeff Lee. Limit 25.
Saturday / May 1 / 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Member: $30 / General Public: $38
Click here to register on-line for May 1 class.
Landscape Container Gardening
Explore the basics of landscape container gardening for patio or yard accents. Learn to select plant size, shape and color to create intriguing arrangements. With the right container plants, you can even attract hummingbirds. Instructed by Kirti Mathura. Limit 25.
Wednesday / May 5 / 6 - 9 p.m.
Member: $30 / General Public: $38
Click here to register on-line for May 5 class.
Rainwater Harvesting: Getting Started (DGM-E)
Water conservation is of immense concern in our arid desert climate. Consider capturing precious rainwater that would otherwise fall upon impervious surfaces such as roofs, sidewalks, patios or driveways. Learn the many benefits of rainwater harvesting and how easily this can be done around your home. Discover the many design options for your situation, resources available to homeowners, and what steps to take in order to create an effective, efficient system that will continue to conserve both water and money for years. Instructed by Paul Holdeman. Limit 25.
Thursday / May 6 / 6 - 9 p.m.
Member: $30 / General Public: $38
Click here to register on-line for May 6 class.
Desert Gardening Mastership
The Desert Gardening Mastership at the Garden is designed for those interested in plants and will teach about their selection and care, as well as their ecological and cultural significance. Desert Gardening Mastership classes are open to all regardless of intent to complete the program and can be found in the program listings of Gardening and Landscaping.
Classes and Guidelines
Core classes will get you started in your garden and are marked in the calendar with a DGM-C They are introductory in nature and will help you build a solid foundation in whatever type of gardening endeavor you pursue. Elective classes are marked with a DGM-E in the calendar. Students will be awarded a Desert Gardening Mastership upon completion of 12 classes; four core classes and eight elective classes (five in one elective track and three from any other track.)
For a complete list of classes and elective tracks or a Desert Gardening Mastership Information Packet, log on to dbg.org/adultclasses or call 480-481-8146.
