Horticulture Education Classes from the Cooperative Extension

Like me, you may have read the article in the April 10 edition of the Press-Register titled “Gardeners trading aesthetics for food,” which included information about a series of classes being offered by the Mobile County office of the Alabama Cooperative Extension. The article addressed the increased interest in home food production and edible landscaping sparked by the current recession, and included a list of topics to be covered by the Extension classes. (Incidentally, I think the title of the article is a little misleading, since edible plants can often be quite beautiful, and some are commonly used in landscape settings.)
If, like me, you called to find out more information about the classes, you will have found out that they’ve been canceled for this year because of lack of up-front interest (i.e. people calling to register in advance). They did receive a number of calls after the fact, however, and plan to offer the series again next year. They will take your name and address and put you on a mailing list of people to be contacted when they have information about the next series. They can also send you informational brochures about topics of interest to you, for example, raising chickens.
If you’re disappointed and still wishing for some gardening classes to take this year, you may be interested in a few from their current series on “Horticulture Education: Intelligent Plant Management.” As I understand it they still have space available in all but their original August program (that one is on plant propagation and greenhouses, and has already filled); however, they have added another propagation class on August 25. The cost is $20 per person.
April 30: Edible Landscape: Fruits
May 28: Edible Landscape: Vegetables
MORE INFORMATION
WHEN: 6pm, monthly (see schedule for dates and topics)
WHERE: Jon Archer Agricultural Center, 1070 Schillinger Road North
COST: $20
CONTACT: 574-8445 to pre-register (required) and for a complete schedule of classes
ADDITIONALLY
The following two classes only are free; advance registration is also required for these:
May 14: Hurricanes and Trees: Are Your Trees Ready?
July 16: Landscape Design: The Good, Bad, and Ugly