Upcoming workshops and tours at the JCC Arboretum

The JCC Arboretum has numerous events planned for February and March. Reservations are necessary. Please call Lin Frye (919) 209-2052 or Minda Daughtry (919) 209-2184 to reserve a space.

Gardening for the New to NC
Wednesday, Feb. 8, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. at the Arboretum Mobile Unit. Registration is $15.
This workshop is especially designed for those new to North Carolina or new to gardening and will cover the important plant information needed for you to have a garden of your dreams.

Vegetable Gardening in Square Foot and Container Gardens
Monday, Feb. 13, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. at the Arboretum Mobile Unit. Registration is $15.
This hands-on class covers the various ways to grow vegetables in small spaces.  The class will cover the best varieties to grow locally, when to plant, thin, and harvest. Participants will go home with several vegetables varieties to begin their own food gardens.

Birds and Feeders for Children 5-12 years
Wednesday, Feb. 29, 4:30 - 6 p.m. in the Arboretum Brick Building. Registration is $15.
This hands-on workshop for children focuses on attracting birds to your backyard.  Participants will create handmade bird feeders and a birdhouse to take home.  They will also learn about some of the plants that can attract these feathered friends.

Sustainable Gardening and the Bees
Tuesday, March 6, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. at the Arboretum Mobile Unit. Registration is $15.
Learn good management strategies and practices that will enhance your plants while sustaining the environment. This class will focus on honeybees and ways to attract and keep them healthy. Participants will also have an opportunity to sample local honey.

Pruning Crape Myrtles and Azaleas
Wednesday, March 7, 10 a.m. - noon at the Arboretum Mobile Unit. Registration is $10.
This hands-on workshop teaches how to correctly prune crape myrtles and azaleas so that they look their best while remaining healthy. This class is held in the classroom and outdoors so dress appropriately.

Fruit and Berry Pruning and Maintenance Workshop
Tuesday, March 13, 2 - 5 p.m. at the Arboretum Mobile Unit. Registration is $15.
This class will demonstrate the proper way of pruning various fruit trees and berries and also include information on proper maintenance of these important plants.

Sustainable Food Systems with Tony Kleese
Tuesday, March 20, 6 - 9 p.m. at the Arboretum Mobile Unit. Registration is $15.
Tony will use his two decades of work experience to create a sustainable food system in North Carolina to help explain a sustainable food system and how to create one for your family and community.

Center for Environmental Farming Systems (CEFS) Tour in Goldsboro
Tuesday, March 27, 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Meet at the Arboretum Mobile Unit. Registration is $20. Lunch is on your own.
This tour concentrates on the farm unit as it relates to sustainable agricultural activities, local farms, and produce and sustainability.  Learn how to help reduce our carbon footprint and impact on the environment as these relate to food.