Educational Workshops Set for Orange County Arboretum

From the Orange County Department of Parks, Recreation and Conservation:

Orange County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus and Parks Department Commissioner Richard Rose have announced that the Friends of the Arboretum will be offering programs for children and adults, as well as celebrating Arbor Day in April at the Arboretum located at Thomas Bull Memorial Park in Montgomery.

Join the Friends on April 16th from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the Kosuga classroom for a Shrub Pruning workshop. Instructor Caroline DeWilde will discuss proper pruning techniques to keep your shrubs healthy, blooming and safe from overgrowth. DeWilde will also discuss appropriate tools for pruning. The class will then head out to the gardens in the Arboretum where she will identify some common varieties of shrubs and demonstrate how to prune them. The cost is $5 per person and advanced registration is required. Please call 615-3828 to reserve a space.

The Friends will offer How to Build a Fairy Garden on April 23rd from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m. in the Kosuga classroom. Volunteers will instruct children ages 5 to 10 on how to plant a whimsical container garden with small plants and flowers. These miniature landscapes complete with tiny paths and seating areas are sure to enchant your child. All materials will be supplied and everyone gets to take the creations home. The cost is $10 per child and space is very limited so advanced registration is required. This program always books very quickly so call 615-3828 to reserve a spot.

The annual Arbor Day Program will be celebrated on April 29 from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the beautiful Orange County Arboretum. This free event will include a tutorial from Master Gardener Dora Wright on planting a “Container Garden”. There will also be a demonstration on the proper techniques for planting a tree and a guided tour of the Arboretum highlighting the fabulous variety of specimen trees.