Everyone is welcome!! All seminars are on Saturdays and free unless otherwise noted, and there is no need to pre-register. Some schedule changes may occur; please call the store closer to posted date to confirm.
JOIN US!!
Bonsai- Deciduous Trees
May 3, 9:00amEverything you always wanted to know about growing deciduous trees as Bonsai will be covered in today's class including pruning, potting, root pruning and quick caliper production for hardy trees. Martha will compare the growing requirements for different types of trees, including maples, oaks, elms and others.
May in the Garden with Carrie Engel
May 10, 10:00amRoses, hanging baskets, container gardens, and planting summer bulbs are on May's to-do list. Great ideas for Mom and colorful ideas for the garden too!
Containers: Cultivated Designs
May 10, 11:00amMuffin Evander joins us for an exciting seminar featuring beautifully designed containers. Muffin will show us how to choose plants and containers for specific places in our gardens and explain the roles of each in the design process. After class, step on out to our plant department and talk to one of our own talented container designers to help put together a terrific gift for Mom (or yourself.)
The Shady Perennial Garden w/ David Culp
May 17, 11:00amJoin us for a fantastic talk with David Culp, of Sunny Border Nursery in Connecticut. David is a dynamic speaker and a true plant enthusiast.
The Summer Perennial Garden
June 7, 9:00amMartha Simon-Pindale is here to share her perennial growing experiences with us. Martha has spent a lifetime growing and designing perennial gardens. Her summer perennial talk is sure to inspire all of us!
Bonsai- Jin and Shari Demonstration
June 7, 9:00amJin and Shari are two techniques used to create the illusion of age in a Bonsai using dead wood when styling. Martha will also discuss the style differences in Japanese and Chinese Bonsai. We'll also discuss two "trees of the month", Taxodium (Bald Cypress) and Metasequoia (Dawn Redwood).
From Garden to Grill
June 7, 11:00amValley View is proud to present Wegmans Executive Chef Tom Schwarzweller, a Culinary Institute of America graduate, to talk about what he grows in his herb and vegetable gardens at home and how he gets inspired by what he harvests. As he mans the grill, Tom will discuss trends, tricks and techniques for chefs who love to grow their own!
Water Garden Installation
June 14, 9:00amGet your feet wet and learn about water gardening from Tim McQuaid, our Water Garden Manager. Tim will go over each step, from placement of the water garden, to stocking the pond with fish and plants. Learn about pumps, liners, filters and other elements for creating a successful water garden. (This is a repeat performance of Tim′s presentation.)
June in the Garden with Carrie Engel
June 14, 10:00amAre you ready for summer? It's time to enjoy all your spring efforts, and keep an eye out for those pesky pests. We'll talk about gardening practices that will leave you and your garden stress free.
Our Favorite Plants for Butterflies and Hummingbirds
June 14, 11:00amToday's seminar, weather permitting, will be held in our Butterfly Garden in the water garden area. See how the plants perform in real world conditions and view butterflies in all their glory. Valley View Farm's own Pat Sherman will lead the tour.
Whimsical Summer Container Gardens
June 21, 9:00amSpruce up summer plantings by placing containers in and around the landscape. We'll talk about adding some garden whimsy with garden sculptures, gazing globes and other fun elements. Nancy Sostrin will demonstrate her design talents with gardeners.
Bonsai Gathering Trees in the Wild
July 5, 9:00amCollecting Bonsai from the wild is the topic of today's discussion led by Martha Meehan. This month we'll also focus on Junipers.
July in the Garden with Carrie Engel
July 12, 10:00amToday's agenda: Watering advice and tips on controlling insects and potential diseases. Bring in leaves or bugs and we'll take a look at them and discuss.
August
Bonsai Collecting Specimens from Nursery Stock
August 2, 9:00amToday's Bonsai class will stroll through our nursery and choose several trees or shrubs that will become Bonsai projects. Martha Meehan will lead the tour and offer suggestions of what to look for future Bonsai specimens. She'll also discuss over-wintering trees.
August in the Garden with Carrie Engel
August 9, 10:00amPlant now for fall color. We'll show you which perennials and ornamental grasses to add to the landscape. We'll also review watering techniques to help our landscape throughout the summer and introduce the "cole" crops--vegetables to be planted now for late fall harvest.
September
Bonsai Show and Tell
September 6, 9:00amBonsai enthusiasts, please bring in one of your trees to talk about with other attendees of today's class. Martha will also talk about over-wintering Bonsai trees.
Fall Lawn Clinic
September 6, 11:00amFall is the best time to seed, sod, lime, fertilize, aerate and thatch the lawn. Bill Trembley from Jonathan Green Lawn and Garden Products will help lawn rangers be successful in their quest for the perfect lawn by providing time-tables and exploring lawn care options this time of year. Bring along a soil sample for a free pH analysis. A door prize will be awarded.
Windowsill Herb Gardening
September 13, 9:00amContinue to grow your own herbs to use all season long by starting a windowsill herb garden. Learn about the cultural necessities for growing herbs including light, water, soil and specific herb varieties with Joann Weber.
September in the Garden with Carrie Engel
September 13, 10:00amMums, bulbs and pansies are available now for gardens and containers. Overseed the lawn, protect your garden from deer--these subjects and more will be topics of discussion as fall approaches.
Fall is for Gardening
September 20, 9:00amGardening is a pleasure during the cool days of autumn. We'll discuss fall projects like sprucing up tired summer containers, tree, shrub and perennial planting, pansies, mums, bulbs and much more during today's seminar with Pat Sherman.
Bonsai Forest Planting and Sakei
October 4, 9:00amLearn how to create tray landscapes and other Bonsai projects using multiple trees in grove and forest plantings. Martha Meehan will demonstrate the process of design and tree choices for forest plantings.
Winterizing the Water Garden
October 11, 9:00amOld Man Winter is fast approaching. Tim McQuaid will help us get the pond ready and guide us through the steps we need keep our plants and fish healthy.
October in the Garden with Carrie Engel
October 11, 10:00amHouseplants and tropicals need some special care as they move back in before cool weather approaches. Plant bulbs, perennials, trees and shrubs for color next spring.
Pumpkin Painting and Decorating Fun
October 18, 9:00amBring the kids for an hour of pumpkin decorating fun. Our decorators will help each of the kids to create a Jack-O-Lantern ready to display on their front porch just in time for Halloween. A $5 fee will cover the cost of a pumpkin and supplies.
"Owl"- oween
October 18, 1pm-3pmKathy Woods is a Raptor Rehabilatator with The Phoenix Center for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife. Meet Kathy and a real Great Horned Owl between 1 and 3 today. It's sure to be a hoot!
Frightful Halloween Makeup Clinic
October 25, 10:00am-2:00pmCinema Secrets Monster Maker is back to share his make-up tips with Halloween revelers. Eliot Speigel is our fun-loving Hollywood host for today's event. Members of our own staff will also be doing face painting for younger children.
Uncommon Bonsai Styles
November 1, 9:00amAre you curious about other Bonsai styles? Learn about the small Mame and Shohin styles of Bonsai. Martha will also discuss Cascade and Literate trees.
The Great Pumpkin Seed Contest
November 1, NoonMake your guess before we cut open the Great Pumpkin as to how many seed this giant orange orb is hiding inside its thick walls. The first person to correctly guess wins a $300 gift card from Valley View Farms. WBAL's chief meteorologist Tom Tasselmeyer is our official seed counter.
Winter Gardening Tips
November 8, 10:00amIt's bedtime for the garden. We'll talk about what to do to protect plants for the winter. Late season chores, catch-up projects and taking stock of this year's garden will all be discussed.
Department 56 Event
November 8 and 9, all dayCheck back for a complete schedule listing times of demonstrations, including John Hessler's Department 56 Village display seminar.
EVERY WEEKEND in December: FREE ornament personalization by our artist!!
(starts Friday after Thanksgiving)
Growing Tropical Bonsai in Winter
December 6, 9:00amMany of the Bonsai are perfect for indoor growing. Consider Ficus, Serissa, Malpighia and many others tropical plants for projects. Pine is our "plant of the month".
Decorating with Fresh Wreaths and Greens
December 6, 11:00amFresh wreaths and greens add color and fragrance to our homes each holiday season. Our own Pat Sherman will have some ideas on how to display with greens, creating window boxes and urns for the entranceways, wreaths and live garland around doorways, lampposts and railings.
Steinbach Nutcracker Signing
Date TBAThis year, we are excited to host Karla Steinbach, Herr Steinbach's daughter. A sixth generation Steinbach, Karla has had a major role in running the Steinbach factories. Karla will be signing Steinbach nutcrackers purchased at Valley View Farms since her last visit in 2007.
Live Broadcast!! WBAL Radio's Dave Durian Morning Show
Dates TBAJoin WBAL Radio's beloved morning team for our annual event as they raise money for the WBAL Radio's Kids Campaign. Celebrate the season with area choirs and local personalities. Meet Dave Durian, Doug Roberts and the crew for what is sure to be a good time with a good purpose!!
May
June
July
October
November
December
Garden clubs and groups who would like to schedule a seminar here at Valley View Farms are welcome to meet at the store during open store hours. Please contact Carrie Engel to reserve the space and time for your meeting.
Additional questions about our seminar program should be directed to Carrie Engel. She can be reached by phone at the store (410) 527-0700 or by e-mail at carrie@valleyviewfarms.com.