Your Keep The Colony Beautiful Board has partnered with the Texas A&M Agrilife Water University to provide residents with four fascinating and useful classes this year to improve your home garden and landscaping.
All classes are held at The Colony Annex, 6804 Main St.. Click the class title for the registration link. Classes are free except for Aug. 4. Schedule is as follows:
- The Urban Orchard: Fruits, Nuts and Berries - 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 4. Whether you’re trying to grow (or planning to grow) fruits, nuts and or berries at home for their superior flavor, to save money, or just want to know where your food comes from, this class is for you! This program teaches you how to become more water efficient in your "urban orchard", what plants and varieties work best in our area, the basics of pest control, proper pruning methods and other practical ways to increase production. Branch out and join us for a fruitful program!
- Texan Plants - 6:30 to 7:30 Wednesday, March 11. There’s a growing trend to incorporate native plants in landscapes not only for their ability to save water, but also for the incredible beauty and the countless ecosystem services they provide! Learn how to grow our favorite native wildflowers, trees, shrubs as well as perennials with lush vibrant colors and textures to make your garden the envy of the neighborhood. We’ll also talk proper soil preparation, proper installation, and provide tips for long term maintenance to keep your native landscape looking its best. You’ll be provided a plant list as big as the Lone Star State!
- Birds, Bees and Butterflies: Gardening for Wildlife - 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 6. Native and adapted plants are not only beautiful, water-efficient additions to your landscape, but they can be useful tools to attract beneficial wildlife as well! Learn ways to attract and provide habitat for butterflies, song birds, hummingbirds, bees and other animals that bring your landscape to life with activity! If you’d like to keep your landscape well-manicured, or if you take a more naturalistic approach, we have tips to meet your needs, suit your taste and capture your imagination!
- DIY Rain Barrel Class - 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 4. This program covers the basics and benefits of rainwater harvesting and the effects stormwater has on the environment. Participants will learn how to collect and utilize rainwater at home and have the opportunity to construct their very own 55-gallon rain barrel. Rain barrels are recycled food-grade containers and are roughly 24" wide by 36" tall. By ordering a $50 rain barrel, you are registered to attend the class.
For more information, email Community Outreach Officer Danny Dill or call 972-624-3159.