Bonsai expo in Raleigh this weekend and more upcoming home and garden events
A weekly roundup of home and garden classes, tours and more.
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Little Sprouts: Terrific Trees
Share a morning of nature discovery with your little one. Explore the plants, animals, and seasonal changes in the Garden with hands-on activities, crafts, and stories. One adult per child, please (no non-registered siblings). 1-2:15 p.m. April 23. $10 adult/child pair; $8 members. N.C. Botanical Garden, 100 Old Mason Farm Rd., Chapel Hill. 919-962-0522, ncbg.unc.edu/calendar.
Good Berry, Bad Berry
Berries grow in all parts of North America and come in a wide variety of colors, sizes and shapes. But which ones are safe to eat and which could make one sick, or worse? Join author and gardener, Helen Yoest as she identifies ways to safely enjoy these healthy superfruits. 10-11 a.m. April 23. Free. Garden Supply Co., 1421 Old Apex Rd., Cary. 919-460-7747, gardensupplyco.com.
Local Deciduous Trees
This course is perfect for those just beginning their study of trees, or for recent transplants to the NC Piedmont who want to identify the common deciduous trees in their backyard gardens and neighborhoods. Students spend time outdoors, walking in the Garden or on the Piedmont Nature Trails, learning common trees and how to identify them and understanding why they grow where they do. 1:30-4:30 p.m. April 23. $65; $55 members. N.C. Botanical Garden, 100 Old Mason Farm Rd., Chapel Hill. 919-962-0522, ncbg.unc.edu/calendar
Advanced Orchid Care
Are you interested in growing your own orchid, getting it to re-bloom and controlling pests and disease? Learn advanced orchid care from the experts. 9 a.m. April 23. $5. Atlantic Avenue Orchid & Garden, 5217 Atlantic Ave., Raleigh. 919-878-8877, atlanticavenuegarden.com.
Future Gardeners: What’s All the BUZZ About Pollinators?
Learn about butterflies, bees and moths and how important they are to plants and gardeners. Learn how pollination happens and build a seed bomb filled with seeds to encourage pollinators to come to your garden. 9-10 a.m. April 23. $5. Logan Trading Co., 707 Semart Dr, Raleigh. 919-828-5337, logantrd.com.
Terrariums and Fairy Gardens
Work with gardener and designer, Anna, as she shows guests how to create a very small garden. Whether it is a terrarium or a fairy garden, learn all of the basics of building, design, and care. Bring a container or select one from the store. $25 includes all of the "building materials", including gravel, activated charcoal, moss and soil. Plants and garden accessories are extra. 2-3:30 p.m. April 24. $25. Garden Supply Co., 1421 Old Apex Rd., Cary. 919-460-7747, gardensupplyco.com.
Triangle Bonsai Expo
Come out to the JC Raulston Arboretum for this free event where you can see more than 50 bonsai trees on display. Learn more about the art during demonstrations at 1 pm and 3 pm on Saturday and Sunday. Members of the Triangle Bonsai Society will be on hand throughout the show to answer questions. Whether you’re interested in starting bonsai, have a tree of your own, or simply enjoy looking at the trees, this show has something for everyone including bonsai related vendors. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. April 23; 11 a.m.-4 p.m. April 24. Free. JC Raulston Arboretum, 4415 Beryl Rd., Raleigh. 919-515-3132, jcra.ncsu.edu/.
Aquatic Plants for Water Gardens
This talk is presented by Marilyn Grolitzer, Wake County Extension Master Gardener. 10 a.m.-12 p.m. April 25. $5; members free. JC Raulston Arboretum, 4415 Beryl Rd., Raleigh. 919-515-3132, jcra.ncsu.edu/.
Plant Propagation: Dividing a Plant
Join this class to see a variety of plants divided to form multiple plants and learn how to assess a plant for division. In the propagation series, you’ll learn to grow your own plants using two very simple techniques: dividing and cuttings. Classes include time in the Gardens discussing and collecting to propagate specific plants, and time in the greenhouse practicing your skills. Here is your chance to expand your plant collection with expert guidance. Instructor: Jason Holmes, curator and Jan.Watson, horticulturist, Duke Gardens Location: Greenhouse classroom Participant limit: 15 Qualifies for Home Horticulture Certificate elective course (1.5 hours) Registration/information: 919-668-1707 or gardenseducation@duke.edu. 10:30 a.m. April 26. $24-$30. Sarah P. Duke Gardens, Anderson St. and Erwin Rd., Durham. 919-684-3698, gardens.duke.edu.
I Need a Plan: Create a Pollinator Garden
Build a pollinator haven in your garden! Discover the pollinators native to our region and then create a plant list that includes everything needed by them, from food to shelter. Finally, learn to filter your list to match your existing conditions, whether your garden is sunny, shady, dry or wet. This class is part of a series titled I Need a Plan: the fundamental steps to create a garden. Each different section of this program will help you plan your garden. Register for one or all sections. Instructor: Lauri Lawson, Niche Gardens Registration/information: 919-668-1707 or gardenseducation@duke.edu. 6:30 p.m. April 26. $35-$45. Sarah P. Duke Gardens, Anderson St. and Erwin Rd., Durham. 919-684-3698, gardens.duke.edu.
Step Into Spring
Wine and hors d’oeuvres followed by recognition of the tour’s homeowners and a special presentation by Chip Callaway, landscape architect and historic preservationist. 6:30-8:30 p.m. April 28. $50 per person. N.C. Botanical Garden, 100 Old Mason Farm Rd., Chapel Hill. 919-962-0522, ncbg.unc.edu/calendar.
Kids’ Seedling Giveaway
Farmers and Fifth Season Gardening Company will do their bit to help grow budding gardeners by giving away a tomato seedling to any kid who comes to the Market. 8:30 a.m.-12 p.m. April 30. Free. Carrboro Farmers’ Market, 301 W. Main St., Carrboro. carrborofarmersmarket.com.
Veggie Gardens in Containers
We’re excited to welcome back Dr. Craig LeHoullier, the NC Tomato Man! Dr. LeHoullier has been growing tomatoes and other heirloom vegetables for decades. He’ll teach you his tips and tricks for growing in containers. No space is too small to grow fresh vegetables. Dr. LeHoullier’s seedlings and books will be available for sale. 10 a.m. April 30. Atlantic Avenue Orchid & Garden, 5217 Atlantic Ave., Raleigh. 919-878-8877, atlanticavenuegarden.com.
Master Gardener Plant Sale
Find natives, annuals, perennials, vegetables, herbs, house plants and more - from the usual to the unusual - for sale at very reasonable prices, all grown by Master Gardeners. Also for sale will be trees and shrubs grown by local nurseries, and an assortment of gently used gardening books, tools, equipment, and garden art. 8 a.m.-12 p.m. April 30. Free. Clayton Community Center, 715 Amelia Church Rd, Clayton. 919-553-1550.
Chapel Hill Garden Tour:
Highlighting renewed and re-imagined gardens in the greater Chapel Hill area, the tour will feature seven private gardens including a Historic Spotlight garden and the North Carolina Botanical Garden. Plein air artists, select vendors and musicians will add additional charm to several gardens. Tour proceeds support the ongoing programs at the NC Botanical Garden and Chapel Hill Garden Club. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. April 30-May 1. $35; $25 advance; $20 groups 10+. N.C. Botanical Garden, 100 Old Mason Farm Rd., Chapel Hill. 919-962-0522, ncbg.unc.edu/calendar.
Covering Some Ground
Ground covers are important components of the landscape. Director Mark Weathington will lead in checking out some vigorous growers as well as a few restrained selections for smaller gardens. 9-10:30 a.m., 6-7:30 p.m. May 3. $5; members free. JC Raulston Arboretum, 4415 Beryl Rd., Raleigh. 919-515-3132, jcra.ncsu.edu/.
Friends of the Page-Walker Herbfest
The 7th annual Herbfest features plant and craft booths, live butterfly releases, craft demos, kids activity, food trucks, bake sale and a fabulous silent auction. Tour the herb garden and see the brand new pollinator garden. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. May 7. Free. Page-Walker Arts & History Center, 119 Ambassador Loop, Cary. 919-460-4963, friendsofpagewalker.org.
NC State Fairground Flea Market
Each weekend, the Commercial and Education buildings, the Shoppes at Dorton, and the outside grounds are host to hundreds of dealers, craftsmen, and booths. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturdays, Sundays. Free. N.C. State Fairgrounds, 1025 Blue Ridge Road., Raleigh. 919-733-2626, ncstatefair.org.
This story was originally published April 19, 2016 at 12:51 PM with the headline "Bonsai expo in Raleigh this weekend and more upcoming home and garden events."