The Peoria Park District’s Luthy Botanical Garden will present its latest Garden Design
Series of classes on two Saturdays this spring: March 29 and April 5. From plants to
history to design, we will look at a variety of garden topics to inspire and better prepare
you for the upcoming garden season. With each topic, we will discuss characteristics and
concepts applicable to your own garden, big or small. Select the individual classes of
interest or take the entire series and enjoy a discounted price. The 2014 series will include
the following classes:
1. NEW! Embrace Spring
Start the garden season with a new outlook, some fresh ideas, new concepts, new
plants—even some new tools! Our goal with this class is to help you enhance your
garden and hone your gardening skills for the upcoming season.
Location: Tropical classroom at Peoria Zoo (enter at former Zoo entrance)
Saturday, March 29, 10-11 am
Fee: M /NM: $10/$13
2. Vegetable Gardening 101
A very popular class that has been enhanced with vegetable gardening basics—soil
building, weed control techniques, succession planting, harvest tips and much more.
Location: Tropical classroom at Peoria Zoo (enter at former Zoo entrance)
Saturday, March 29, 12:30-1:30 pm
Fee: M /NM: $10/$13
3. NEW! Organic Lawn Care: Working with Nature
Get real! It’s a lawn, not Augusta, and you are not hosting the Masters! Consider the true
cost of lawn chemicals and fertilizers in dollars, water, labor, environment and even your
health. In this new class, we will explore organic lawn care and how you can work with
nature to develop a healthier lawn, garden and home.
Location: Tropical classroom at Peoria Zoo (enter at former Zoo entrance)
Saturday, March 29, 1:45-3:15 pm
Fee: M /NM: $10/$13
4. NEW! Botany for Caffeine Fiends: Exploring Tea and Coffee
A great way to start your Saturday morning, our discussion will include the botany,
history, culture and processing of these two revered beverages. From Earl Grey to
Oolong and Light Roast to Espresso, we will cover it all. Of course, tea and coffee tasting
will be included in this class.
Location: Tropical classroom at Peoria Zoo (enter at former Zoo entrance)
Saturday, April 5, 10-11 am
Fee: M /NM: $10/$13
5. NEW! Presto! You have Pesto!
In this class, we will explore a number of different Pesto recipes, from traditional to some
not so traditional. Pesto is a very versatile sauce and can be used as a bruschetta topping,
on pasta, on meats and even in soups. Of course, there will be some tasty samples.
Location: Tropical classroom at Peoria Zoo (enter at former Zoo entrance)
Saturday, April 5, 12:30-1:30 pm
Fee: M /NM: $10/$13
6. Tantalizing Trough Gardens: A Hypertufa Workshop
Back by popular demand! We will explore trough garden design and planting in the first
half and finish off the class with a hands-on workshop where participants will create a
hypertufa trough for their garden. Materials will be provided; however, we ask that you
bring a 2×2’ piece of plywood to transport your trough. This is a garden project; dress
accordingly and bring durable gloves.
Location: Tropical classroom at Peoria Zoo (enter at former Zoo entrance)
Saturday, April 5, 1:45-3:30 pm
Fee: M /NM: $12/$15
Select individual classes of interest or take the entire series and enjoy a discounted price
(Fee – M/NM: $55/$75). You must be 16 or older to attend.
For more information about the Garden Design Series or how to register, see the
2014Winter/Spring Peoria Park District Playbook, visit www.peoriaparks.org (click on
Luthy Botanical Garden, under Facilities), or call (309) 681-3506.