The Peoria Park District’s Luthy Botanical Garden will present its latest Garden Design Series of classes on two Saturdays this spring: April 6 and April 13. 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 2013 series will include the following classes:

1. The Spring Garden (Instructor: Marshal Hopkins)
For the Gardener, spring is a busy time. Take the time to celebrate the season as it comes roaring back to life. We will explore all things spring: flowering trees, bulbs, wildflowers and lilacs! Location: Glen Oak Pavilion Board Room
Saturday, April 6, 10-11 am
Fee: M/R/NR: $10/$13/$15

2. The Botany of a Cocktail (Instructor: Bob Streitmatter)
Throughout history, most cultures have developed some form of alcohol using plants as the source. Especially here in Peoria there is a rich history, involving distilleries and breweries and, of course, Prohibition. Our discussion will focus on the plants and processes involved in making beer, wine and spirits. Along the way, we will travel through time and around the world to learn how the Botany of a Cocktail has changed the world. Location: Glen Oak Pavilion Board Room
Saturday, April 6, 12:30-1:30 pm
Fee: M/R/NR: $10/$13/$15

3. Tremendous and Tantalizing Trees (Instructor: Bob Streitmatter)
We will discuss trees that perform best in Central Illinois. Because trees have such an amazing impact on our lives, we will also cover some of the amazing culture and history associated with trees. Weather permitting, we will take an optional 45-minute tour of Glen Oak Park and Luthy Botanical Garden. Location: Glen Oak Pavilion Board Room and Tour
Saturday, April 13, 1:45-2:45 pm (tour from 2:45-3:30 pm)
Fee: M/R/NR: $10/$13/$15

4. Vegetable Gardening 101
We will cover the basics of vegetable gardening from soil prep to planting and maintenance. Whether considered a classic, new introduction or heirloom, we will discuss vegetables of all kinds. Location: Glen Oak Pavilion Board Room
Saturday, April 13, 10-11 am
Fee – M/R/NR: $10/$13/$15

5. Perennials That Play in Peoria (Instructor: Bob Streitmatter )
This class will cut through the confusion and focus on the “perennials that really work.” The discussion will cover how to design and work with perennials. Our focus will be the perennials that are enduring, long-lived and low maintenance, including many natives and new introductions. Location: Glen Oak Pavilion Board Room
Saturday, April 13, 12:30-1:30 pm
Fee – M/R/NR: $10/$13/$15

6. Greenhouse Classics: Beautiful Begonias and Kickin’ Coleus
(Instructors: Melissa Davis and Elona Mason )
There are so many wonderful old favorites as well as cool new cultivars. In our exploration of Begonias, Coleus and Geraniums, we will debut specimens from the new Begonia & Geranium Collections. Location: Glen Oak Pavilion Board Room
Saturday, April 13, 1:45-2:45 pm
Fee – M/R/NR: $10/$13/$15

7. Botanical Garden Backstage Pass (Instructors: Melissa Davis and Elona Mason )
At the Garden, the transition to spring is an amazing process. Go behind the scenes to learn about our floral shows, collections and production. You will get an Exclusive Preview and Early Shopping Experience ($20 limit) of our 2013 Spring Plant Sale! Location: Luthy Botanical Garden
Saturday, April 13, 3-4 pm
Fee – M/R/NR: $10/$13/$15

Select individual classes of interest or take the entire series and enjoy a discounted price (Fee – M/R/NR: $60/$79/$89)! You must be 16 or older to attend.

For more information about the Garden Design Series or how to register, see the 2013 Winter/Spring Peoria Park District Playbook, visit www.peoriaparks.org (click on Luthy Botanical Garden, under Facilities), or call (309) 681-3506.