Seasonal Gardening and Floral Workshops
 Ann
Kent HTM provides workshops on horticultural themes for healthcare agencies, community
centres, garden clubs, conferences, and professional development venues.
Content reflects Ann's training both as a horticulturist and as a Master level
Horticultural Therapist.
Shown below is an example of Ann's popular flower arranging workshops followed
by a selection of seasonal workshops that can be readily adapted for various
contexts.
For more information about Ann's availability for workshops or presentations,
please contact her at ann@catkingardens.ca
The Flower Arrangers Garden in Spring (or Fall), 2.5
hours - Vancouver
This workshop focuses on the use of seasonal garden
material and inexpensive cut flowers to design distinctive and informal floral
arrangements to create at home or at work. No experience is necessary
to enjoy this lively and stimulating class. Bring a selection of favourite vases
or containers as you will complete several arrangements to take home. All
greenery, floral materials, and useful handouts are included in the $60.00 fee.
Class size is limited to six participants. Early
registration is advised. For registration information please contact Ann at
ann@catkingardens.ca
Seasonal Presentations on Gardening and
Therapeutic Horticulture
Content of all courses reflects Ann's commitment to organic
and sustainable horticultural practice, the creation of accessible and
restorative gardens, and activities that foster a connection with gardens and
nature.
SPRING GARDENING PRIMER
ALL THE RIGHT CUTS SPRING PRUNING BASICS
WEST SIDE WINNERS TREES AND SHRUBS FOR URBAN GARDENS
GARDENING WITH PERENNIALS A DESIGN PRIMER
PATIO POTS - CONTAINER GARDENING FOR ALL SEASONS
CLIMBERS AND CREEPERS VINES, RAMBLERS, AND GROUNDCOVERS
This seminar is intended for the novice gardener or those new to gardening on
the west coast. Topics include lawn care, soil improvement, planting and
transplanting, and general garden maintenance. We will also discuss the effects
of Vancouvers climate and dry and wet seasons on garden plants. Lots of
handouts and references to local sources and suppliers provided.
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With buckets of live material to hand, Ann provides an enjoyable
demonstration on basic pruning techniques and what and what not to cut from your
trees and shrubs during the next three months. Whether you do it yourself or
hire a gardener this class will help you manage your garden throughout the year.
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Are you considering a new tree for your garden or wondering what kinds of
shrubs will work well if added to your existing landscape? We will discuss
selections and groupings that flourish in local gardens, combinations that
maintain colour and interest throughout the year, sources and suppliers, and
tips for maintaining the health of your valuable investments. Ann brings lots of
live samples to class and a comprehensive list of deciduous and evergreen
material is included in class handouts.
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Are you interested in revitalizing an existing border of herbaceous
perennials or designing a new bed of flowering plants? This class focuses on
plant selections and combinations for several different settings including beds
in full sunshine, borders adjacent hedges and fences, and garden corners under
large trees. Lots of live plant samples to poke and sniff. Detailed plant lists
included.
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Use small trees, shrubs, perennials, and annuals in combinations that will
brighten your garden year round or bring seasonal interest to a deck or patio.
Topics include choosing containers and plants, selecting the right soil mix,
feeding and maintaining your container gardens from year to year. Ann brings
lots of live samples for this popular demonstration class.
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Looking for plants that will hide a fence, sprawl on a wall, or flourish at
grade level in a shady corner? This class focuses on the garden use of deciduous
and evergreen plant materials that like to grow up, or sideways. Tips for
installing, maintaining, and pruning a variety of vines, ramblers, and
groundcovers are included. Ann brings live samples of clematis, hydrangea,
wisteria, honeysuckle, euphorbia, periwinkle, and lots more to class.
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GARDENING
FALL GARDEN PRIMER
GARDENING BASICS
FALL PRUNING PRIMER ALL
THE RIGHT CUTS
THE PATIO GARDEN
PRIMER FALL AND WINTER PLANTING
The mild autumn weather in Vancouver is great for gardening! Topics in this
informative class include bulb planting, perennial division, shrub and tree
transplanting, top dressing, and winter lawn and bed maintenance. Lots of useful
handouts to take home.
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Pruning techniques and their effects on the health and form of shrubs and
trees, selection of appropriate tools and equipment, and a seasonal pruning
calendar are topics addressed in this class. Using live material, Ann gives a
demonstration of simple pruning strategies that are appropriate for the fall
months in Vancouver.
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Patio, balcony, and courtyard plantings can provide interest, colour, and
enjoyment throughout the fall and winter. Ann focuses on the selection of
perennials, bulbs, shrubs, and small trees that are suitable for container
planting. Styles of containers, planting mediums, and winter protection of pots
and plants are also discussed.
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GARDENING
GARDENING: DESIGN PRIMER
FROM THE GROUND UP ALL THE
RIGHT STUFF
WINTER PRUNING PRIMER
ALL THE RIGHT CUTS
CHOICE PLANTS TREES AND SHRUBS
BOTANICAL CRAFTS
Flower Arranging I Simple
Techniques
Flower Arranging II
Developing Style
Planning a new garden or restoring an old one? The winter months are
excellent for considering design elements and horticultural conditions in your
garden. Learn how to evaluate your site and take an inventory of existing
shrubs, trees, and perennial plants. The basic design process will be discussed
with an emphasis on practical steps to take before starting a do-it-yourself
project or hiring a designer or landscaper.
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The perennials, shrubs, and trees in your garden are valuable investments.
Learn how to maintain the health of your plants with this up-to-date primer on
soil amendments, fertilizers, compost, and mulches. Particular attention will be
given to sustaining a healthy garden through the local extremes of winter wet
and summer drought. Tips for early spring lawn care are also included. An
informative class for do-it-yourselfers or those who would like to provide
knowledgeable instructions to a landscape service.
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With buckets of material to hand, Ann demonstrates pruning techniques and
simple pruning strategies that can be applied during the late winter months to
many of the shrubs and trees that flourish in Vancouver gardens. Particular
attention will be given to pruning and training roses and to rejuvenation of
large hedges.
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Which trees and shrubs flourish in urban gardens in Vancouvers temperate
climate? What smaller trees and shrubs could you add to an existing garden? How
do we combine these plants effectively? Ann brings lots of live samples, plant
lists, and a short slide show to help answer these and other questions.
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Make and take a lovely arrangement of cut flowers and seasonal greenery. Ann
demonstrates techniques for designing informal bouquets and working with oasis
block. All floral materials and a container are included in the fee. Please
bring small clippers, utility scissors, an apron, and a shallow box in which you
can take home your creation.
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In this class, Ann encourages you to experiment. The demonstration includes a
whimsical Easter creation and tips for working with frogs and other stem
holders. Flowers, greenery, and novelty picks are included in the fee but you
will need to bring two or three vases from which to select a container for your
project. Please bring small clippers, utility scissors, an apron, and a box in
which you can take home your creation.
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