Forde Nursery invites you to join us for our free Saturday Morning Seminars this spring each Saturday at 9:00 AM. Our speakers will inspire new ideas and help you with your gardening questions. Free coffee and donuts, prize drawings... so bring a friend and enjoy a relaxing morning at Forde Nursery. 

2010 Seminar Schedule

April 10

9:00am-9:10

New and Exciting Plants

Each week we will introduce a plant or group of plants of special interest, describe its unique attributes, and explain how to utilize it in your landscape.

9:10am-9:30

The Root of the Matter

Speaker: Bruce Forde

A short primer on the four basic nursery root types - bareroot, potted, container grown, and balled and burlapped and the advantages and disadvantages of each.

9:30am-10:30

Vermicompost and Compost Tea

Speaker: Ryan Forde, Forde Nursery

The "Green Revolution" demands we use fewer chemicals on our crops and in our landscapes. Could this be the future of improving soils in a more ecological and sustainable manner?

April 17

9:00am-9:10

New and Exciting Plants

9:10am-10:00

Green Sweep into Spring - Maintain * Rejuvenate * Promote

Speaker: Karen Knox, Forde Nursery

Learn the 3 basics of keeping your landscape healthy and looking its best.

10:00am-10:30

Proper Pruning

Speaker: Bruce Forde

Bruce will give a hands-on demonstration of basic pruning techniques, explain the various pruning tools available, and answer your pruning questions

April 24

9:00am-9:10

New and Exciting Plants

9:10am-10:30

Artistic Pots for All Seasons - The Art of Container Gardening

Guest Speaker: Lucia Christie, Skagit Gardens - Mount Vernon, WA

A new twist to our yearly favorite!  Learn how to create and enjoy beautifully potted displays all four seasons.  Take your pots from summer to fall to winter.  Buy your plants and soil today and we will provide free container design and planting. (Good today only) 

May 1

9:00am-9:10

New and Exciting Plants

9:10am-9:45

Fruiting Trees and Shrubs

Speaker: Bruce Forde

Forde Nursery has noticed renewed interest by our customers in growing their own fruit.  What works and what doesn't.

9:45am-10:30

Honey Bees and Honey

Speaker: Brian Drewes, Forde Nursery

Without bees there is no fruit.  Beekeeper Brian Drewes will touch upon the importance of bees in pollination.  And, explain the fascinating details of how he produces his honey.  Sample his delicious product on local Great Harvest Bread.

May 8

Celebrate Mother's Day - No seminar scheduled

Bring your Mother in Sunday for cookies and a 4" perennial gift from Forde Nursery.  Saturday and Sunday enjoy specials on Roses and Hanging Baskets.

May 15

9:00am-9:10

New and Exciting Plants

9:10-10:00

Great Grasses

Speaker: Bruce Forde

Our ornamental grasses are our most asked about, hottest selling plants.  Discover the different varieties available and why and how to use these tough, low maintenance beauties.

10:00am-10:30

Introducing the Great Falls Community Garden

Guest Speaker: Amy Grisak, Freelance Garden Writer, Member of River City Harvest

Community gardens are springing up throughout Montana.  Discover what's happening in our area, and learn how you can be a part of growing in Great Falls.

May 22

9:00am-9:10

New and Exciting Plants

9:10am-10:00

Great Falls Urban Forestry Update

Guest Speaker: Todd Seymanski, City Forester

Todd will bring us up to date on the battle against Mountain Pine Beetle in our area, give us the latest news on our boulevard and park trees, and answer your tree questions

10:00am-10:30

Simple Drip Irrigation

Speaker: Bruce Forde

Drip irrigation is a simple, cost-effective, and water-wise solution when used properly.   Is it practical in every situation?  Learn the dos and don'ts of setting up a simple drip irrigation system.