Extension Master Gardener Elaine Mills discusses gardening techniques with a focus on gardens with native plants. Following the cycle of the seasons, she covers such tasks as dealing with winter storm damage and salt; doing a soil test and interpreting results; winter and summer pruning of native trees and shrubs; planting, dividing, and cutting back native perennials, grasses, and sedges; dealing with summer flooding and drought; and making use of fall leaves.

Sustainable landscape design builds on the unique conditions of your yard to create a healthier and more ecologically friendly outdoor space. Join Kirsten Conrad, Extension Agent for Arlington County and City of Alexandria, to learn basic design principles and techniques used to create harmonious, functional, and pleasing landscapes. These two classes build on each other and participants are encouraged to attend both of them. Part II will focus on problem solving.