Alexandria Public Schools Community Education

We love our lush green lawns, maybe a bit too much? Join us to learn what else we can plant to benefit the bees and birds, while also keeping some green turf. We will discuss lawn alternatives that are more environmentally friendly that will keep your backyard buzzing. Small changes can go a long ways towards the environment while saving you time and money. Participants will receive an informational folder full of great publications, and several door prizes will be given away from local plant specialists. An email invitation will be sent with a PDF version of the PowerPoint and the Zoom link to the meeting prior to the presentation date. You will be able to interact live with the instructor during the online presentation to answer any of your questions.

Composts and mulches are nature’s way of recycling; keeps waste out of landfills, and it fertilizes without chemicals. It’s a great way to turn wood chips, vegetable and yard trimmings into a dark, crumbly fertile soil. Make your garden happy and help the environment. Learn how to use a variety of composts and the various mulches out there for all your planting and landscaping needs whether you make them yourself or buy them off the shelf. The pros, the cons, and everything in between. Participants will receive an informational folder full of great publications, and several door prizes will be given away from local plant specialists. An email invitation will be sent with the link to the meeting prior to the presentation date. You will be able to interact live with the instructor during the online presentation to answer any of your questions.

Join us for a hands-on class for designing effective planters and hanging baskets. Go beyond the centered spike and geranium planter to incorporate new plants that integrate height, length, texture, growth habits, and light requirements. Discover new flowers, vegetables and herbs to use for attractive plantings that will thrive from spring through fall! All participants will plant and bring home a 10" hanging basket or planter which is included in the registration fee. Larger options can be requested on site for an additional fee. Location: Miltona Greenhouse, 19960 Noble Lane NW, Parkers Prairie.

Join us for a hands-on class for designing effective planters and hanging baskets. Go beyond the centered spike and geranium planter to incorporate new plants that integrate height, length, texture, growth habits, and light requirements. Discover new flowers, vegetables and herbs to use for attractive plantings that will thrive from spring through fall! All participants will plant and bring home a 10" hanging basket or planter which is included in the registration fee. Larger options can be requested on site for an additional fee. Location: Miltona Greenhouse, 19960 Noble Lane NW, Parkers Prairie.

What the heck exactly is a native plant? Where do we buy them? We will start with the basics and work our way up to you including them in your garden spaces and places. We will also help identify some of our favorite natives for a wide variety of soils, shade levels, and overall hardiness. Participants will receive a free native plant book and there will be several gift certificates from local nurseries given away as door prizes.

A native wildflower garden will attract beautiful butterflies and bees to your yard and help pollinators stay healthy. You can plant a garden anywhere from the tiniest corner of your city lot to an open prairie setting and about anything in between. We will cover it all from weeds to seeds and start to bountiful blooms. Participants will receive an informational folder full of great publications, and several door prizes will be given away from local plant specialists.

Are you losing ground? Is your shoreline eroding, unsightly or seem to be a goose magnet? Did the excessive rains last year take a toll? Is the ice pushing up a new ridge every year? During this live online course, learn how to improve water quality, reduce erosion and beautify your property using native plants, simple installation techniques and smart planning for easier long-term maintenance. There will be a wide variety of information and brochures for participants, as well as several gift packages given as door prizes. An email invitation will be sent with a PDF version of the PowerPoint and the Zoom link to the meeting prior to the presentation date. You will be able to interact live with the instructor during the online presentation to answer any of your questions.

Join us for a hands-on class for all things succulent! Succulents are the most popular plants today because of their ease of care. Planting, care, and maintenance of succulent planters and plants will be introduced and discussed. All participants will plant and bring home a 10-inch bowl or urn succulent planter that incorporates the concepts discussed. Larger options can be requested on site for an additional fee. Location: Miltona Greenhouse, 19960 Noble Lane NW, Parkers Prairie.