In February, Hilltop offered a class on making hypertufa troughs. The workshop was so popular that we had to schedule it SIX times, over the course of three Saturdays, in the morning and again in the afternoon. Now, by popular demand, we'll be holding a class on making hypertufa wall pockets, on Saturday, April 12. Make sure to sign up today!

EDUCATION AT HILLTOP GARDEN AND NATURE CENTER

Hilltop Garden and Nature Center offers educational opportunities for everyone: children, students, and adults alike. For children, Hilltop offers the annual Youth Garden Program. Check back soon for more information about this important program.

For IU students, Hilltop is home to many different classes. This spring, we will host the CORE program. We will also have two second-eight week courses in horticulture. Call us for details.

YOUTH GARDEN PROGRAM
Our youth garden program is back again this year, and we have a great curriculum of garden and science stuff for kids to learn about this summer. Children will grow plants in their own garden plots and engage in lots of fun and entertaining garden activities.

The program is open to children ages 6 to 14, from runs 10 weeks, from June 2 to August 8. In addition, we have three free Saturdays -- April 5, May 3, and September 6.

Click here to download the application form with complete information about the 2008 Youth Garden Program.

Choose the time that best fits your schedule:
Monday, Wednesday, Friday Morning -- $330/summer
Tuesday, Thursday Morning -- $240/summer
Monday through Friday Morning -- $550/summer
Monday, Wednesday, Friday All Day -- $630/summer
Monday,Wednesday, Friday All Day and Tues, Thursday Morning -- $790/summer

Morning classes meet 9 a.m. to Noon. All day classes meet 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. For all-day classes, Hilltoppers must bring their own lunch.

COMMUNITY GARDEN PLOTS
We have lowered the price on our community garden plots for 2008. The cost is $40 for a plot that is 10 feet by 15 feet. Plots will be available from April 1 to November 1. They are assigned on a first come, first served basis. Click here to download the application form with complete information about the 2008 community garden plot program.

ADULT WORKSHOPS
For adults, Hilltop offers many fun and educational workshops and seminars. If you see a seminar in the list below, be sure to call us today (812.855.2799) to reserve your place right away. To sign up for a class, download the registration form and send it in with your payment to Hilltop Garden & Nature Center, 2367 E 10 St, Bloomington, IN 47408.

Coleus and Their Cousins
Saturday, March 22 10 a.m. $15
These are not your grandmother’s coleus. The hybridizers have rediscovered this old-fashioned favorite, and
they have been busy creating dazzling new varieties. Learn how to propagate coleus and use them to best advantage in your garden, and take home some cuttings of your favorites. Amazing coleus varieties will be on sale, so bring extra cash.

Twig Trellises
Saturday, March 29 10 a.m. $25
Imagine a morning glory or a cardinal climber twining its way up a delightful twig trellis. Learn how to make
your own rustic twig trellis and enjoy this romatic feature in your own garden. Each participant will take home
two container-sized trellises. All materials will be provided, but you may want to bring your own pruners – and your imagination.

Bluebird Boxes
Saturday, March 29 1 p.m. $30
Learn all about bluebirds and their nesting habits, and make a bluebird nesting box to take home for your own backyard. All materials will be provided.

Hypertufa Wall Pockets
Saturday, April 12 10 a.m. $25
Hypertufa is fun and easy to do! In this workshop, we make wall pockets that you can hang indoors or out. Just add plants. All materials will be provided.

Building Super Soil
Saturday, April 19 10 a.m. $20
Good soil is the foundation for a great garden. In this class, we learn what makes good soil, how to improve your garden soil, and mulch and other amendments that are best for this area. We also learn about worms and compost -- both critical to good garden soil.

Heirloom Tomatoes
Saturday, April 26 10 a.m. $25
Green Grape? Big Hawaiian? Isis? Get acquainted with some of these precious old favorites. Start heirloom tomato seeds and pot up transplants for your own vegetable garden. Learn all about proper techniques for starting your tomatoes; master the gentle art of transplanting; and pass on these legacy varieties through seed saving. You’ll also hear about sources for heirloom tomatoes. All materials will be provided.

Sundials
Saturday, June 28 10 a.m. $25
Garden art can transform a backyard. With a sundial, you can tell the time, too! Learn how to make your own sundial and how to adjust it so you can use it all year long. All materials will be provided.

Summer Pruning
Saturday, June 28 1 p.m. $15
When should you prune? And where should you start? We answer all your pesky pruning questions in this informative workshop.