Growing Microgreens
Saturday, March 8th
10:00am • FREE
A tiny but mighty produce. Microgreens are young seedlings of edible vegetables and herbs harvested at less than 14 days after germination. Smaller than "baby greens" and harvested later than "sprouts", microgreens can provide a variety of leaf flavors such as sweet and spice and pack a nutritional punch. Microgreens can contain up to five times greater levels of vitamins and carotenoids than their mature plant counterparts. Join us to learn more about these easy to grow produce, the supplies needed and which seeds will give you the greatest success. Class participants will receive 10% off any microgreens supplies purchased day of class.
Vegetable Gardening in Montana
April 5th
10:00am • FREE
Instructor: Megan Poulette, Rocky Mtn College Associate Professor
In this two-part class, join us to learn how to start and maintain a garden in our short growing season. We'll discuss containers gardens, raised beds, in-ground gardens, direct seeding vs transplanting, plant selection, summer maintenance strategies, common insect and disease problems, and season extenders. Special focus on growing tomatoes and peppers.
Bio: Megan Poulette is an Associate Professor of Botany and Environmental Science at Rocky Mountain College. After a stint in commercial horticulture in Colorado, she earned her MS in Plant and Soil Science and a PhD in Biology at the University of Kentucky. Megan is a life-long gardener and member of the St Andrews Community Garden here in Billings. She and her students grow vegetable plants every spring for members of the Rocky community and partners in Billings.
Spring Wake-Up: To Prune or Not to Prune
April 26th
10am
When is the best time to prune in the spring or should you prune at all? Should you fertilize now or wait and what type of fertilizer should you be applying? Join us to learn about best pruning practices for trees, shrubs and grasses. We will also discuss different fertilizer options and when to apply to your trees, roses, and shrubs along with flower bed prep. We would love to answer your questions during class so bring them with you.
Season Opener Garden Party
April 26th • 9am - 5pm
April 27th • 11am - 4pm
May 3rd • 9am - 5pm
May 4th • 11am - 4pm
Celebrate spring at the Gainan's Heights Garden Party! Let the GrowPros guide you through the greenhouses to discover this season's newest garden must-haves and eye-catching blooms. Bring a photo of your outdoor space so the Gainan's design experts can transform it with the perfect POLYWOOD outdoor furniture pieces. Register for door prizes and enjoy refreshments.
Landscaping with Perennials in Montana
May 31st
10:00am • FREE
Instructor: Terri Kelleher, Montana Master Gardener
Learn how to design a perennial landscape by selecting the right plants for your space. This class will cover key considerations such as sunlight, water sources, and available planting area. Explore design principles, including themes, color schemes, and the integration of hardscaping elements. Discover how to choose plants based on foliage, texture, and bloom time, with a special focus on native and deer-resistant species, as well as the use of bulbs. Gain practical skills in reading plant labels, selecting the best plant material, and following proper planting techniques, including soil preparation and ongoing care throughout the growing season. Registration is not required for this free class but is recommended.
Let's Talk About Bugs
Saturday, June 7th
10:00am • FREE
The good, the bad, and the ugly. All varieties of bugs can be found in our gardens, but knowing which ones are pests is the key to figuring out the best treatment options. Visit with Montana State University's Insect Diagnostician, Chloe Rice, at the Gainan's Heights Flowers Garden and Patio store to learn more about the good and bad bugs in our gardens. She will identify common garden pests, and the best ways to treat them. Insect displays will be on hand for participants to view common pests and insects that frequent our gardens. Pre-registration is encouraged.
Garden to Vase
June 21st
10:00am • $45
Discover the joy of crafting stunning floral arrangements using flowers and greenery straight from your own garden! In this hands-on class, you will learn how to select, cut and arrange seasonal blooms to create a beautiful, natural centerpiece. We'll cover basic design principles, color harmony, and techniques to make your arrangement last longer. Whether you're a beginner or a flower enthusiast, this class will help you turn your homegrown flowers into a gorgeous display. Space is limited and preregistration is required.