Monday, April 23
2 - 4 p.m.
Graham Visitors Center, Arboretum

Free
no pre-registration required (space is limited)

Flowering Cherry Tree Culture and Horticulture

This program is a rare opportunity to hear from these top gardening experts visiting from Japan, who will discuss culturally-based approaches to garden maintenance and preservation. The session will provide an overview of the important legacy of cherry trees in Japanese culture and the current challenges associated with their long-term maintenance, included longevity, varieties, disease, and pruning; followed by a discussion based on audience interest and questions.

Instructors: Takanobu Mizumoto & Kazuo Mitsuhashi, Japanese Master Gardeners

This program was organized by the Cherry Blossom Festival, in partnership with the UW Botanic Gardens, Seattle Parks and Recreation, and the Seattle Japanese Garden Advisory Council.

Thursday, May 3
1 - 4 p.m.
Field session at Snoqualmie Ridge Development


Fee:  $45
pre-registration required

3 ISA Credits

Trees, Landscaping, and Soil Management in New Development

How we treat the soil during construction determines the future life, success and cost of the landscape.  Cutting corners on soil specifications can result in costly replacement of soils, trees and shrubs, not to mention the potential replacement of curbs and sidewalks.  This seminar is for landscape contractors, landscape architects, and other professionals involved in new construction and landscape installation projects, and will tour case studies of successful and failed soil management. Street tree species selection regarding characteristics and quality of plant stock will also be reviewed.

We will meet at Fisher Park at the corner of Snoqualmie Parkway and Fisher Avenue SE.  To get there, drive east on I-90 to exit 25.  Go north into Snoqualmie Ridge approximately 3 miles to Fisher Avenue SE.  Turn right into the park and park in the lot or on the street.

Instructor:  Jim Barborinas, President and Owner, Urban Forestry Services, Inc

Jim Barborinas has many years experience in tree and soil preservation for commercial and residential construction projects.

Wednesday, May 30,
9 a.m. - noon
Graham Visitors Center, Arboretum

Fee:  $70 for the series*, $40 for one class
pre-registration required

3 WSDA Pestidice License Credits;
3 ISA Credits

Plant Insect Problems in the Urban Environment

This basic course will focus on the common insect problems that occur on urban plants in the Puget Sound region.  Topics to be covered include an overview of the common insects that cause problems, pest identification, and management strategies.  Specimens will be examined in class.

Instructor:  Bob Gara, Ph.D.

Bob Gara is Professor Emeritus with the UW College of Forest Resources and specializes in urban plant protection and forest entomology. 

Wednesday, May 30
1 - 4 p.m.
Graham Visitors Center, Arboretum

Fee: $70 for series*, $40 for one class
pre-registration required

3 WSDA Pestidice License Credits;
3 ISA Credits

Plant Diseases in the Urban Environment

This basic course will focus on the common plant diseases that occur in urban areas in the Puget Sound region.  Topics to be covered include disease-causing organisms, identification of plant diseases, typical diseases most likely to be encountered and management techniques.  Specimens will be available for viewing in class.

Instructor:  Bob Edmonds, Ph.D.

Bob Edmonds is a Professor in the UW College of Forest Resources and teaches urban plant protection and forest pathology. 

*These two classes (Plant Insect Problems and Plant Diseases) may be taken individually or together. There is a discount when registering for both classes.