Design & Plan Your Garden in 2026-27

You want a garden but don’t know where to start. So many ideas, so many plants, and so many directions to go… it is overwhelming. So, let’s simplify the process and look at what is important to you. What is your first step? Your second? And so on. And while you are thinking about your personal place, you will also learn the importance of soil health and soil prep, choosing the right plants for the right place and how to create a beautiful, meaningful garden. This informative class is geared towards gardeners, landscape designers, or anyone who wants to better understand -- and implement -- intelligent design relationships in their outdoor environment. Perhaps you're interested in making a few backyard improvements, or you're preparing to pay a landscape crew to make changes, and you want to be more knowledgeable. Come ready to take notes, ask questions, and see how a professional garden designer approaches the challenge of creating an inspired landscape! The last ½ hour of class will be an exploration of a place YOU wish to create or change! What you will need to bring or consider for this class: 1. A picture of your garden from two or three different views 2. Ideas of what you want 3. Difficulties with the garden; what is holding you back from starting or completing an area? INSTRUCTOR: Known as “The Garden Sage”, Debra Knapke is passionate about gardening, sustainable garden design, and the natural world. She enjoys sharing knowledge through her writing, public speaking, and garden consulting in the private and public sectors. She has served on local and national committees and boards that focus on education, the environment, and sustainability. In addition, she mentored the future of the landscape industry at Columbus State Community College for 24 years. She loves being a gardener and has packed an amazing variety of perennials, trees, shrubs, and edibles onto the 2/3-acre lot surrounding her home.