Free Seminars

For 2025, the Gresham Japanese Garden is offering free seminars to the community instructed by GJG volunteers. The blueberry seminar and the pollinators seminar are co-hosted by Al’s Garden Center. Even though these are free seminars, we still like to know who will be attending. Please register below.

Introduction to Residential Honey Beekeeping: March 5, 2025 – 6:30-8pm
JIM BUCK & BRUCE JANES, GJG INSTRUCTORS

The first step to becoming a successful beekeeper is to learn as much as you can about the bees themselves. Competent honey beekeepers requires hands-on training and mentorship. Before purchasing honey bees or equipment, new beekeepers should seek as much training as they can. Learn the basics of residential honey beekeeping at our free seminar.

Growing and Caring for Blueberries, Tuesday, March 25, 2025 – 6-7:30pm

JIM BUCK, GJG INSTRUCTOR AND LYLA HUNT, AL’S GARDEN & HOME STORE ASSISTANT MANAGER

The Growing and Caring for Blueberries seminar will describe the main parts of a blueberry plant, what soil conditions the plants favor, how and when to fertilize blueberries, the harvest times and show-and tell for various varieties, pruning recommendations, and responses to a couple common diseases that may occur. Al’s Garden & Home will also be bringing coupons to spend on re-stocking your blueberry crop.

Creating a Pollinator Habitat for Your Garden and Home, May 17, 2025 – 10:00-11:30am

DEB PETERS, GJG INSTRUCTOR AND JUDY ALLERUZZO, AL’S GARDEN CENTER INSTRUCTOR

Pollinators, such as bees, butterflies, moths, and hummingbirds, are crucial for the reproduction of many plant species. This seminar will focus on native host plants for butterflies and how to create your own a pollinator yard. Learn where and how to plant milkweed and other plants to attract monarch butterflies.

Also, join Al’s Garden & Home during ‘Pollinator Week’ June 16-22, 2025 with a Ladybug Release June 14.

Fundamentals of Pruning: May 31, 2025 – 1-2:30pm

JIM CARD, GJG INSTRUCTOR

Learn the four basic cuts of pruning and the subsequent reaction from these various pruning cuts. Learn also about tools and tool care. Take a tour of the Gresham Japanse Garden to understand the niwaki-style of pruning and how you can attempt it in your own setting.