Winter Classes

Here are our new classes. Remember that classes make great gifts, too.  Call early to reserve a spot.  Prepayment is required when registering. Visa, Master Card, American Express, and Discover are all accepted. No refunds available. Call 602-279-9510 to register. 

Plant a spring garden – Saturday, January 13. Seeds are awesome and Pam Perry will show you why. In this class Pam draws on her extensive experience as a Master Gardener and Director of the Demonstration Gardens at the Maricopa County Cooperative Extension to take you step-by-step through seeds and cuttings. With her aid you will plant your own Germination Station with seeds and cuttings to fill the 72-cell growing tray with warming pad. Pam will help you choose from a selection of flowers, gourmet herbs and vegetables. Class starts at 10:30 a.m. and should last about two hours. Cost $45.

Mosaic Welcome Sign – Saturday, January 27. Here’s your chance to create a unique sign that says “welcome” to your family and friends. Dave Jarvinen will guide you in creating a welcome sign using ceramic letters and mosaic tiles. You will learn the basics of mosaics including tile nipping and assembly. A great way to personalize your home or create a one-of-a-kind gift.  All materials are provided. Plan on a full day of fun. Class starts at 10 a.m. Cost  $85.

Healthy Houseplants – Saturday, February 3. Growing houseplants is a joy and a challenge. We get so many questions about growing healthy indoor plants that we’ve recruited a pro to teach you his secrets. Class instructor Ray Keenan is the Landscape Director for the Royal Palms Resort. Ray has more certifications and degrees in plant management than we can list but if you have ever seen the stunning landscaping at the Royal Palms (both inside and out) you know that Ray knows his stuff.  Ray will cover everything from pots, drainage and soil selection to light needs and pest management. Each participant will take home a beautiful new houseplant to practice your new-found knowledge.  Class starts at 10:30 a.m.  Cost $25.

Fused Glass Wind Chime – Saturday, February 10.  Fused glass is a very hot design trend right now so take advantage of this chance to learn the techniques. Kate Cross will help you design and create a fused glass chime with a top that is about 2 ½” x 2 ½” and long glass dangles to sing sweetly in a breeze.  Kate will take your pieces to fire and return them to Southwest Gardener for you to pick-up. Stop by the store to see a sample.  Class starts at 10:30 a.m.  Cost $50.

Sassy Spring Door Swag -- Saturday, February 17.  Add a dash of color and spring exuberance to your front door with this beautiful swag. Our favorite floral designers, Faye and Chandra, will take you step by step through the process of making this lovely creation. You will start with a birch twig base and add cheery flowers, ribbons and bows. Top your creation off with your choice of a butterfly, bug or bird.  Class starts at 10:30 a.m. and should last two hours. Cost $80.

Mosaic Pet Memory Tile – Saturday, February 24. Dave came up with this great class idea, a special way to celebrate a new kitten or puppy or remember a special pet that is no longer with us. You will create a 8” x 16” garden stone from tiles that you will break and nip yourself plus a selection of special handmade tiles. This full-day class will teach you the basics of mosaics including design, nipping, cutting and assembly.  Class Starts at 10 a.m.  Cost $70.

Wine Bottle Lantern – Saturday, March 3. Take a simple wine bottle and make an outdoor lamp that adds warmth and charm to your patio. Kate Cross will help you craft a  lantern using fanciful swirls of copper wire. We supply the full-sized wine bottle but if you have a special one, please bring it. You also receive a ceramic stopper with a wick and one container of our high-quality lamp oil so that you can take your creation home and light up your evening.  Class starts at 10:30 a.m.  Cost $37.

Mosaic Side Table – Saturday, March 10. This is one of our most popular classes and Dave would love to teach it again. Materials include a metal table base that will be topped with a 16” mosaic tabletop that you design. You will learn everything about making mosaic artwork.  Plan on a full day of fun. Class starts at 10 a.m.  Cost $105.