Natural gardening group presentations
Sustainable living › Natural gardening › Group presentations
Schedule a free natural gardening presentation with a local garden expert for your club or community group.
Got a garden club, neighborhood association or civic group? Don't miss these free presentations by renowned experts and inspiring educators. From compost and chemical-free lawns to organic edibles and robust blooms, Metro's instructors are ready to talk tips and share gardening tricks at your meeting. Each program includes a visual presentation, discussion, hands-on learning and free publications for all participants. To schedule a presentation, call Metro Recycling Information at 503-234-3000.*
Presentation topics
Gardens of eatin': basic vegetable gardening
Want to grow organic food but not sure how? Boost your garden IQ with simple steps to success. From picking edibles for the right spot and season to prepping the soil and watering waste-free, get the story on weeding, managing pests and growing a bountiful garden without toxic chemicals. Plus, learn where to find plants, seeds and more tips for easy organic gardening.
Gardens of eatin': advanced vegetable gardening
Ready to take your veggie gardening to the next level? Learn how to plan for year-round harvests with careful crop choices, vertical gardening and techniques to stretch the growing season. Plus, explore the principles of nontoxic weed and pest management to boost your harvests and reduce the amount of time and money needed for a healthy, productive garden.
Gardens of eatin': edible landscaping
Get the skinny on blending edibles and ornamentals for a delicious, low-maintenance landscape. Discover salad-boosting herbs and flowers, fruit trees for small spaces and native plants that hide “berried” treasures. Learn easy organic care methods and best varieties for blueberries, strawberries, tree fruits, grapes, kiwis, culinary herbs and more.
Grow a greener green lawn
Looking for easy, sustainable ways to keep your lawn looking great? Learn the latest on establishing, renovating and maintaining turf that meets your needs. Get time-tested tips practiced by golf course superintendents for mowing, mulching, watering and managing weeds without toxic chemicals. Discover eco-lawns, and learn where to get more information on low-input lawn care.
Healthy soil for healthy plants
Got a lackluster landscape or veggie garden? Learn to turn any soil into a fertile home for roots using all-organic methods that help plants thrive without costly chemicals or polluted runoff. Plus, learn how to “read” your soil, prep it for planting and how to use slow-release fertilizers, compost, cover crops and other soil amendments.
Home composting essentials
Confused by composting? Get the real dirt on how simple it is turn garbage into gardener’s gold. Learn the do's and don'ts of composting yard waste and kitchen scraps. Discover the merits of basic, worm, hot and cold composting and ways to master each method. Get tips on using compost as an amendment, mulch or tea. Plus, learn where to find bins, tools and more information.
Native plants for birds, bees and butterflies
Eager to see beneficial birds, butterflies and gentle native bees? Discover how beautiful native plants can bring these allies to your yard, helping fight pests and improving garden productivity. Learn which natives might be right for your yard and how to plant and care for them without harmful garden chemicals. Plus, find out where to get native plants in your area.
Water less, save more and keep your garden green
Want to save on your water bill? Discover the secrets of low-maintenance plantscaping with beautiful, water-wise plants. Learn how soil amendments, mulch and proper planting save water and prevent pest problems without toxic chemicals. Plus, get the basics of efficient irrigation using sprinklers, soaker hoses or a drip system.
Pesticide-free pest control
Discover effective, nontoxic ways to tackle weeds, pests and plant diseases. See how a few simple steps for preventing problems early on can save a lot of work later. Learn the latest techniques for managing problems safely, and find out where to go for reliable information. You can make your yard beautiful and safe for children, pets, wildlife and waterways.
*Requires minimum 20 participants. Your group and location must also be within Metro's jurisdiction – the urban portions of Clackamas, Multnomah and Washington counties. To be sure, use the Metro Council district map to see the Metro boundary.View the Metro Council district map