Burnt Ridge Nursery in Onalaska is open for drop-in browsing during the summer, according to a news release, and those who are looking for some expertise to go with their new plants are in luck.
“We will be offering weekly organic garden classes in July, August and September,” the business stated. “This is a great way to learn about edible perennial plants that thrive here in Western Washington and to visit an organic farm that has been in business for over 40 years.”
Each class will feature a different topic and will be presented by owner and founder Michael Dolan or a staff horticulturist.
Each session runs about and an hour and a half with time for questions. The cost is $12 per class. Space is limited and tickets must be purchased in advance at www.burntridgenursery.com or by calling 360-985-2873. Family Day — July 17 — will cost $10 per family.
Plants, certified organic produce, jam, applesauce and other farm products will be available for purchase.
The dates and topics are as follows:
• 10 a.m. Friday, July 14 — Designing Your Garden or Edible Landscape: Information will be offered on planting a new garden or adding trees, shrubs and vines to an existing landscape. Nitrogen fixation, sod removal, pollination, mulch and more will be discussed.
• 10 a.m. Monday, July 17 — Family Day: Learn about how your fruit grows, the importance of pollinators and beneficial bugs, and how we can all contribute to a healthy environment. There will be hands-on projects for kids of all ages.
• 10 a.m. Friday, Aug. 4 — All About Apples: Michael Dolan will discuss the vast number of apple varieties that grow well in the Pacific Northwest and how to grow them organically. He’ll also talk about Monty’s Surprise, the “world’s healthiest apple.”
• 10 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 13 — Introductory Orchard Design: Attendees will discuss how to bring orchard and garden dreams into reality. Participants should bring questions, diagrams and ideas to share.
• 1 p.m. Friday, Sept. 1 — Rare Fruit Trees: Be welcomed to the wide world of rare, unusual and underappreciated fruits, including quince, medlar, persimmon mulberry and the elusive Sorbus domestica.
• 1 p.m. Friday, Sept. 15 — Land Transition: Attendees will look at small-scale, low-impact techniques to lessen soil disruption when converting shrubland, logged sites or pasture to orchards and gardens.
• 1 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 24: All About Nuts: Learn about growing nut trees, including chestnut, black walnut and hazelnut. Nut trees can be planted for their valuable timber, and as an important food source.
Burnt Ridge Nursery and Orchards is located at 432 Burnt Ridge Road in Onalaska. The phone number is 360-985-2873. Learn more at www.burntridgenursery.com.
