Workshops

2026

All workshops are open to members of the General Public unless otherwise noted. Dates, times, locations and topics are subject to change.

July 21 Common Butterflies and Their Host Plants in North Alabama, 10:30 AM – Noon
Madison Public Library, 142 Plaza Blvd, Madison, EMG Melissa Kirkindall

August 5th– Planning your Landscape – A basic program for homeowners who want to know how to begin planning and laying out their landscaping. Taking into consideration property lines, existing structures, grading, soil types, drainage, and sun availability. Learn how to measure and hand draw a site plan that will aid you with your home landscaping plans.  Makahla Holloway, Extension Agent, Home Horticulture
August 12th – Landscape Design with Water in Mind, Unsure how much water your plants need? Or how much to water, how often to water, and how long to water based on the type of plants in your landscape? Considering an irrigation system?  Many factors come into play such as water source, slope, drainage, plant needs, the best time to irrigate, and type of irrigation systems.  This workshop will help you decide on an efficient watering system that supports plant health and water conservation. Dr. Brian Brown, Extension Agent, Home Horticulture
August 19th – Turfgrasses and Lawn Care,  Learn how to select and plant the most appropriate turf grass for North Alabama as well as how to choose grasses that are best adapted for shade and traffic.  You will also learn how to use Integrated Pest Management (IPM) to grow and maintain your lawn without pesticides. Topics such as when to fertilize as well as how to recognize the common weeds, insects, and diseases of turf grass will also be covered. Jason Somerville, Extension Agent, Home Horticulture.

August 18 Garden to Glass, 10:30 AM – Noon
North Huntsville Public Library, 3011 Sparkman Dr., Huntsville, Ext Agent Lilly Oaks

September 15 Deer Tolerant Native Plants, Holt Akers Campbell, 10:30
AM – Noon, Madison Public Library, 142 Plaza Blvd., Madison, Ext Agent Holt Akers Campbell

October 20 Orchids, 10:30 AM – Noon
Madison Public Library, 142 Plaza Blvd., Madison, Keith McCormick

Previous workshops during 2026:

June 16 Gardening in the Shade, 10:30 AM – Noon
Main Library, 915 Monroe St., Huntsville, Arron Stiles

April 7, 10:30am – Noon Madison Public Library, 142 Plaza Blvd.
Garden for wildlife! Learn how at our next Master Gardners of North Alabama educational workshop:
🦋 Transform Your Garden into a Habitat for Pollinators, Birds and Beyond
🦋 with Sara Johnson, Conservation Biologist of the North America Land Trust
🦋 Tuesday, April 7 – 10:30-Noon
🦋 Madison Public Library, 142 Plaza Blvd, Madison
🦋 Free and open to the public, no registration required

April 29, 10am – Noon Madison Public Library, 142 Plaza Blvd.
This workshop will demonstrate the most common plant propagation methods, including dividing, stem & leaf cuttings, and air layering, to create free new plants to enjoy or share.

February Gardening Series Tuesdays at 10:30AM – Noon, Madison
Library, 142 Plaza Blvd., Madison, AL
February 3, Seed Starting – EMG Bonnie Gardner – Whether you’re new to gardening or just
want to brush up on your skills, this is the perfect opportunity to learn how to start seeds
indoors, what medium is the best, and the best time to do it.
February 10 Vegetable Garden Basics – Allyson Shabel, Urban Regional Extension Agent –
Why Garden, you ask?  How about enjoying the best vegetables you’ve ever eaten.
 There’s absolutely nothing quite like fresh veggies, especially if you grow them yourself.
 In this workshop learn how to pick the right location, choosing easy vegetables that are
also productive, when to plant and when to plant what.
This presentation was recorded and may be viewed at the following link:
https://www.facebook.com/reel/
February 17, Maintaining Your Garden & Insect Control – Lilly Oaks – So you’ve planted your
garden, now what? This workshop covers maintaining your garden throughout the
growing season. We will focus on basic care such as weeding and watering, as well as
timely application of fertilizer to keep your plants looking and producing their best. We
will also cover prevention and treatment of common insect issues.
February 24 Adding Herbs to your Garden – EMG Gayle Stinnett – A list of favorite herbs and
what herbs grow best in North Alabama, where and how to plant herbs. Qualities of common
herbs and their health benefits, and try a sample selection of herbs with recipes to try at home.