WINSTON-SALEM  — The Old Salem Department of Horticulture has announced the schedule for its 2017 spring garden workshops. The workshops are free and open to the public.

To pre-register for any workshop, please email vhannah@oldsalem.org or call 336-721-7357 (please leave a message if no one answers) to register. To join Friends of the Gardens, call 336-721-7333.

Workshop schedule

This is for the Birds

Saturday, March 4, from 10-11:30 a.m.

Wachovia Room, Old Salem Visitor Center, 900 Old Salem Road.

Local salvaged wood is used to create unique birdhouses. Learn bird specifics for entry holes, the size of nesting cavities, and ventilation. Blue Bird Box construction will be demonstrated. Presented by Bobby Davis., woodworker at Square Wood Concepts.

Making Herbal Vinegars

Thursday, March 16, from noon-1 p.m.

Wachovia Room, Old Salem Visitor Center.

Learn how to make herbal vinegars: how to choose and prepare the herbs for infusion, and how to create flavor. Also explore the culinary and medicinal uses of your prepared vinegars. Presented by herbalist Elizabeth G. Morgan of the Dandelion Soap Herb Shop in Germanton. Attendees may bring lunch; beverages provided.

Touch, Smell and Learn! How to bring Provence into your Garden

Thursday, April 6, from noon-1 p.m.

Wachovia Room, Old Salem Visitor Center.

Learn about growing lavender in our Piedmont North Carolina area — with tips on planting, growing and pruning, as well as lavender uses. Presented by Sandra Sarlinga, farmer and lavender lover at Piemonte Farm in Burlington. Attendees may bring lunch; beverages provided.

Hosta: Growing Guide and Variety Pictorial Review

Thursday, April 20, from noon- 1 p.m.

Wachovia Room, Old Salem Visitor Center.

Hostas are color and interest in the shade. Learn how to grow and maintain them.  A review of some of the attractive varieties will be also be presented. Presented by Larry Averill, Master Gardener in Arkansas for 10 years, Advanced Master Gardener status in 2008, and Arkansas Master Gardener of the Year in 2007. Attendees may bring lunch; beverages provided.

Eating to Live or Living to Eat? Cooking with Herbs

Saturday, April 29, from 10-11 a.m.

Wachovia Room, Old Salem Visitor Center.

Lifestyle matters to one’s health, and there are natural herbs and spices that complement a healthy constitution.  Learn insight into natural remedies that work. Presented by Trinidad native Songa Leopold Fultz, who describes herself as “a wife, mother, sister, friend, self-taught God inspired herbalist, vegan, cook, business woman, garden mentor, prayer warrior and health minister.”

Living with Coyotes

Saturday, May 13, from 10-11 a.m.

Wachovia Room, Old Salem Visitor Center.

Learn about one of the most persecuted animals in North Carolina: the coyote. Coyote ecology, the impact of human behavior on its population, and practical ideas to keep domestic pets safe and coyotes wild will be presented. Presented by Marilyn McGee, local writer and educator, and N.C. representative for Project Coyote.

Herbal Remedies

Thursday, May 25, from 12 – 1 p.m.

Wachovia Room, Old Salem Visitor Center

Explore techniques to make your own herbal remedies from plants in your garden. Directions from start to finish, including how to use items already in your kitchen apothecary. Presented by herbalist Elizabeth G. Morgan of the Dandelion Soap Herb Shop in Germanton. Attendees may bring lunch; beverages provided.

Old Salem Museums & Gardens is located at 600 S. Main St. in Winston-Salem. For more information call 336-721-7300 or visit oldsalem.org.