2026 Bellevue Demonstration Garden In-Person Workshops
Bellevue Demonstration Garden In-Person Gardening Workshops are led by WSU Extension Master Gardeners and/or skilled professionals. Veteran and novice gardeners alike will benefit from these presentations derived from science-based research, personal experience and state-of-the-art methods.
Unless otherwise indicated, all workshops are held in the covered shelter at Bellevue Demonstration Garden near the Lake Hills Ranger Station. Parking is available in the parking lot and on the street. Email Bellevuedemo@hotmail.com with any questions.
When: Saturdays 10:00am to 11:30am
Where: 15500 SE 16th Street
Bellevue, WA 98007
Cost: Free
Please register at: BDG In-person Workshops or use the QR code
Saturday, Apr 25
Fire Prevention for Your Yard
presented by Natalia Williams, Project Coordinator, Wildfire Mitigation with King Conservation District and Mike Lasecki, Stewardship Forester & Wildfire Mitigation Specialist with King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks.
Come join us for a presentation on wildfire mitigation in Western Washington. Topics discussed will include: fire ecology in Western Washington, the wildland urban interface vs. wildfire risk, what causes wildfire, how wildfire threatens homes, how to protect your home against wildfire and how to access home wildfire mitigation resources. A stroll around the parks ranger cabin to demonstrate home wildfire risk evaluation and actions to mitigate risk will be part of the event.
Saturday, May 23
Basics of Successful Vegetable Growing
presented by Jim Olson, WSU Extension Master Gardener, past president of the Master Gardener Foundation of King County and a popular speaker for the Master Gardener Speakers Bureau. He has long been associated with BDG and was the melon bed manager for ten years.
Learn the basic principles of vegetable growing with a focus on veggies planted in late spring. Jim will present the steps for successful vegetable production from both seeds and starts. Topics covered will include soil preparation, planting, irrigation, fertilizer, pest and disease management and more.
Saturday, May 30
Garden Tool Sharpening
presented by John Harmeling, Master Consulting Rosarian with the Seattle Rose Society.
This workshop will cover sharpening manual tools: pruners, hedge trimmers and other garden tools – did you know you can sharpen a shovel? Attendees are invited to bring their dull tools in for a demo on how to improve their condition as well as extend the life of the tools and improve the overall gardening experience.
Saturday, Jun 6
Water Wise Gardening
presented by Dawn Rubstello, WSU Extension Master Gardener.
Watering may be the most important and most expensive task we do to be successful as gardeners. Learn about water-saving practices and irrigation systems. Learn how to water at the most effective time of day and what your plants need. Waste less water and save time
Saturday, Jul 11
Growing Garlic
presented by Lory Armitage, WSU Extension Master Gardener.
This workshop will cover garlic cultivation: soil preparation, planting techniques and tips for fertilizing and irrigation, harvesting and storage. Learn about seed garlic and scapes. We will visit the garlic bed at BDG to see some grown garlic; depending on varieties and maturity, we may be able to dig some up.
Saturday, Jul 25
Beavers: Ecosystem Engineers
presented by Joe Mouser, Communications Manager with Beavers Northwest.
As ecosystem engineers, beavers have a big impact on the habitats that they call home. This can often be a boon for fish and wildlife sharing this space, but a headache for people nearby. In this presentation, Joe will dive into beaver ecology and benefits as well as the challenges and opportunities for living with beavers in a landscape dominated by human infrastructure.
Saturday, Sep 26
Seed Saving
presented by Colleen Donahue, WSU Extension Master Gardener.
Join Colleen as she shares her knowledge about saving flower and vegetable seed. Topics covered will include seed selection, harvesting, drying and storing seeds. Follow her tips and tricks to save money while making preparations to plant a beautiful, productive garden next year.
Saturday, Oct 3
Soil Nutrition 2.0
presented by Karen Adams, WSU Extension Master Gardener.
Healthy soils produce nutritious foods, strong plants and protect the environment. This workshop will focus on managing and improving soil tilth for both vegetable beds and ornamentals. Learn about various soil amendment uses and benefits, specific crops and their unique needs throughout the growing season, and how to protect soil biodiversity with organic methods.
*additional workshops may be added- check the SignUpGenius for workshop schedule
WSU extension programs and employment are available to all without discrimination. Evidence of noncompliance may be reported through our local extension office. Reasonable accommodations will be made for persons with disabilities and special needs; contact the WSU Extension King County office at king.mg@wsu.edu at least two weeks prior to the event.