Getting started in the garden can seem like an overwhelming process.  Dr. Peter Lecca will break down the process at Getting Started in the Garden on January 10, 2015, 11:00am-12:30pm at the Biodiversity Education Center.  There are many decisions to be made, but a little planning can go a long way toward making a garden you will love.  The trick is to envison how you plan to use the space, and to start small by choosing one place in your yard to begin.  Developing a garden is an ongoing process and can change with new ideas.  

There are many physical and mental health benefits of gardening.  Nature has long been known for its calming qualities and as a place to find tranquility and healing.  Gardening is considered moderate to heavy intensity physical activity, and has been linked to significant beneficial changes in total cholesterol and blood pressure, as well as reduces the risk for obesity, stroke, and depression.

Dr. Lecca will teach you how to choose a place, clear the ground, improve the soil, and choose the correct plants.  You will also learn how to read a seed packet, when to plant, and how to troubleshoot.  Bring all of your questions to this fun, informal class.  Dr. Lecca's garden has been featured in the Dallas Morning News and has been chosen to be showcased several times on the Texas SmartScape Tour of Coppell.  His garden boats both perennial and vegetable gardens, as well as Texas native and adaptive plants.  

With so many benefits to gardening, there is no reason not to get started growing your own vibrant garden!  There is not charge for this class and registration is not required.  

There is a 300 meter walk from the parking lot to the Biodiversity Education Center at Wagon Wheel Park, 367 Freeport Parkway, Coppell, Tx, 75019.  Use the Wagon Wheel Park entrance off of Freeport Parkway and follow the signs to the Biodiversity Education Center.  For more information about this class, or future program offerings, visit coppellcommunitygarden.org.