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The gorgeous gardens
of the Bellaire B&B
are the result of
Innkeeper Jim Walker's
vocation and avocation.
Jim is a certified landscape designer, graduated with honors from Michigan State University in 1994. Prior to that he was on-staff in the Department of Horticulture at Michigan State University for eight years. For the past 12 years, Jim has worked as the leading landscape designer at Pine Hill Nursery and Landscaping, Kewadin, Michigan. Since 1999, he has served as the landscape design instructor for the Michigan State University Nursery and Design program extension in Traverse City, Michigan.
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In addition to his landscape design work and formal instructor responsibilities, Jim has been recognized as an entertaining and knowledgeable presenter on such topics as: landscape maintenance, designing with nature, native plant landscapes, perennial gardens, period residential gardens, designing for four seasons and designing for reduced mobility (handicap) access.
Many a guest has commented that their stay at the B&B was made even more enjoyable by their landscape and gardening discussions and tours of the grounds with Jim. |
The 2008 Garden Seminars
We are excited to offer a series of wonderful seminar experiences in 2008. In the last 14 years, Jim has developed the reputation as one of the top residential landscape designers in northern Michigan. The garden seminars are a great way to enjoy the splendor of northern Michigan AND learn from one of the best in the green industry.
The cost is $50.00 per person for each seminar (includes all seminar handouts, class materials and of course, and a fabulous lunch prepared for you on site.) When you sign up for one or more of the seminars, you receive 25% off your room rate. Call us at 1.800.545.0780 to plan your next garden seminar stay.
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"A is for Aster"
Perennial Gardening Primer
This workshop covers the basics of perennial garden design and maintenance. Emphasis will be placed on high performance plant selections for perennial gardens in the upper Midwest. Jim shares his step-by-step method of unified perennial garden design. He also covers the basic issues of perennial bed maintenance to insure a beautiful and bountiful garden display.
Cost: $50.00 per person
Workshop Dates: Saturday, May 3,2008
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"Paint by Numbers"
All Season Color Design
Create the garden for your color choices that blooms all season long using an easy five step method. In the first part of the workshop, Jim demonstrates the process. The rest of the workshop is devoted to a group project that applies this method using resources provided in the workshop.
Cost: $50.00 per person
Workshop Dates: Saturday May 17, 2008
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"A View from the Hammock"
Gardens for Low Maintenance
Want a great looking garden but you don’t seem to have time to keep it looking good? In this session, Jim shares his experience, strategies, and tips for creating great spaces that require minimal work. Learn how to plan your garden, prepare your beds and select the proper plants to ensure a minimal maintenance effort the rest of the growing season.
Cost: $50.00 per person
Workshop Dates: Saturday May 10, 2008
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"Good Night Sweet Primrose"
Putting the Garden to Bed
for the Winter
This fall workshop covers the importance of preparing your garden for the long sleep of winter. Jim covers fall pruning, fall plant division and propagation, bulb planting, perennial cut back, and tender plant protection from the elements and critters.
Cost: $50.00 per person
Workshop Dates: Saturday May 24, 2008
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"Going Native" Designing with Native Plants and Animals in Mind
This workshop will cover three topics relative to native plants and animals. The first topic covers use of native plants and their derivations in your landscape. The second topic deals with design, plant selection and strategies to encourage and attract desirable native animals and birds to your garden. Part three covers options in dealing with destructive plant foraging by animals.
Cost: $50.00 per person
Workshop Dates: Saturday May 31, 2008
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