[Columbia, SC] - April showers bring more than just May flowers at Riverbanks Botanical Garden. This June, another eight weeks of Sprout Camp, Riverbanks' popular garden-themed camp for three- and four-year-olds takes root with registration beginning March 1. In addition, a variety of adult classes await both the avid gardener or befuddled beginner and are starting now.

Sprout Camp

Sprout Camp is a three-day camp running throughout the summer that allows parents to tag along as their youngster explores the great outdoors during Wednesday, Thursday and Friday of each week. Discover the Garden from an insect's perspective, "pollinate" flowers and go on a bug hunt. Hands on activities and fascinating facts make young learners eager to find out more about the habitats and critters in their own backyards.

Little sprouts should be accompanied by one adult and the camp week runs from 9:30am to 11:30am Wednesday through Friday. There are eight weeks for parents to choose from, beginning June 5. There is no Sprout Camp the week of July 4. A one-week session is $80 for Riverbanks Society members and $130 for the general public. Parents should call 803.779.8717 x1799 starting March 1 to sign up their sprouts.

Adult Classes

For adults who want to get into the sprout spirit, a variety of offerings throughout the spring promise to entice Saturday morning gardeners. Held each Saturday at 10:00am and taught by Riverbanks' horticulture staff, gardeners can choose one class or come on a more regular basis with Riverbanks' Gardener's Choice program. Riverbanks Society members can choose any seven classes for only $75, while the general public pays only $105. Individually, the classes are $15 for members and $21 for the general public. Upcoming classes include:

House Plants
Saturday, February 18 from 10:00am-12:00pm
Don't let the winter weather keep you from satisfying the gardening urge. Turn your attention to an indoor garden of unique and exotic plants. Acquire the secrets of growing larger, stronger and more colorful indoor garden plants. Pick up several tips on propagating and learn to garden during the winter months from the cozy comfort of your home!

The Key to Colorful Annuals
Saturday, February 25 from 10:00am-12:00pm
There is a bountiful collection of flowering annuals available to accent your landscape borders, containers, and hanging baskets. Acquaint yourself with the choices and how to best use them in your landscape. Learn which ones to avoid and why, plus tips on how to save money by starting annuals from seed.

Building an Arbor
Saturday, March 4 from 10:00am-12:00pm
An arbor can provide a striking accent point in your landscape and can be used for climbing plants or as a stand alone. Arbors can be elaborate or simple in their construction and can be a rewarding do-it-yourself project. We'll build an arbor from a plan that guides us through each step, using just the common tools you already have at home. Armed with the arbor building plan and the knowledge gained in this workshop, you can have a piece of hardscape in your yard in no time.

Pruning Techniques
Saturday, March 11 from 10:00am-12:00pm
Back by popular demand, this training session will show the proper way to prune trees and shrubs. Participants will learn about the why and when of pruning woody plants, especially those that require attention in the spring.

The Hanging Garden
Saturday, March 25 from 10:00am-12:00pm
Create beautiful hanging baskets to accent your porch, patio or garden. We will demonstrate different combinations of plants that will create a cascade of beauty.

The Grass is Always Greener When It Comes to Lawns
Saturday, April 1 from 10:00am-12:00pm
Getting great grass isn't easy! Discover the reasons your lawn isn't performing the way you want, and what you can do about it. The program will include tackling weeds, insect issues, and watering requirements, and will make your lawn the envy of the neighborhood!

The Hopeful Harvest: Growing Vegetables Successfully
Saturday, April 8 from 10:00am-12:00pm
Many gardeners are daunted by the problems seen in the vegetable garden. Discover vegetable plant problems and how to prevent them. The methods of growing, staking, and fertilizing vegetables will be covered, so you can maximize your harvest this summer.

Shade Gardening
Saturday, April 15 from 10:00am-12:00pm
Don't let that shady spot cast shadows over your beautiful garden. Riverbanks curator Andy Cabe will be highlighting some shade plants that are unique and splendid in a typically challenging garden area.

Socially Acceptable Pest Control
Saturday, April 22 from 10:00am-12:00pm
Everyone has bugs; we just don't like to admit it! Keep the good bugs around and control the bad bugs with safe, proven techniques.

Flowering Trees and Shrubs
Saturday, April 29 from 10:00am-12:00pm
Many trees in this area are flowering in the spring. Check out several varieties that do well here, and find out how to add color to the garden using larger foundation plants. Presented by Rick Woodley of Woodley's Garden Center.

A Rose By Any Other Name
Saturday, May 6 10:00am-12:00pm
Roses are the flowers of love, yet many gardeners hate them. They don't have to be so difficult to grow, if you learn about the hardiest varieties and the best way to care for them. It is possible to have the beauty and sweet fragrance of roses without a lot of fuss!

To sign up for Garden classes or Sprout Camp, call 803.779.8717 x1799 or visit www.riverbanks.org for more information.