Spring is just around the corner. Planting time will soon be upon us again. For most gardeners these late winter days find us thinking of garden plans for a new season. Just when they are needed most, Adams County Penn State Cooperative Extension is offering two back-to-back series designed to better prepare gardeners for this year’s gardening season.

The first series of classes deals with Landscape Design. The classes meet on five Monday evenings, including March 7, 14, 21, and April 4 and 11. The Landscape Design Series runs from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. each evening and is being taught by Mary Ann Ryan, the Horticulture Agent/Master Gardener Coordinator serving Adams County. Cost for the entire five nights is $60, and the registration deadline is Monday, February 21.

In the Landscape Design classes, participants will create and draw their own landscape design, with each session building on the previous one. They will be given grid paper and drafting tools to plan their perennial border, cutting garden, foundation plants, pond, or whatever outdoor space they may envision.

Concurrent with the Landscape Design classes is the Green Thumb Series. These five workshops will be held on the same Mondays as the Landscape Design classes and are scheduled to run from 8 to 9 p.m. These classes are $5 each, or $20 for all five. Classes will be taught by Adams County Master Gardeners.

All sessions are open to the public. Those participating in the Landscape Design classes are especially encouraged to attend the workshops in the Green Thumb Series as the topics offered augment the work covered in the Landscape Design classes.

The first Green Thumb session is on March 7 and will deal with Invasive Plants. Participants will learn what plants they need to avoid in their garden. Deadline for registering for this class is March 2.

On March 14, Native Shrubs and Trees will be the topic, giving participants ideas about what kinds of natives will grow well in their area. Registration must be in by March 9.

March 21 will feature Perennials as the topic. Participants will find out what’s new this year in perennials as well as about old favorites. Deadline for registration is March 16.

Vines will be the interest on April 4, along with ideas for using them. Registration deadline is March 30.

In the last class on April 11, participants will find out about Annuals and get information about those tested for use in our area. Registration needs to be in by April 6.

Registration forms are available at the Agricultural and Natural Resource Center, 670 Old Harrisburg Road, Gettysburg or by calling Penn State Cooperative Extension in Adams County at 717-334-6271 or 888-472-0261 for information.