Food-drying Program—Learn how to preserve the harvest from your garden by drying it. Diane Wright Hirsch of the University of Connecticut’s Cooperative Extension will cover the basics of dehydrating fruits, vegetables and herbs commonly grown in our state.
Tuesday, Sept. 14, 6:30–7:30 p.m.
Location: UConn Middlesex County Extension Center, 1066 Saybrook Rd. (Route 154), Haddam
Cost: $5 members, $10 nonmembers. Limit: 35 participants

Building a Stone Wall Demonstration—Learn the basics of building a stone wall in order to try it on your own or understand the process better before you interview and hire a contractor. Expert stonemason Bud Smallwood of Better Stones and Masonry Supply demonstrates.
Saturday, Oct. 23, 1–3 p.m.
Location:  Better Stones and Masonry Supply, 200 Tolland St., East Hartford
Cost:  $10 members, $15 nonmembers. Limit: 15 participants

Sharpening Garden Tools
Would you like to become self-sufficient in caring for your garden tools? Kevin Wilcox of Farmington Valley Nursery in Avon will lead participants in dismantling (if necessary), cleaning, sharpening and re-assembling hand pruners, loppers and pruning shears. Bring goggles and the tools you’d like to sharpen, along with any sharpening stones you may have.
Saturday, Nov. 6, 10 a.m.-noon
Private home: 205 Thompson Hill Rd., Portland, Conn.
Cost:  $5 members, $10 nonmembers. Limit: 15 participants

Flower-arranging, Take-home Holiday Table Centerpiece
Learn how to create the perfect Thanksgiving table centerpiece using fresh flowers. Terri Krisavage, owner of TK & Brown’s Flowers, leads the workshop. The fee includes all supplies, and each person will take home a stunning creation.
Saturday, Nov. 10, 10 a.m.-noon
TK & Brown’s Flowers, 1761 Silas Deane Highway, Rocky Hill
Cost:  $25 members, $30 nonmembers. Limit: 20 participants