IN LATE WINTER and early spring, just when cabin fever is getting the best of folks, Don Mould’s Plantation and Garden Center offers an escape through its gardening classes at both its North Ridgeville and Amherst locations. The classes range from the basics — pruning and seed starting — early in the year to lessons on green lawn care and growing hydrangeas. In the fall, classes on putting your garden to bed and how to get better protection out of your garden the following season prepare green-thumb-seekers for the dormant growing months.
One popular class, Cement Leaf Casting, involves making decorative accessories out of leaves, and casting them in a specially-made cement. The classes are always a social event, says manager Laura Mould. “They’re casual classes, like you’re all visiting around a pot of coffee,” she says. “There’s never a dumb question.” Students are often given handouts to bring home, as well as knowledge about new plants and product to grow in their gardens. “We’re always looking for suggestions,” says Mould. “We want folks to enjoy it. Classes are held the second Saturday of the month. Call the stores to reserve a spot. 
34837 Lorain Road,  North Ridgeville, 440-327-3407; Route 58 and Route 113, Amherst, 440-986-7777, mouldsplantation.com