Garden Partners & Herb Allies
Sunday, September 27, 2026
2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Instructor: Dawson Amico of Hospitable Harvests
Discover how to build healthier and more resilient garden beds through the science and strategy of companion planting. This workshop looks at how vegetables, flowers, and especially herbs can work together to improve growth, reduce pests, and create balanced ecosystems that suit Florida’s unique climate.
We’ll highlight the important role herbs play in the garden. They attract beneficial insects, enhance flavor, protect vulnerable crops, and boost biodiversity. Whether you’re new to gardening or want to refine your planting approach, this class will provide you with practical tools to design effective and productive plant communities.
You’ll also learn which plant combinations to avoid. This knowledge will help you prevent competition, nutrient imbalance, and common incompatibilities that can limit your garden’s success.
Learn About:
· What companion planting is and why it works
· Herb‑forward plant pairings that boost growth, flavor, and pest resistance
· Using flowers and herbs to attract pollinators and beneficial insects
· Avoiding incompatible plant neighbors
· Designing simple, effective companion layouts
At the end of the class, you'll get to take home a potted plant and a companion planting guide to help start your own garden!
Hospitable Harvests will also provide a Fresh Vegetable Plant Market to help you increase your gardens variety. Payments for additional plants can be taken via Venmo, Zelle, Paypal or cash.
Registration includes admission to the beautiful Gardens before or after class.
Dawson Amico lives in Orlando, FL (growing zone 9B/10A) and is passionate about growing food and habitat restoration. He co-founded Monarch Urban Farm, a native, edible, and medicinal plant nursery in Oviedo. As the former Fleet Farming Manager, Dawson managed 15 front yard micro-farms and orchards, overseeing crop planning, seasonal rotation, and farmers market operations. He also developed and taught hands-on classes known as Living Learning Classes. Now, as the founder of Hospitable Harvests, Dawson shares his knowledge and passion for sustainable growing, offering guidance and maintenance to gardeners at any stage of their journey.
Participants must withdraw from classes at least 5 days prior to the start of class in order to receive a full refund or credit. If we must cancel a class, we will make every effort to inform you prior to the class time, and you will receive a full refund or credit.
Only those registered for the class will be permitted in the classroom. Childcare services are not provided
Photo description: Ripe red tomatoes surrounded by a selection of leafy green herbs.