Mike Payne has been teaching beginning and newcomer gardening classes for the University of Tennessee’s Extension Service. He teaches 18 different horticultural subjects for the University. The classes can vary a little but normally they are soils & fertilization, turf grasses, Edible landscapes (Herbs), Beginning Landscape Design, trees & shrubs, Perennials and Annuals, Attracting Wildlife and Beginning Vegetables A starter class and helps people new to the Chattanooga Valley and Beginning Gardeners get a head start. About 30 % of the people attending the classes go on to take the Master Gardener classes (15 weeks). The Beginning & Newcomer Classes has won an International award for being Innovative and the perfect public educational program.