Spring master gardener seminar
Master gardeners looking to put their green thumbs to the test will be able to receive a variety of guidance during this year’s “Spring into Gardening” seminar at the Greene County Fair Grounds in Waynesburg.
The event, sponsored by Penn State Extension, will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on April 2 at the 4-H building.
Cost to register is $12 before March 25 or $14 at the door. Informational handouts refreshments will be included.
Topics include The Role of Gardening in Reducing Water Pollution, Planting Trees, Shrubs & Flowers, Square Foot and Container Gardening and Don’t Kill Your Orchid.
According to Cheryl Brendel, master gardener at Penn State Extension in Greene County, the annual event usually draws between 40-60 participants. “We try to have topics that are seasonal,” she said.
Brendel said, for the most part, presentations are based on audience input or current agriculture trends.
Registration for the seminar will be held from 8:30-8:50 a.m. followed by opening remarks.
From 9 to 9:50 a.m., Jarred Zinn, Watershed Specialist at the Greene County Conservation District, will speak on the role of gardening in reducing water pollution.
Because gardens play a role in storm water runoff, the concept of non-point source pollution will also be discussed.
During this time, participants can learn how gardeners too play a role in reducing storm water runoff and simple actions they may take that will benefit Greene County’s water.
From 10-10:50 a.m. Fred Clark, owner and operator of Fred C. Clark Jr. Ground Cover Nursery, will provide a presentation on planting trees, shrubs and flowers.
The correct way of planting trees, shrubs and flowers will be discussed along with landscaping tips.
From 11-11:50 a.m. Jim Hassett, Greene Co. Master Gardener, will talk about square foot and container gardening.
Questions that will be addressed include, gardening seem overwhelming? Not enough space to grow a variety of veggies and flower? Tired of managing a big garden? New at gardening? Downsized but still want to garden?
From noon to 12:50 p.m., Mona Counts, Greene County master gardener, will discuss ways to buying the right orchid; caring for it in your home and helping it bloom again to share with others.
The event will then wrap up with evaluations and door prizes from local vendors.
Silent auction soil test kits will also be available at a cost of $9.