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Sussex Master Gardeners workshops continue Feb. 7

January 27, 2017

It is time to start thinking of the coming gardening season, and Sussex Master Gardeners workshops include a wide variety of topics. Classes are free unless otherwise specified, and all will be held at the Elbert N. and Ann V. Carvel Research and Education Center in Georgetown, just down Route 9 from Sussex Tech.

For more information or to register for workshops, contact Tammy Schirmer at 302-856-2585, Ext. 544, or tammys@udel.edu or go to www.extension.udel.edu and search master gardener workshops.

At 1 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 7, master gardener Gaye Mara will talk about Gardening by the Numbers. Decades of research and testing by cooperative extensions and others have given even the most experienced gardeners useful numeric measures to support garden success. Mara will explain about optimum soil conditions for seed germination and plant growth, how long seeds last in storage, how hot is too hot for plant health, when and how much to water, and the meaning of full sun and part shade. The workshop materials will include helpful charts and other takeaways for attendees to use in their own gardening.

At 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 21, there will be a showing of the movie, "Hometown Habitat, Stories of Bringing Nature Home." Native plants, once established, do not require the use of chemicals such as herbicides and pesticides to maintain their beauty, and they don't require extra watering from the drinking water supply. Native pollinators and birds generally prefer native plants for nectar and seed. This educational film will show how and why native plants are critical to the survival and vitality of local ecosystems.

At 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, March 7, master gardener Bill Huxtable will talk about shade gardening. He will suggest what plant or plants to use in that shady area of the garden; there are many plants that love the shade. Handouts will be available to assist in picking the perfect plant.

At 1 p.m., Tuesday, March 21, master gardener Penny Deiner will present a workshop on Gardening in Squares. This method focuses on growing vegetables and flowers in small spaces. It emphasizes designing a garden based on personal needs and location, preparing the soil, selecting plants, planting and replanting. Garden squares take 80 percent less space than traditional row gardening, and there are fewer weeds to pull and more flowers to enjoy. Gardening in squares is viewed in the context of accessibility and making outdoor spaces inviting, productive and enjoyable.

At 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, April 4, Gregg Tepper, director of horticulture for Delaware Botanic Gardens at Pepper Creek, will speak on Native Plants We Love. This lecture is a celebration of the sheer beauty and amazing diversity of native plants. Attendees will learn about the incredible aesthetics these plants possess, and delve into the attributes that make them beautiful and their benefits.

At 1 p.m., Thursday, April 13, master gardeners Bob Dougherty and Linda Peters will present a talk on the Master Gardener Program. They will talk about master gardener training, volunteer opportunities and the application process. 

At 1 p.m., Tuesday, April 18, master gardener Terry Plummer will present Landscaping with Native Perennials. Attendees will learn to make their gardening lives easier with less watering and less fuss when they plant native perennials for a delightful landscape. Plummer will introduce a wide variety of native plant materials that will draw insects and the birds who love to eat them into the garden.

At 1 p.m., Tuesday, May 2, master gardener Lana Ward will speak on Aromatherapy and Holistic Health Habits. Ward will give recipes for skin and hair treatments using herbs and herbal teas, aromatherapy ideas using essential oils, cleaning without chemicals and storage for common herbs.

At 1 p.m., Tuesday, May 23, master gardeners Mary Noel and Donna Fellows will present a hands-on workshop on Miniature Gardens. Attendees will create their own tiny living world in one afternoon. The container, soil, plants and some accessories will be provided. Participants may bring miniature accessories to personalize their gardens. Fee is $15. Class limited to 20.

At 1 p.m., Tuesday, June 6, master gardener Judy Pfister will present a hands-on workshop, Worms Eat My Garbage. Attendees will learn about vermiculture or composting with worms and the many uses for this compost. They will make homemade worm bins and learn how to maintain them and harvest their gardeners' gold. Bins, bedding and worms will be provided. Fee is $15. Class is limited to 10 participants taking worm bins home. Those just interested in learning vermiculture and not taking a bin are invited to attend as well for no fee.

Master gardeners are working volunteers supported by Delaware Cooperative Extension through the University of Delaware and Delaware State University Extension offices. For special needs accommodations, contact the office two weeks prior to the event.

 

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