Welcome to this column written by members of the Master Gardeners of Huron County! Each month we will share upcoming garden events in the county. You may discover what these area gardeners are growing in their own yards and gardens, how they use those same plants in their kitchens, or even how to keep the trees in their yards growing strong. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned pro, we hope you enjoy our efforts to share information and tips to help your green thumb grow. If you have any specific areas of interest you would like us to cover, please let us know. We will do our best to address your topic.

ORGANIC GARDENING AND BUTTERFLY
GARDENING TOPICS AT AREA CONFERENCE

The Master Gardeners of Huron County are offering the third annual Spring Into Gardening! conference on Saturday, March 19, from 8 AM until 5 PM at Ubly Heights Country Club.

This year's conference is being expanded to give participants a wide variety of educational choices. Conferees will choose two of the four morning sessions and an additional two classes in the afternoon. Morning sessions include "Wonderous Rugosas" by Nancy Lindley of Great Lakes Roses. Ms. Lindley will cover Rugosa varieties (which are extremely winter hardy), their care and their unique qualities. "Hardscapes Made Easy" will be offered by Matt Esch of Esch Landscaping. Mr. Esch will cover brick paver patios, walkways and walls that can be completed as weekend projects. "Bog Gardening" will be explored with presenter Barb Fenningsdorf of Boon Dock Waterplants & Perennials. If you don't have a wet land area, learn how to create one from small scale to large. You'll also learn which plants do best in your area. "Simple Steps to Spectacular Roses" will be covered by Nancy Lindley of Great Lakes Roses. She will give an overview of what's needed throughout the year in the rose garden, with special emphasis on insect and disease problems.

During the lunch break, Janet Mancunovich, garden and landscape designer and writer, will be giving our keynote address on "Master Gardeners as 21st Century Shamans."

The afternoon sessions will begin with "Native Plant Landscaping for Butterfly Habitats" by Dr. Duke Elsner (The Bug Guy), MSU Extension - Grand Traverse County. Butterfly biology and habitats will be discussed, as well as how butterflies select and interact with plants and their terrain. "Continuous Color" in the garden will be covered by Janet Mancunovich, garden and landscape designer and writer. Learn the gardener's tricks for extending, stalling and coaxing repeat shows from flowering plants. "Ornamental Grasses" is the topic being covered by Dr. Jim Sillers, veterinarian from Imlay City. His presentation will focus on what has worked and what hasn't in his own yard. Dr. Sillers grows over 70 varieties and is willing to share his experiences and knowledge with us. "Community Supported Agriculture" will be explained by Les Roggenbuck, East River Organic Farm, Snover. Mr. Roggenbuck owns and operates a 500-acre, certified organic farm and markets his organic vegetables through a CSA.

In addition to these classes, the day will also include a Yard and Garden Expo with vendors selling and displaying their products and services. Some of the vendors who will be present on March 19 are Ironman Fabricators, Arbonne International, Falkenberg Honey, East River Organic Farm, and Great Lakes Roses.

Registration for the conference is $30 per person which includes 4 of the 8 classes offered, catered lunch, refreshments, door prizes, goodie bag and Yard and Garden Expo. Registrations received after March 7 will be $40 per person. To register, make your check payable to: MSU Extension, and mail to: Master Gardener Program, 99 W. Soper Road, Suite B, Bad Axe, MI 48413-8272.

Master Gardeners attending this conference will receive 5 education credits.

Anyone wanting a brochure with a map and more detailed information on the day's program is invited to contact the Master Gardener program at MSU Extension, 99 W. Soper Road, Suite B, Bad Axe, MI 48413, or call 989-269-9949.

The Master Gardener Program can be reached at the Michigan State University Extension office, 99 W. Soper Road, Suite B, Bad Axe, MI 48413, by calling 989-269-9949, or msue32@msu.edu.

Upcoming Events:
April 20: June 29 Master Gardener Series, Wednesdays, 6:30-10 PM
May 14: Perennial Plant Sale, Huron Expo Center, Fairgrounds, Bad Axe, 9 AM-1 PM.
July 10: Garden Walk of Huron County