SHADE GARDENING & HEIRLOOM PLANTS TOPICS
AT AREA CONFERENCE
by Carol Holtrop, Master Gardener Coordinator

The Master Gardeners of Huron County are offering the fourth annual "Spring Into Gardening!" conference on Saturday, March 25, from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. 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 six morning sessions and an additional two classes in the afternoon. Morning sessions include "The Basics of Weather" by Mark Torregrossa, Stormcenter 25 Chief Meteorologist. Mr. Torregrossa will teach the basics of the weather, and how to use this information to have a great garden. Kim Francis, Country Gardens Design, will be teaching "Just Say 'No' to Bambi and Thumper", followed by "Shade Gardens: Beyond the Basics." Ms. Francis will offer techniques to help control wildlife in your garden, along with information on how to incorporate bulbs, perennials, trees and shrubbery into your shady gardening spots.

During the lunch break, Nancy Szerlag, Detroit News Garden Writer, will be the keynote speaker, discussing the new and interesting plants that you may find this gardening season.

The afternoon sessions will begin with "Daylily Forms" by Mary Moore, Stone Cottage Gardens, and "Bonsai" by Larry Kanaby, San Toshi Bonsai Society of Bay City. Mr. Kanaby will be talking about fertilizing, watering, correct soil mixture and potting of plants. The day will wrap up with "Pruning Ornamental Trees and Shrubs" by Jerry Somalski, Bay Landscaping. Mr. Somalski will present ways to allow your plants to have their natural form, yet still keep their size under control. Dian McConnel will also be offering an afternoon session on "Gardening with Heirloom Plants." She will discuss the sources of heirloom flowers, roses, vegetables and fruits. She'll also discuss seed-saving and basic propagation techniques.

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 25 are French Garden Creations and JP's Tree Service. Master Gardeners attending this conference will receive five education credits.

Registration for the conference is $30 per person which includes four of the 12 classes offered, catered lunch, refreshments, door prizes, goodie bag and Yard and Garden Expo. 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. Registrations received after March 7 will be $40 per person.