GARDEN GUIDANCE
by Carol Holtrop, Advanced Master Gardener

If you are a gardener, you’re probably always looking for ways to make gardening more enjoyable…and easier...and more productive and beautiful. You probably share your love of gardening and information with others. While you’re at it, why not make new friends and meet interesting horticultural professionals in the process? This spring you will have an opportunity to do all of these things. The Master Gardeners of Huron County are planning a multi-week series to share knowledge and to promote gardening leadership among area residents. New ideas, new friends and more beautiful and productive gardens in the Thumb are just a few of the positive by-products of this training.

This series is an 11-week course, Wednesdays, April 14 - June 23, 6 - 9 p.m. in the Bad Axe area, which will cover Soil Science, Plant Propagation, Vegetables, House Plants, Household Pests, Woody Ornamentals, Lawns, Integrated Pest Management, Small Fruits, Tree Fruits, Flower Gardening and Volunteerism. When you attend, you will meet and learn from Extension staff members, MSU specialists, and experienced Master Gardener volunteers. Each series brings interested gardening volunteers together who are looking for more information on some or all of the above topics.

Not sure you can do this? Sure you can, you do not need to be an expert gardener to take the series; that’s why this is a training series. As with all educational opportunities, questions are welcomed, discussions are encouraged, and new ideas are gained!

Cost of the series is $230. Payment plans are available, and there may be scholarship funds available, please inquire.

For an application or more information on the series or the events below, please call the MSU Extension office at 989-269-9949, ext. 603, or e-mail Carol at holtropc@gmail.com.

Upcoming Master Gardener events for 2010:

• April 10 – Spring Into Gardening Conference and Yard and Garden Expo, Ubly Heights Country Club, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
• April 14 - June 23 – Huron County Master Gardener Series, Wednesdays, 6 - 9 p.m., Bad Axe area. Call 989-269-9949, ext. 603 for a brochure or more information.
• May 22 – Perennial Plant Sale, Merchants Building, fairgrounds, Bad Axe.
• June 26 – Huron County Garden Walk, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
• July 25-31 – Huron Community Fair, Wildflower Display Garden and Migratory Bird Information Booth, Monday thru Saturday

MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer. Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status.