Join the Genesee County Master Gardeners this spring as they “Catch the Gardening Bug.” Four gardening programs will be offered throughout the season, with the first one on March 28 from 6 to 8 p.m. Master Gardener Brenda Fox will present “Companion Plants for Bearded Iris.” Bearded iris are some of the most beautiful flowers, yet are surprisingly easy to grow. The first half of the program will focus on how best to grow iris, and will discuss when to plant or divide, soil preparation and sun requirements. The second half will explore colorful combinations with shrubs and perennials. These will be illustrated with lavish photos showing both contrasting and complementary color schemes.
On April 5, join us for “Dahlias 101.” Dahlias come in a rainbow of colors, shapes and sizes, and produce beautiful blooms up until frost. Get your dahlia questions answered as Master Gardener Brandie Waite discusses how to plant, grow and over winter the tubers. Once you start growing dahlias, you won’t be able to stop. Registration is required by March 29.
Permaculture is based on natural systems. On April 18, learn more about this topic at “Permaculture 2.0.” Building on last year’s program when participants learned about zones, sectors, guilds and edges as they apply to permaculture, Master Gardener Dan Esler will present on the considerations for successful guild design and a reasonable timeline when developing a permaculture site. Registration is required by April 13.
Get tips from Master Gardeners for “Dividing Perennials,” on April 25. Three good reasons for dividing perennials are to control the size of the plants, to maintain plant health and to increase their number. Since many perennials respond well to being divided in early spring, there will be a demonstration of the steps for dividing a variety of perennials. Weather permitting, plants right out of the garden will be used. Registration is required by April 20.
All classes will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Genesee County Cornell Cooperative Extension at 420 East Main Street, Batavia. The cost is $10 per person, per class. Pre-registration is required, as class size is limited. Contact Brandie at 343-3040, ext. 101, or stop by the office to register. Visit the website at: http://genesee.cce.cornell.edu/events for more information.
