Join the Genesee County Master Gardeners this spring as they “Catch the Gardening Bug.” Four gardening programs will be offered this spring with the first one, “Invaders Amongst Our Trees,” on March 26 from 6 to 8 p.m. Get a DEC Forester’s perspective on what invasive species are threatening landscape trees and forests; from Emerald Ash Borer to Oak Wilt. There will also be discussion about some new threats on the horizon such as Mile-a-Minute Vine and Spotted Lanternfly. This program is free, but registration is required by March 22 as space is limited.
Shade gardens can offer cool relief on hot, sunny days. While flowers offer flash, plants with attractive foliage offer season-long color. Those looking for shade loving plants other than hostas and pachysandra, may be interested in attending on April 4 for “Awesome Plants for Shady Sites.” Discover a variety of great plants that can be added to a shady retreat. Registration required by March 29.
Learn the history of what came to be known as “Kitchen Gardens” on April 16. Find out what settlers to the New World, especially New York, planted in their Kitchen Gardens and why. There will be hands-on activities to help participants start thinking about how they would plant their own kitchen garden. Registration required by April 12.
The April 25 program is “Fun with Compost!” The basics of two composting techniques to turn vegetable scraps into plant food will be covered. The traditional method is to create a pile outdoors. An indoor method using a container of worms will also be discussed. Registration required by April 19.
All classes will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Genesee County Cornell Cooperative Extension at 420 East Main Street, Batavia. Unless otherwise noted, the cost is $10 per person, per class. Pre-registration is required as class size is limited. Contact Brandie at 343-3040 ext. 101 to register. Visit http://genesee.cce.cornell.edu/events for information.
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