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ATTEND LOCAL GARDENING SHOWS ON MARCH 9 & 23
A couple of information-packed local gardening shows have been planned for March.
On March 9, the Chaska Chamber of Commerce will sponsor its annual Chaska Home and Garden Expo from 9 am to 3 pm at the Chaska Community Center, 1661 Park Ridge Drive. The free show will feature dozens of commercial exhibits as well as free educational seminars on home improvement and gardening topics.
Carver/Scott Master Gardeners will answer your gardening questions at the Master Gardener exhibit throughout the day.
Presentations by Carver/Scott Master Gardeners will begin at 10 am with "Growing Organically," followed by "Seed Starting" at 11 am, "New for 2002" at noon and "Fried Green Grasses" at 1pm.
For a schedule of home improvement topics and times, call the Chaska Chamber of Commerce at 952-448-5000.
On Saturday, March 23, Carver/Scott Master Gardeners will sponsor Garden Fever IV from 8:30 am to 3 pm at The Wilds Golf Club, 3151 Wilds Ridge, Prior Lake. Last year's Garden Fever seminar drew more than 190 registrants.
Garden Fever IV, which has a registration fee of $30 per person, features four instructional seminars, educational and commercial exhibits, door prizes, morning refreshments and a gourmet lunch at noon.
Seminar topics and speakers are:
Native Plants and Our Spring Environment, by Jim Gilbert, Director of the Linnaeus Arboretum, Instructor of Environmental Studies at Gustavus Adolphus College, and consulting naturalist for WCCO Radio.
Basic Landscaping for a Professional Look, by Diane Klausner, registered Landscape Architect and specialist in residential landscape and garden design.
The Good, The Bad and The Beautiful -- How to Tell the Difference, by Dr. Vera Krischik, extension entomologist at the University of Minnesota.
Ornamental Grasses for Minnesota, by Dr. Mary Meyer, University of Minnesota horticulturist and state coordinator of the Minnesota Master Gardener program.
Registration for Garden Fever IV is limited, with a registration deadline of March 16. For more information, call the Scott County Extension office in Jordan at 952-492-5410.
Master Gardeners an Extension Success Story
The Master Gardener program in Minnesota is an educational-outreach success story of the University of Minnesota Extension Service. It utilizes trained volunteers to assist people and their communities through gardening information and activities. Carver and Scott counties are served by approximately 90 active Master Gardeners.
I have been a Carver County Master Gardener since 1993. Despite my close involvement with the program, I am still amazed by all we do and accomplish each year.
In 2001, we conducted 26 plant health clinics in the two counties. Weekly clinics at the two county extension offices are open 6 to 8 pm and are designed to diagnose gardeners' tree, shrub, lawn, flower or vegetable plant problems.
In 2001, we staffed 49 question and answer booths, including a regular booth at the University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum every Sunday during the growing season.
Master Gardeners spend many hours on the phone answering questions from local gardeners. In 2001, Carver/Scott Master Gardeners received 765 phone calls from area residents.
Another important element of the Master Gardener program is teaching classes on horticultural topics. Last year, we taught 169 classes for community education, libraries, garden clubs, schools, 4-H clubs, church groups, rotary clubs and many other organizations.
The total volunteer contribution of Master Gardeners in Carver and Scott counties in 2001 was 3,819 hours involving 11,610 contacts with county residents. In addition, Master Gardeners participated in 1,197 hours of continuing education to stay current on University of Minnesota horticultural research.
To talk with a local Master Gardener about your gardening question or concern, call either the Carver County extension office (952-442-4496), or the Scott County extension office (952-492-5410).
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PUTTING DOWN ROOTS:
A Delightful Blend of
Gardening Wisdom, Wit
and Whimsy
$10 + $2 for shipping
by Cliff Johnson |
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