Delaware County Master Gardeners play an important role in caring for the environment by volunteering our time and energy to teach others how to be successful as well as environmentally friendly gardeners. Penn State University’s Cooperative Extension gave us extensive horticultural training and then turned all one hundred and twenty two of us loose to help home gardeners in our communities. And do we help!
We teach a variety of classes and workshops, design and maintain the Delaware County Cooperative Extension display gardens at Smedley Park, assist in the Taylor Arboretum Greenhouse Project, provide Horticultural Therapy for a variety of institutions, plan and present Arbor Day activities, answer gardening questions called to the Cooperative Extension’s “hort line”, maintain gardens at Ridley Creek State Park and write this gardening blog for the Philadelphia Inquirer. But our biggest event of the year is the Home Gardeners School.
This year’s Home Gardeners School is scheduled for Saturday, March 29 at Neumann College in Aston, PA. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from outstanding speakers--Longwood educator Dan Long, Morris Arboretum’s Shelley Dillard, Philadelphia Zoo Plant Curator Marty Kromer and Brandywine Conservancy Horticultural Director Mark Gormel.
The day-long program includes a continental breakfast, buffet lunch and a tour of the historic 150 year old Neumann College private garden, which is only open to the public for the day of the workshop. The garden features walking paths, a labyrinth, shrines, native plants, massive old-growth trees, and an innovative solar-powered fountain.
Of course, no day is complete without a little plant-shopping. Be sure to browse our popular Marketplace, where you’ll find green treasures at our Master Gardener Plant Sale as well as a variety of plant-related items.
So allow us to jump-start your spring! Plan now to attend. You may even find a new friend—who can resist chatting with other passionate gardeners? Call 610-690-2655 for more details or email: lrb16@psu.edu. Information is also available on the Master Gardener website
Do you have a gardening question? In Delaware County, call our Master Gardeners hortline at 610-690-2671 on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 AM-12 NOON.
UPCOMING MASTER GARDENERS EVENTS
March 8, 2008
Cacti & Succulents
Learn the fundamentals of growing cacti and succulents. Make your own dish garden to take home. This is a hands-on workshop. Please bring gloves. Cost: $15
March 29, 2008
HOME GARDENERS SCHOOL
This is it! Our twelfth annual all day educational event. Cost : $45 ($55 after March 14) For more details, call 610-690-2655 or email: Linda Barry.
Registration required for all events. Please call 610-690-2655 for more information or visit our website
