Master Gardeners help your garden grow
You might be surprised to learn that K-State Extension is much more than Master Gardeners, 4-H youth and VITA tax preparation volunteers. Extension is Kansas State University’s educational outreach in the community. We take the research being done at the university and bring it to Kansans who will use it. Join me, Lane Wiens, April 30, 6-7pm in Marvin Auditorium C for “Growing Local Expertise.” I'll talk about all the resources we offer through the Extension office and how you can access them, with a specific focus on the horticulture program area.
Growing in small spaces
If you’re a gardener at heart, but don’t have the space for an in-ground bed or a raised bed, don’t fret. With a few affordable supplies, a container garden on a balcony or south window might be perfect for you to grow fresh herbs and vegetables. On March 12, 7-8:30pm Master Gardener Carol Bragdon will give you advice on “Growing Vegetables and Herbs in Small Spaces." If you'd like to read about this topic, check out Complete Container Herb Gardening by Sue Goetz, Container Food Gardening by Pam Farley and The Vegetable Gardener's Container Bible by Edward C. Smith.
Garden design
Just like an artist or florist uses varying colors, visual textures and forms to make a work of art or gorgeous bouquet, gardeners can do the same. Using these and other design principles, you can create an outdoor space you love spending time in. Master Gardener Kathy Wade will present “Garden Techniques” all about landscape design on April 14 7-8:30pm. If you want to learn more on this topic, read Encyclopedia of Landscape Design edited by Chis Young, Creative Garden Design Patterns by Jack Wallington and Field Guide to Outside Style by Ryan McEnaney.
Wildflower lawn
Lawn maintenance can be a headache between proper planting and fertilizing time, the hours spend mowing and edging, not to mention the expense. Replacing your lawn with something more colorful and ecologically sound can reduce maintenance and attract pollinators. If you want more information on the process of getting rid of your lawn and adding wildflowers, join Master Gardener Kevin Siek on May 14, 7-8:30pm for “Growing an Urban Wildflower Meadow." The American Meadow Garden by John Greenlee and Lawn Gone by Pam Penick are great resources to get deeper insights.
More help from master gardeners
Starting on April 1, the Extension Master Gardener volunteers will open the annual Response Line! These trained volunteers are prepared to answer any lawn, garden, landscape or houseplant question you have to improve the plants around you. To get your answers with research-based, unbiased information call the office at 785-232-0062, email sn@listserv.ksu.edu, stop by the office at 1740 SW Western Ave, or use our online question submission survey to add your question to the queue!
If you want to keep up to date with the horticulture activities around the county, sign up to receive the “Horticulture Happenings” newsletter. This is a monthly email newsletter I send out with information on the programs the Master Gardeners and I host, and the events held by the other gardening groups around the Shawnee County area. To sign up to receive this newsletter please complete this quick survey.
