MASTER GARDENER PROGRAM

MG NEWS & SCHEDULED EVENTS FOR 2010

Garden Day Returns in 2010 with "Garden Styles"

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Ulster County’s (CCEUC) Master Gardeners will help gardeners add style and flair to their gardens with the information they present at this year’s Garden Day on Saturday, April 10 at SUNY Ulster in Stone Ridge. This full day event will run from 8:30am to 4:00pm and boast 16 hands-on and how-to classes for all gardeners from the newest beginners to the most advanced veterans. This years theme, “Garden Styles” features an array of experts talking on a variety of the hottest trends in gardening designs from all over the globe.

The days featured presentation will be, “BANG FOR THE BUCK: NON-STOP PLANTS FOR YOUR GARDEN” with keynote speaker, Bob Hyland. Color your garden in style this season! Bob will showcase non-stop perennials, shrubs, vines, ornamental grasses and seasonal annuals that yield a high rate of return on your investment. He'll talk about new and underused plants that reward you with vigor, presence, and low maintenance to make your garden a visual treat in all seasons. After 25 years in public garden administration, Bob now co-owns and manages Loomis Creek Nursery, an acclaimed regional retail nursery specializing in garden-worthy plants and pots for Hudson Valley gardens.

In addition to a day full of great classes, free soil testing and plant identification will be available.

Participants can choose 4 separate classes for the day. Pre-registration is recommended to ensure class choices. The cost for 4 classes and a full day of garden advice is $30 per person before Wednesday, April 7, or $35 at the door. A boxed lunch may be pre-purchased for $8 or participants may bring their own lunch.

Click here for class details

Click here to pre-register

New Hours for Master Gardener Hotline

Seasonal hours of service are now 9:00am to 12:00pm on Monday-Wednesday-Fridays from March 1, 2010 to October 1, 2010. The Hotline number is 845-340-DIRT. Messages can be left at anytime but will only be returned on Mondays-Wednesdays-Fridays from 9:00am to 12:00pm.
 
The Master Gardener hotline provides the public with free gardening advice. Other services offered are pH soil testing and Insect/Disease Identification.

Click here for more information about the Horticulure Hotline & the services we offer!

Winter Lectures for Home Gardeners Returns in 2010

Master Gardener Program will once again offer a series of workshops during February and March to help the avid home gardener get prepared for spring.
Classes will be held on Thursdays February 11, February 25, Wednesday, March 10 and Thursday, March 25. All classes will be from 7:00pm to 9:00pm at Ulster County BOCES located at 175 Rt. 32 North in New Paltz. Participants may choose the class or classes they are most interested in or sign up for the entire series. The fee for individual classes is $15 or $50 for all four. Class sizes are limited. Pre-registration is required five days prior to each class.


For more information call Dona Crawford at 845-340-3990. Click here for printable registration form.

Thursday, February 11 ‑ Your Site’s a Fright – Let’s Plan It Right!
Speaker: Master Gardener, Barbara Darbin, is a former Art Teacher for Kingston City Schools and a certified landscape and garden designer. She received her training from the Institute of Ecosystem Studies in Millbrook, NY; and is an avid Master Gardener. Her many themed gardens are her tribute to her long-time business Petals N Porcelain as well as her love for design.

Description: This class takes the do-it-yourself gardener on a step-by-step journey through the basics of developing a successful garden design. Learn the importance of site assessment as well as the basic elements of design. Through observation and site assessment you will get the tools you need to create a well planned all season garden that’s right for you.

Thursday, February 25 ‑ Get Compliments on Your Complementary Garden:   
Speaker: Kris Perry has been a Master Gardener for two years and still considers her self an apprentice. Using companion gardening guidelines, she planted her first vegetable garden this year as part of the food pantry at her church.

Description: Discover a garden of delights when planning your next garden. Complementary or companion planting can be described as a practical approach that matches two or more plants, that when grown together, result in some cultural benefit such as pest control or nutrient uptake. This lecture will guide you through basic design elements of color, shape and texture, and plant selection with an emphasis on color, fragrance or bloom time.

Wednesday, March 10 ‑ Dirt Cheap: Tricks for the Thrifty Gardener
Speaker: Cecily Frazier, a dedicated cheapskate and devoted Master Gardener, can be seen along the highway, stopping to scoop up pine needles, gravel and lots of free grass clippings. If you carry a shovel and some buckets in the car, just in case, this class is for you.

Description: Learn new (and share your own) tricks for being thrifty in the garden.  Topics include making soil and mulch, getting plants, watering, finding tools and containers -- all on a shoestring. Totally practical and lots of fun!

Thursday, March 25 ‑ Let It Rain: 
Speakers: Dona Crawford, Community Horticulture Coordinator, Cornell Cooperative Extension Ulster Co. is responsible for all aspects of the Master Gardener program that brings residents of Ulster County ecologically sound, science-based practices. Barbara Bravo is a Master Gardener, Garden Coach and potter. She is a frequent speaker at Garden Day events and has gardened at her home and studio for more than 20 years.

Part 1: Learn to manage storm water run-off before it runs off with your soil and other pollutants. Rain gardens are shallow depressions that are landscaped with native plants, and are designed to intercept, treat and infiltrate storm water at the source. Learn why and how to create your own.

Part 2: Choosing the right plants for your rain garden is your key to success. These plants are chosen for their ability to standup to drench and drought conditions. In this session we will take a look at shrubs, perennials and garden design considerations to pull it altogether for a beautiful garden.