6/24/2003
EAST LANSING, Mich. - Gardening enthusiasts who want to dig in and learn how to design and grow inspiring container gardens have a new online option through a partnership between Michigan State University's Horticulture Gardening Institute and the American Horticultural Society.
An innovative program, "The Art and Science of Container Gardening," allows gardeners to tap into the partners' expertise, including step-by-step growing tips, and opportunities to test their knowledge by submitting plans to the Gardening Institute's review team.
Participants can also attend regional events that complement the online learning by providing enrichment opportunities to try new skills and exchange ideas with other gardeners. In some instances, master gardeners can earn credit hours.
"This program is truly unique because we're integrating the online experience with curriculum-rich events," said Christine Geith, co-executive director of the Gardening Institute and director of the Michigan State University Global Institute.
"We're actively developing a network of Event Partners that includes Master Gardener State Partners and gardening groups who will host regional events throughout the country."
The Gardening Institute was launched in the fall of 2002 with MSU's funding support and horticultural expertise. Shortly thereafter, Proven Winners - an international marketing cooperative that includes some of the world's best propagators - became the Gardening Institute's founding sponsor for the container gardening program.
The partnership formed between the Gardening Institute and the AHS in May has enhanced the institute's Web site content through the AHS's extensive garden publications as well as the society's relationship with nationally recognized experts.
"The Art and Science of Container Gardening" is a 12-week, self-paced program accessible to individuals and groups throughout the country. It includes inspiring container projects featuring interviews with experts recorded in "Garden Radio" format accompanied by a digital slide show, full-text transcripts, and a directory of Web and print resources. Plus, project checklists, special challenges, project quizzes, plan submission forms and a discussion board.
Participants are awarded a co-branded certificate from AHS and the Gardening Institute upon completion.
Topics include:
- Color Bowls, presented by H. Marc Cathey, Ph.D., president emeritus of AHS and renowned horticulturist.
- Bulbs in Containers, presented by Brent and Becky Heath, owners of Brent and Becky's Bulbs and award-winning authors.
- Containers for Your Health, presented by Carole Ottesen, writer, photographer, designer and associate editor of AHS' The American Gardener.
- Hanging Baskets and Floating Gardens, presented by Heather Will-Browne, horticulturist and bedding plant specialist with more than 30 years of experience in gardening.
"The Art and Science of Container Gardening" program costs $70 per person and includes a one-year membership to AHS, a one-year subscription to the AHS's flagship publication The American Gardener, access to Gardening Institute experts and a bi-monthly electronic newsletter.
Groups interested in becoming Event Partners or organizations choosing to support the gardening lifestyle can get involved by contacting the Horticulture Gardening Institute at info@gardeninginstitute.com or visit www.gardeninginstitute.com
Upcoming events include one hosted by the Oregon Master Gardeners on Saturday, Aug. 9, at Oregon State University in Corvallis; and another on Saturday, Oct. 25, at MSU.
American Horticultural Society
The American Horticultural Society is one of the oldest member-based gardening organizations in the country with the vision of making America a nation of gardeners, a land of gardens. The society disseminates garden information through its flagship publication, The American Gardener magazine, its extensive garden book program, and its Web site at www.ahs.org
Horticulture Gardening Institute
The Horticulture Gardening Institute features a unique "event-centered, online supported" learning model with self-directed programs and hands-on gardening opportunities. The Gardening Institute is a joint initiative of MSU Extension's Master Gardener Program, the MSU Department of Horticulture, MSU Gardens and the MSU Global Institute. For more information, visit: www.gardeninginstitute.com
[Note to media: Digital images that appear within the individual container gardening online programs and excerpts from "Garden Radio" interviews can be published with permission.]