EAST LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan State University Horticultural Gardens will host its 2010 Garden Day Aug. 6.
In addition to 11 gardening workshops, the event will feature keynote speakers Doug Tallamy, author of “Bringing Nature Homem” and Art Cameron, MSU Horticulture garden director.
The following workshops will be available:
- Beneficial Insects in Your Garden, presented by John Stone, will show a number of beneficial insects that live and forage in gardens and list some of the plants that are good for attracting the “good guys” so that they’ll always be around.
- Hostas and Their Shady Friends, presented by Grey Gitzen, will show a number of excellent companions for hostas that will make them shine even more.
- Native Plants for the Shade Garden, presented by Bill Schneider, owner of WildType Nursery, will show the wonderful varieties available for shade gardens.
- Gardening Now for Winter Interest Later, presented by DeLapa Perennial Garden horticulturist Ann Hancock, will show what kinds of flowers, trees, shrubs and grasses can be planted now to brighten gardens during cold, gray months.
- Using Herbs in the Landscape, presented by Master Gardeners Sylvia and Gary Colles, will explore which herbs are good choices for gardens and landscapes.
- Controlling Plant Invaders, presented by Laurie Kaufman and Leslie Kuhn, will show the best ways to control invasive plants such as mustard and common reed. This class also includes an optional walk to an invaded site one block away.
- Floral Design: The Wild Cutting Garden, presented by Tim Latimer, MCF will show how to make an arrangement using cut flowers accented with easily found wildflowers and plant materials.
- Rain Barrel Workshop, presented by Captial Area Master Gardner Association president Carey Lockwood. Learn how to construct a rain barrel step by step using materials found easily at any hardware store.
- Herbal Appetizers and Tonics, presented by the dynamic mother-daughter duo of Val and Jessica Albright, will demonstrate how to create fancy herbal fare and cocktails to use at garden parties. Samples and recipes will be provided.
- Dividing Perennials, presented by Specialty Growers owner Karen Bovio, will show various types of perennial root systems and how to divide them. This will be a hands-on demonstration.
- Saving the Bees, One Garden at a Time, presented by entomology professor Rufus Isaacs, will introduce the fascinating world of bees and all that they do in the wild as well as in our gardens. He will then tell you what to do to help these amazing insects, one garden at a time.
Additionally, a Garden Day Marketplace will feature many varieties of plants and gardening accessories available for purchase.
Those interested must register to participate. The fee for Garden Day includes parking, the opportunity to listen to keynote speakers, two workshops of one’s choice, lunch and materials.
The event will take place at the Horticultural Demonstration Gardens at the corner of Bogue and Wilson Roads.
For more information, visit the Garden Day website at hrt.msu.edu/2010-garden-day/ or contact Jennifer Sweet. To register, go to hrt.msu.edu/register/gardenday2010.php.
Interested staff and faculty are encouraged to check with their departments and submit an Education Assistance Application as this program may be covered under employee benefits.
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