Gardening 101 Series Part 1: Site Selection and Preparation 

Feb. 25th    10 a.m. - Noon  Free

With MGV Kelly Morgan.  Are you thinking about starting a vegetable garden or moving your existing garden to another location?

In this session, we will discuss the basic considerations of site selection, soil testing, preparation, and common pitfalls to avoid when starting a garden. Kelly is an avid native flower and vegetable gardener, and a beekeeper who loves sharing her interests and experiences with gardening. Registration is appreciated. Register for all four sessions, or one at a time by calling the Extension office at 440-834-4656.  Space is limited.

Birds, Butterflies, and Pollinators

Mar. 4th      9 a.m. - Noon     Free

With MGVs Chris Pappas & Matt Valencic. Are you interested in making your yard more butterfly and/or bird friendly? This program will help you do just that. Chris and Matt will introduce you (through pictures) to some of the butterflies and birds that make NE Ohio their home, and share what plants, (annuals, perennials, shrubs and trees), can bring them to your landscape. Learn best cultural practices to help birds and butterflies, and grow a cafeteria for butterflies, caterpillars, and birds. Options will be presented for sunny yards, shady yards and partial sun/partial shade yards. Enjoy the presentation without the need to take copious notes because handouts of plant lists and garden designs will be available. Registration is appreciated. Registration information below.

Gardening 101 Series Part 2: Seed Selection and Planting Plan 

Mar. 25th  10 a.m. - Noon  Free

With MGVs Dick Coin & Charlie Stevens. You’re working on getting your garden site ready, it’s time to make your seed, plant selection, and planting plan. Selecting your own seeds is exciting. Growing the food your family enjoys is fulfilling. Learn the basics of selecting and starting your own seeds, what works best directly planted in your garden, and when to start planting. Dick Coin, loves to garden starting plants from seed, fermenting vegetables and fruit, and visiting the tomato patch with a salt shaker. Charlie Stevens owner of The Farm at Dreamer’s Estates, offers flowers, baskets, and produce from the greenhouse and gardens at their farm stand and Geauga Fresh Farmers Market. Registration is appreciated. Register for all four sessions, or one at a time by calling the Extension office at 440-834-4656. Space in limited.

Gardening 101 Series Part 3: Working the Garden

Apr. 22nd  10 a.m. - Noon Free

With MGV Karen Wright. So you’ve planted your garden, now what? Make smart choices early to minimize maintenance down the road. We’ll cover watering, mulching, weeding, and disease and pest management to keep your plants healthy all season. Karen grows on two acres (@hazelhedgeohio) and offers seasonal roadside produce sales focusing on native fruits and nuts. Registration is appreciated. Register for all four sessions or one at a time by calling the Extension office at 440-834-4656. Space in limited.

How to Create a Fairy Garden

 Apr. 29 10 a.m. - Noon        $30 With MGV Dee Tobin.

Learn the basics of creating a fairy garden. All you need to bring is a belief in fairies who make dreams come true! You will be supplied with a container, potting mix, plants or flowers, pea gravel, pebbles, twigs and crafting supplies. Paid registration required by April 24, 2023 to hold your spot. No refunds after April 24, 2023. Registration information below.

Bonsai Workshop 

May 6th        Noon - 4 p.m.   $60

With Dan White. Join us to learn the history of this fascinating ancient art form and practice basic techniques for designing, pruning, wiring, and caring for your very own Bonsai tree. This four hour workshop presumes participants have an interest in bonsai, but little or no prior experience in growing or caring for them. Participants will receive an untrained tree and learn to style it during the workshop and take it home! Dan is a member of Cleveland Bonsai Club, Columbus Bonsai Club, an Ohio Certified Nursery Technician (grower), and has over 25 years of horticulture experience. Class size is limited to the first 20 paid registrants. Registration and payment required by April 22, 2023 to hold your spot. Registration information below.

Gardening 101 Series Part 4: Harvesting and Preserving your Bounty

May 20th  10 a.m. - Noon Free

With MGVs Mirko Antloga & Deb Miller.  Now that your garden is growing, when is it time to harvest your bounty and preserve it for the long winter months? We will cover the when and how of determining when your vegetable or fruit is at optimum ripeness. Once your bounty is picked learn how you preserve its flavor qualities, and nutritious value for both short and long term storage. Mirko Antloga’s and Deborah Miller’s interests include cultivating native plants for meadow, prairie, forest and wetland restoration, and vegetable gardens. Registration is appreciated. Register for all four sessions, or one at a time by calling the Extension office at 440-834-4656.  Space is limited.