OSU Extension

 

 

Phenology Garden Tour - Nature’s Biological Calendar

Master Gardener Volunteers Dick Coin, Annie Rodewig, Mell Friedland and Chris Pappas

Saturday, June 29th, 10 a.m. - Noon           Free

Phenology - the study of the timing of biological phenomena and their relationship to the weather and climate - is a Biological Calendar for when to start seeds, when to plant, what to plant to attract pollinators, when to control pests and how to design gardens for seasonal long interest. Records are kept at over 30 Replicate Ohio gardens with meticulously recorded temperatures, bloom times and pollinator activity for fifty-five plants. Learn how this ancient science has been updated using temperature dependent Growing Degree Days (GDD), the Internet, OSU Scientists and Master Gardener Citizen Scientists. Take instructional guided tours of the Master Gardener maintained Geauga County Phenology Garden and the Certified Monarch Waystation at the Patterson Center in Burton. Learn which flowers butterflies prefer, what host plants caterpillars require and what herbs, annuals and native plants to add to your garden to attract butterflies.

 

Earth’s Carbon Cycle:  The Goldilocks Balance

OSU Staff and Master Gardener Volunteers Dick Coin and Matt Valencic

Wednesday, July 17th, 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. at West Woods Nature Center          Free

Learn how a natural carbon cycle maintains a stable climate, what is causing Earth’s carbon cycle to go out of balance, how NASA is measuring climate change causes and effects and what actions can be taken to reverse it.  Learn what you can do to help.  Let’s have an open, enlightened, science based conversation about what WE can do to make things better.  You CAN make a difference!

 

How to Build A Greenhouse

Andrew Kotlarsic

Saturday, September 21st, 9 a.m. - 11 a.m.      $15

Andy will display his finished portable greenhouse and talk about required tools, materials and construction techniques required to complete this home project standing about 79” tall with a 4’ square base.

 

 

Slow the Flow with A Rain Garden & Rain Barrel

Gail Prunty, Award Winning Educator with the Geauga Soil and Water Conservation District Thursday,

October 17th, 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.     Off Site, Geauga County Parks, The West Woods    Free

Rain gardens and rain barrels are two easy practices that bring backyard conservation benefits while reducing rooftop runoff. Join Geauga SWCD educator Gail Prunty for an overview of both, including how to get started, things to consider, design and installation tips and helpful resources. This fun introductory program is guaranteed to wet your water conservation appetite!

 

Fermentation - from Beverage to Bio-Fuel

Master Gardener Volunteer Dick Coin

Saturday, October 26th, 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.      $15

Learn about fermentation and how to make and store wine, beer, hard cider, soda-pop and even bio-fuel. The focus will be on beverages that can be made at home but will include fermenting almost anything containing sugar or cellulose. The class will cover the chemistry, bio-chemistry, sanitation, equipment, supplies, tools, literature and procedures for fermentation. The concepts are the same whether you want to make a refreshing beverage or bio-fuel. Join us for hands-on demonstrations and discussion. (No taste testing.) Please bring experiences, literature and recipes to share.

 

Holiday Craft with Nature’s Bounty

Master Gardener Volunteer Phyllis Mihalik

Saturday, December 14th, 9 a.m. - Noon      $40 Prepay and registration

Get ready for the holidays with your own beautiful long lasting table arrangement. Start with a charger plate in gold, silver, candy apple red or holly green. Add oasis and a creative hurricane lamp with candle. Fresh mixed fragrant evergreens will also be provided along with pinecones, ribbons, berries or whatever suits your fancy. Beautiful for your holiday decorating or even as a hostess gift.