Mario Bautista
Delaware Master Gardeners
With the approach of fall, there is still time for gardening in the moderating temperatures, and the Sussex Master Gardeners are offering workshops for gardeners to get tips for their fall gardens. The classes will be held in-person and via Zoom where noted. All classes are free unless noted. Pre-registration is required. Register at http://www.udel.edu/0012335.
For those attending by Zoom, an email to participants will be sent out with the link/phone number and handouts 24 hours prior to the scheduled workshop. In-person workshops will be held at the Carvel Center, 16483 County Seat Highway, Georgetown.
• Tuesday, Sept. 17, 6:30 p.m. The Dish on the Delmarva Poultry Industry presented by Georgie Cartanza, Poultry Extension Agent for the University of Delaware and poultry farmer — This presentation will take participants on a journey through the history of poultry production on the Delmarva peninsula, tracing its evolution from a mistake to today’s advanced, large-scale operations. It will explore common myths and misconceptions about modern-day poultry production. Additionally, it will examine the economic impact on the regional economy.
Whether a consumer, producer or stakeholder, this presentation will offer perspectives on one of the essential sectors of agriculture. To cap it all off, Cartanza will share some of her favorite poultry recipes, sharing versatility of this protein and how it can be transformed into delicious meals. (In-person and Zoom)
• Tuesday, Sept. 24, 11 a.m. Have your Garden be a Wildlife Destination: How to Participate in the Home-Grown National Park Program — Master Gardeners Karen Kollias and Mary Hall will present this workshop held in the Master Gardeners’ Demonstration Garden. Parts of this garden are connected to the Home-Grown National Park, which highlights native pollinators plants, grasses and weeds, no lawn and showing successional blooming. They will provide handouts on (and discuss) native pollinators and biodiversity of plants, as well as how to join the Home-Grown National Park, founded by Doug Tallamy. (In-person)
• Thursday, Oct. 17, 1 p.m. Harvesting & Saving Native Seeds — Master Gardener Judy Pfister will lead a program on harvesting and storing native seeds. Learn about the most common native plants seeds that a gardener may want to propagate, including when to harvest, and how dry and store them. They’ll also discuss testing seeds for viability before planting. Weather permitting, they will go into the demo garden to identify seedheads of fall bloomers and select some seeds for harvesting back in the classroom. (In-person)
• Thursday, Nov. 7, 1 p.m. Making a Kokedama — Master Gardener Linda Spellman will conduct this workshop. Whether a plant lover or just seeking a connection with nature, this hands-on workshop will introduce participants to the ancient Japanese technique of Kokedama (“moss ball”). Participants will craft their own eco-friendly botanical creation in this class, which provides a blend of horticulture and artistry. Attendees should bring scissors. (Class size limit is 20. In-person. $15 fee)
• Tuesday, Dec. 3, 1 p.m. Making a Wreath — Master Gardener Heike Kuska will lead a wreathmaking class. She will discuss collecting and preparing the greens, and will demonstrate how to wire the greens to the form. She will have a number of decorations that can be used to finish the wreaths, and greens, wreath forms, wire, decorations and bows will be provided. Attendees may bring their own bows and decorations if they want to craft a particular look or color scheme. Attendees should bring clippers and gloves. (In person. $20 fee)
For more information, contact Kaleb Scott by email at kjscott@udel.edu or call (302) 856-7303.
Garden questions?
Call the Garden Helpline at (302) 831-3389 for answers to lawn and gardening needs. Master Gardeners are available daily to help you with questions about your lawn and gardens. The help line is open Monday through Friday from April 14 until Oct. 14, or during the off-season, call and leave a message. Volunteers will do their best to return calls within 48 hours.
Ask gardening questions online 24 hours a day at https://www.udel.edu/extension/ask/.
Essential general information can be found at http://www.udel.edu/lawn-garden.
Master Gardener Minute Videos can be viewed at http://www.udel.edu/007373.
Master Gardeners are working volunteers and are supported by Delaware Cooperative Extension through the University of Delaware and Delaware State University Extension offices. The workshops are brought to the public by the University of Delaware Cooperative Extension, a service of the UD College of Agriculture and Natural Resources — a land-grant institution. Those with special needs that need to be accommodated can contact the office two weeks prior to the event.
