Growing with Master Gardeners

Twentieth Annual Conference for New & Experienced Gardeners & Environmentalists

Presented by the Master Gardener Association of Wayne County, www.mgawc.org

Sponsored by the University of Michigan-Dearborn Environmental Interpretive Center

a   2008 Conference:  10:35 to 11:30 AM Workshops   b

Saturday, September 13, 2008, 8 AM to 5 PM, at U of M–Dearborn

Please choose a first, second and third choice for this time slot.

1.   Prowling for Plant Problems Walk

Barbara Brooks and Jeanette Whiting

Professional gardeners tending Henry Ford Village and U of M–Dearborn grounds, Greenfield Village Herb Associates, MGAWC Vera Sullivan Award recipients, Master Gardeners

Root out the causes of garden problems.  Rain or shine, go on a down-to-earth walk with Jeanette and Barb who will dispel common myths and share practical advice for dealing with current pest and disease problems.

2.   Spring Beauties:  Bulbs for SE Michigan Gardens

Cheryl M. English

Past President of the Master Gardeners of Greater Detroit, degreed in art history, clematis enthusiast, Detroit Garden Center and Greening of Detroit volunteer, Advanced Master Gardener

Reward yourself after a long winter with spring-flowering bulbs, one of the best investments for long-term payoff.  Cheryl will talk about species, variety, selection, companion planting, naturalizing and fall planting.

3.   The Wild Garden:  Tea and Medicine from Weeds

Coleen French

French Garden Creations owner, author of Soapmaker’s Cookbook, Advanced Master Gardener, State Master Gardener Conference presenter

Sooth the sting of insect bites, break the fever of common colds or ease the pain of minor burns with traditional herbal remedies—tinctures, teas and poultices.  Coleen will help you prepare an herbal salve, walk you through steps to make traditional herbal remedies and provide recipes.

4.   Fun with Winter Seed Sowing

Monica Milla

Gardening Instructor at Washtenaw Community College and Hidden Lake Gardens, Fun with Winter Seed Sowing author, Advanced Master Gardener and Master Composter

Grow hardy seedlings outdoors.  Learn to jumpstart spring by mimicking Mother Nature to sow seeds outside in a Michigan winter without a greenhouse or grow lights.  Monica will cover specific plants, containers, care and transplanting

5.   Intelligent Tree Planting for Long-term Success

Kay Sicheneder

Certified Arborist with Ann Arbor Forestry, BS in Zoology from MSU MS in Pest Management from U of M Natural Resources

Identify the selection criteria for ash replacements and other tree investments.  Kay will discuss practical considerations, biodiversity, experience with extensive plantings in Ann Arbor and useful resources.

6.   Cooking with Locally Grown Produce

Peter Veach

Culinary Innovations chef/owner, executive chef for U of M Catering, former Henry Ford Estate chef, Henry Ford Community College adult education instructor

Enjoy healty fruits, vegetables and herbs.  Chef Veach will demonstrate cooking techniques, share tips for success in the kitchen and discuss sustainable foods and farming.