Robin Trott

News Column
Robin Trott
Douglas County Extension Service
(320) 762-3890

May 11, 2010

Growing Green
with Extension Educator Robin Trott

Master Gardener Summer School

This bizarre spring has really messed up my gardening routine. 80 degree April days followed by a hard frost on May 8th gives me pause about doing anything more than weeding. Hopefully this colder than average May will lead to a beautiful June. Time will definitely tell.

In the meantime, weed, sharpen, clean and read your favorite garden magazines for tips and ideas. Or, better yet, plan to attend the first Master Gardener Summer School offered by University of Minnesota Extension on June 5 at the Alexandria Technical College. Master Gardeners and anyone else interested in horticulture are encouraged to attend. The cost for the day is $35.00, and includes a box lunch, materials, and morning and afternoon snack breaks.

The event starts at 9 AM with a general session during which instructors will present brief updates on "hot topics" in their areas of expertise:

  1. Bob Mugaas, Turf Grass Specialist, will present Low Maintenance Turfgrasses.
  2. Jeff Hahn, Extension Entomologist, will give an update on the Emerald Ash Borer.
  3. Michelle Grabowski, Plant Pathology Expert, will present an overview of Introduced Plant Pathogens.
  4. Kathy Zuzek, Woody Plants Expert, will look Beyond the Emerald Ash Borer and recommend Replacement Trees for Ash.

The general session is followed by lunch, during which you may peruse the display of posters from Extension about key horticulture and horticulture-related topics. Hands-on breakout sessions follow lunch. Each of the following will be taught during Session I (1:30 - 2:45 pm) and Session II (3:15 - 4:30).

Registration for this event is online at https://www.regonline.com/MGSSAlex. Registration closes May 28, so please make sure to register before the deadline.

For more information, please call Douglas County Extension at 320-762-3890.

Hope to see you there! Until next time, happy gardening!

Give me odorous at sunrise a garden of beautiful flowers where I can walk undisturbed. ~Walt Whitman

 

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