Each home and its landscape should be a reflection of the people who live there and leave a memorable first impression to visitors.  Join Master Gardeners of Greene County as we learn to create a landscape that demonstrates the difference between “landscape design” and “landscape decoration,” taking into consideration the art and the science of creating a continuously-changing, living design that can improve with age and aid in conserving and restoring natural resources.

We invite you to a special class taught by retired Missouri State University Horticulture professor, Dr. Pam Trewatha.  Dr. Trewatha is originally from Indiana, where she received her undergraduate degree from Purdue University and Masters and Doctorate degrees from Kansas State University.  Between degrees, she worked as a corporate grounds superintendent near Gary, Indiana, then joined the faculty at Missouri State University in 1987.  She taught for 28 years in the field of ornamental horticulture, including courses on woody plant identification and use, landscape design, turf management, weed science, and plant physiology.  She has a research emphasis in propagation as well as landscape use and management of native plants.  She is currently writing a weed identification manual for turf and landscape.

In the class, we will look at residential design as a stepwise process, using energy efficient and water-wise design concepts as we learn how to develop a plot plan and perform a site analysis that considers the characteristics of the site and the needs of the landowners.  Then, based on this information, use areas of the landscape are defined.  Finally, plants and non-living features are selected and placed to meet the function of the site, conserve resources and provide an aesthetically attractive outdoor space.  Tips for avoiding common landscape design errors will be discussed, along with considerations in selecting and using computer-aided design programs.

Cost for the class is $20 per person; it is open to the public and all Master Gardeners.  Please stop by the Botanical Center or call 417-891-1515 to register, no later than June 5th. For those Master Gardeners working towards their Advanced Certification, this class will count towards your accreditation; it will count as continuing education for all other Master Gardeners.