Potting Shed University

Invest In Gardening Skills for Life

Potting Shed University
Mondays | February 29- April 18 | 6:30-7:30 p.m.

A series of 8 diverse garden topics for you to hone your skills to become a better gardener for years to come.

Location:
The Springfield-Greene County Botanical Center
2400 S Scenic
Springfield, MO 65807
$5/person per class | Register and pay at the Botanical Center Gift Shop

2016 Potting Shed University Class Schedule

Monday February 29, 2016 – Herb Theme Gardens 
Sharon Masterson- Class size may be limited. Register in advance or come early.
Sharon Masterson has been growing, and studying herbs for over 30 years. She has planted several gardens and enjoys planting herbs such as culinary, medicinal, cosmetics and scented in their own space. She further breaks down the sections such as in the culinary garden. For example, herbs that complement each other in the kitchen, will complement each other in the garden. Early spring is a great time to plan your garden and decide which herbs you need to obtain to achieve the desire results.

Monday March 7, 2016 – Winter Seed Sowing 
Missy Sanford, Master Gardeners of Greene County, President
Whiling away the winter & dreaming of ‘Spring?’ Scouring seed catalogs and planning the perfect garden? Winter sowing involves planting seeds during the dead of winter in covered containers. They are then stored outdoors, allowing the seeds to experience the chill of winter…ice, snow, rain and all. When the temperature warms enough, the seeds germinate & start to grow. By the time the soil in the planting beds has warmed, seedlings are ready to transplant. Each person will plant a tiny greenhouse from a recycled and/or free container to take home.

Monday March 14, 2016 – Bring Back the Monarchs
Jean Ackley, Master Gardeners of Greene County
We all have heard about the plight of the Monarchs and want to help. Jean will provide up-to-date information on what we need to do to bring them back.  From growing milkweed and native nectar plants to rearing monarchs, all aspects of caring for the monarch butterfly will be covered.  Please come and be ready to “Bring back the Monarchs.”

Monday March 21, 2016 – House Plants
Kelly McGowan, Horticulture Educator,  MU Extension
Everyone loves houseplants and many people began their love of gardening through caring for them.  Come and learn about houseplant history, common insect pests, tough and durable varieties and all aspects of care and propagation.

Monday March 28, 2016 – Frugal Gardening
Lois Zerrer, Master Gardeners of Greene County & Pat Dewitt, Master Gardeners of Greene CountyClass size may be limited. Register in advance or come early.
Two frugal gardeners will give you hints and tips on how to make the most of your garden.  Whether you have the flower showcase of the neighborhood, or feed an army from your vegetable garden, you will learn how to save money while enjoying your garden.

Monday April 4, 2016 – Trees for Small Gardens
Patrick Byers, Extension Horticulture Specialist
Small trees offer so much for the home landscape in the Ozark’s – beauty in a small package, focal points that are approachable, and a wonderful backdrop for other landscape features.  Many produce edible fruits, and the interesting twigs, barks, leaves, and blossoms add to their appeal.  The presentation will discuss choosing the best small tree for the southwest Missouri garden, planting in the proper location and caring for the tree.

Monday April 11, 2016 – Straw Bale Gardening
Mark Berskoetter, Master Gardeners of Greene County
Did you know you could grow many vegetables directly in a bale of straw? It has the convenience of a raised bed and the versatility of something that could be located somewhere different every year, or left in the same place without concerns about needing to rotate crops. And you should see the roots that can develop!

Monday April 18, 2016 – Twilight Gardens
Katie Steinhoff, Botanical Center Coordinator
Plan your outdoor living spaces to stimulate your senses after the sun sets. This program discusses design elements and plant selections with the heat sensitive, working class, perpetual student and party host in mind.

Come grow with us!

Master Gardeners of Greene County is all about growing- cultivating interests in gardening, nurturing knowledge and skills for success, and reaping the rewards of community service.

Members of the Master Gardener organization provide horticultural information and training to home gardeners, based on proven research, specific to area climate, soil and plants.

Stop by on your way home from work!