Find Your Green Thumb

The strongest communities are those in which the citizens actively give back. That’s why I admire the Master Gardeners of Cherokee County.

Coordinated by the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension, Georgia Master Gardeners are well-trained volunteers who serve their communities in a variety of ways, but share a common goal of educating the public on the latest in research findings and techniques in gardening.

Information regarding the volunteer activities of the Cherokee Master Gardeners is located on the UGA Cooperative Extension website. Browse the site and learn about the wonderful work of these experts in our community. You will find a Calendar of Events as well as issues of the informative newsletter Gardening With the Masters. Plan a visit to their teaching garden, open to the public daily and located at the on Univeter Road in Canton.

And if you are a busy mom needing some time away from the kids, I found the perfect escape for you! Sign up for the Gardening With the Masters Seminar Series. Each 1.5 hour seminar begins at 10 a.m. and is conducted at one of four locations: the , , Cherokee Senior Center or Ball Ground Community Center.

Seating is limited for each seminar, so registration is encouraged. Call 770-479-0418 to register, or click here for a registration form that can be emailed, faxed or snail mailed.

Here are the four classes remaining for this calendar year. The seminar series will continue in 2012 with additional class topics to interest you. Beginning gardeners are welcome at all seminars. 

• Be Creative with Concrete. Learn to make a unique concrete planter or stepping stone for your garden. The cost is $5 per person for supplies, and the class will be held Oct. 15 at the Cherokee Senior Center.
• Shrubs for your Landscape. Learn about planting shrubs that will give you a spring-to-fall show of foliage and flowers. No cost for this seminar, which will be held Nov. 5 at the Ball Ground Community Center.
• Trees are Tremendous! Master Gardeners will teach you how to select, plant and care for your trees during this Nov. 12 class to be conducted at the Rose Creek Library.
• Crafting a Natural Christmas Wreath. This Dec. 3 class is about making festive wreaths from natural items. It will be held at the Cherokee Senior Center.

I am so thankful for the volunteer work of the Master Gardeners. And I hope you will take advantage of their expertise by participating in a seminar or two.

For additional information, do not hesitate to contact Mark Dady at the Cherokee County Cooperative Extension Office. He can be reached at 770-479-0418. Be sure to tell him Dee sent you!