When Sue Henley’s grandson was a toddler, he started helping in the garden.
He’d drop seeds during planting and pat down fresh soil. Now, at age 5, he’s an expert.
“He will walk through the garden area and tell you what’s growing,” said Henley. “We don’t pick anything until he gets here.”
Free seminarsThe following seminars are free with admission to the expo:April 12• 10:30-11:30 a.m.: Succulents, by Mark Issenberg• Noon to 1 p.m.: Art in the Garden, by Linda Fraser• 1:30-2:30 p.m.: Fertilizers for a Great Garden, by Clayton Beaty• 3-4 p.m.: Miniature Railroad in the Garden, by Patsy MossApril 13• 10:30-11:30 a.m.: Miniature and Fairy Gardens, by Karen Webster• Noon to 1 p.m.: Heirloom Roses, by Tina Jennings• 1:30-2:30 p.m. Herbs, by Pat Steward• 3-6 p.m.: Tennessee Smart Yards, Part 1 (This is a six-hour workshop that requires registration. For more information, call the UT Extension at 855-6113.)
Herbs, flowers, greens, beans and plenty of vegetables. Over the years she’s done it all.
“If more people gardened, they’d be on less medication,” Henley said. “It’s very therapeutic and it’s good exercise.”
For her, gardening is a pastime. It’s also a passion. She’s one of 235 local Master Gardeners who graduated from a 40-hour class, spent 40 hours volunteering and maintains certification through additional volunteer hours and continued education.
In an effort to share their knowledge and help others get involved with gardening, the Master Gardeners are hosting the second annual Master Your Garden Expo April 12-13 at Camp Jordan Arena. Admission is $5 per person and includes entrance both days from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. Parking at the event is free.
The expo features dozens of vendors and exhibitors featuring everything from raised bed and composting demonstrations to fertilizer and orchids. Door prizes from 39 local vendors will be given away throughout the weekend and a children’s corner with crafts, story times and planting will be available for kids ages 2-12.
“It’s a great event for anybody interested in gardening,” Henley said. “It’s also for those families who enjoy being outside and doing things outside together.”
For more information about Hamilton County Master Gardeners, visit here or call 894-1103.