Guest Post
by:
Mannie Dalton Crone
Assistant Director
Haywood County Public Library
(828) 356-2531

Whether you are a beginner or an advanced gardener, the free gardening classes led by Master Gardeners as part of the annual Giving Garden program have something to offer everyone. This season, learn how to create a Monarch garden, plan a low-labor garden, prevent pests naturally and more. All of these events are held at the Canton Library, and families are encouraged to attend with children – all of the gardening classes will include a separate children’s program for kids ages 3 years and older! Here’s a list of upcoming gardening classes, and stay tuned for more to be announced later in the season:

• Thursday, March 9, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.Master Gardener Volunteer Marcia Tate will present “Creating a Monarch Garden.”
• Thursday, March 16, 5:30 – 6:45 p.m.Master Gardener Volunteer Hughes Roberts will present “Planning a Small-Space, Low-Labor Garden.” Participants will view this model in process at the Canton Library’s Giving Garden.
• Thursday, April 6, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.“Natural Pest Control” with Sarah Scott, Haywood Extension Agent.
• Thursday, April 20, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.“Hands-On Seed Starting” with Sara Martin from Two Trees Farm in Canton. Come prepared to get your hands dirty and get your seeds off to a healthy start. Participants will leave with seed starts.

Located behind the Canton Library, the award-winning Giving Garden features raised-bed vegetable, herb, and flower boxes, as well as a certified Monarch Waystation. The garden is used to teach various aspects of gardening, as well as to raise awareness of the plight of the Monarch butterfly, which is at risk of being endangered. The Giving Garden is an education-oriented joint initiative of the Haywood County Public Library, Haywood County Cooperative Extension Center, and the Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Program. The garden is generously supported by the Haywood County Friends of the Library and the Haywood County Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Association, and is maintained by the work of volunteers. Seeds for the garden are graciously donated by Sow True Seed. All produce is donated to The Community Kitchen in Canton.

For more information on the upcoming gardening classes, call the Canton Library at (828) 648-2924 or visit http://haywoodlibrary.libguides.com/givinggarden. Or contact the library if you’re interested in volunteering in the garden this season with planting, watering or harvesting. New volunteers are always welcome!