By Gina Long
The Hutchinson Horticulture Club is hosting “Gathering For Gardeners” on Saturday, March 8, beginning at 9 a.m. at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, 407 E 12th Ave. The event is the club’s community educational project.
Doors open at 8:30 a.m. Admission is free, but registration at the door is requested. Door prizes will be held throughout the day. Participants may attend any or all of the sessions.
In a press release, the club detailed the scheduled speakers and presentations:
- Backyard Chickens by Patrick Bergkamp, Reno County Agriculture and Natural Resources Agent with K-State Research and Extension, begins at 9. Since eggs are so expensive, this might be a project to contemplate. He will cover the things a person should consider before purchasing chickens and starting this type of endeavor.
- The Sweet Slice of Summer: Growing Tomatoes in Kansas by Jason Graves, Horticulture Extension Agent for the Central Kansas District with K-State Research and Extension, at 10. This presentation will cover essential tips for cultivating healthy plants, selecting top-performing varieties, and growing tomatoes for maximum flavor. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just getting started, learn how to enjoy a true slice of summer.
- Sedums and Other Succulents by Calla Edwards, Butler County Horticulture Agent with K-State Research and Extension, at 11. Sedums are well known for using less water. In the past few years, the availability of various varieties of Sedums and other succulents has increased dramatically. She will share photos of some of her favorites and give suggestions for their use in the landscape.
- The Best Annual and Perennial Plants, presented by Mike DeRee, Sales Representative for Ball Seed Company, at 1 p.m. He will be looking back through the years and reviewing those plants that have proven themselves as true winners to consider as potential additions to your gardens.
- Gardening as We Age, presented by Kevin Nelson, a Master Gardener from Douglas County, at 2:15. The presentation will make the case for the benefits of gardening and will encourage gardeners to continue well into the golden years. He’ll give examples of how to alter your beds, your plant choices and your tools so you can still do the most with the space you have for as long as you choose. For more information about the event, contact Education Committee Chairperson Betty Taylor at (620) 665-7378 (home) or (620) 960-0326 (mobile), or visit the Hutchinson Horticulture Club’s Facebook page.
