Welcome to the Master Gardeners
of Hamilton County website
Despite challenging conditions with soil and climate, gardening is one of the most popular activities. We, as Master Gardeners, through a variety of projects, workshops, and demonstrations, are glad to share our knowledge and experience with you.
“All through the long winter, I dream of my garden. On the first day of spring, I dig my fingers deep into the soft earth. I can feel its energy, and my spirits soar.” – Helen Hayes
Announcements/Coming Events
Tennessee Master Gardener 2010 Winter School
Mark your calendars for the 2010 Tennessee Master Gardener Winter School to be held February 17-20, 2010 in Murfreesboro, TN. This conference is for Master Garderners and UT Extension personnel only. For more information, go here or go to the UT Master Gardener website (see Related Websites link to the left).
Conifers for Gardeners Symposium
Come and learn about some of the most beautiful and low maintenance plants you can have in your garden. This one-day symposium will be held on Saturday, February 27, 2010 at the University of Tennessee Visitor Center and UT Gardens, 2712 Neyland Avenue, Knoxville, TN. For more information call 865-974-7972 or e-mail sueham@utk.edu or http://utgardens.tennessee.edu/ A program flyer can be downloaded here.
Chattanooga Area Food Bank Greenhouse Project
Master Gardener volunteers have been working hard to get the Chattanooga Area Food Bank’s new greenhouse ready for Spring 2010. Greenhouse construction is mostly finished, and Master Gardeners will begin building 20 raised beds in January. The next raised-bed work day is scheduled for Saturday, February 13, 2010. Check the calendar for more details.
Save Green Go Green
Looking for sound financial advice? Does “going green” really save money? Local Tennessee Saves coalition members are hosting a Save Green Go Green event on Saturday, March 6th from 10:00AM-2:00PM at Hamilton Place mall. Community leaders will provide information and resources for families and individuals who are struggling with finances or want to learn more about conserving the resources they have. Exhibits and presentations will provide activities and resources for adults and youth at the lower level stage area near the food court. MGHC members and interns will be offering information and advice on building rain barrels and other “green” practices. Check the brochure or read this post for more information.
Chattanooga “Herbies”
The newly formed Chattanooga Herb group meets at 6:30 pm on the second Tuesday of every month at the Chattanooga Area Food Bank. Each month a different herb will be discussed and dishes made with the herb will be shared. Master Gardeners, friends, and anyone interested in herbs are welcome to attend. The next meeting is February 9 and the herb is Coriander/Cilantro.
Tennessee Valley Bonsai Society
The Tennessee Valley Bonsai Society is conducting meetings on the second Saturday of the month from 2:00 - 4:00 PM at the Agriculture Center (note the change of location.) Click here for directions.
The objectives of the group are as follows:
- To promote knowledge, interest, education, and the enjoyment of bonsai and other living plant materials.
- To improve members’ collections and exhibitions of bonsai.
- To develop learning opportunities to assist members in the preparation and care of bonsai.
- To raise awareness of bonsai in the community through public service, communications and other activities such as demonstrations for the general public
All are welcome at the meeting. If anyone has questions contact Jim Gumnick at 423-847-1342 or jlgtwo@peoplepc.com.