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
Spring Homeowner’s Landscaping Workshops
Two Tennessee Yards and Neighborhood workshops are scheduled for April and May. The workshops are based on 9 key principlas that guide a homeowner through the process of creating and maintaining a Tennessee-friendly yard that is attractive and good for the environment. You can view a brochure here or call UT Extension at 423-855-6113 for more information.
River Bend Volunteers Needed
The Chattanooga Area Food Bank is looking for Master Gardeners to volunteer at River Bend this June—a great opportunity to partner with the Food Bank in an effort to generate extra income for the community garden program. The Food Bank needs Master Gardeners to staff a small concessions location at River Bend. All proceeds will benefit the Food Bank’s Community Garden Program. Please contact Sterling Gillum, (423) 622-1800 by March 17 if you are interested in volunteering.
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. Now that raised beds have been completed, the next steps will be to install the beds in the new Food Bank community garden. Watch the Events Calendar for more information about this and other volunteering opportunities.
Chattanooga “Herbies”
The newly formed Chattanooga Herbies 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 and Master Gardeners can earn continuing education and teaching credits for participating. The next meeting is March 9 and the herb is Curry.
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.