The Cumberland County Master Gardeners wrap up this year’s Classes in the Garden with three useful classes just in time for the fall planting season.
“Fall is actually the best time to plant trees, shrubs and showy perennials here on the Cumberland Plateau,” says Master Gardener Kristi DuBois. “This is because the soil is still warm enough for roots to establish before winter sets in, but the air is cool enough for the plants to not become stressed.”
“The October classes in the Plateau Discover Garden in Crossville are sure to give you ideas for what to plant this autumn.”
Upcoming classes include:
SATURDAY, OCT. 3. Native Shrubs and Understory Trees, 10 a.m.-noon. Join Brad Fox, board member of the Friends of Cumberland Mountain State Park, to discover outstanding but lesser-known native shrubs and understory trees that support a healthy ecosystem.
Hear about the benefits of natives, the damage from invasives, and how to choose, source, and integrate native shrubs and understory trees into your home landscape.
SATURDAY, OCT. 10. Water Gardens: What, How and Why, 10 a.m.-noon. Dreaming of a water garden in your yard? Master Gardener Alan Baker can show you how to begin.
Hear about the basics of designing, building, and maintaining water gardens of all sizes, plus how the right plants create balance and support wildlife.
FRIDAY, OCT. 16. Tennessee Trees, 9-11:30 a.m. Tree lovers are encouraged to join a guided walk and wagon ride with Knox County Extension Agent Lee Rumble on the grounds of the UT Plateau Research Center to hear how to identify native Plateau trees. Those attending will take home a handy pocket field guide.
All classes are free and will be in the indoor classroom at the rear of the brick main office at the UT Plateau Research and Education Center/UT Gardens-Crossville at 320 Experiment Station Road on Hwy. 70 North.
Class registration is important. Please note some classes have a size limit. If fewer than five people register, the class may be canceled.
As a courtesy to the class presenter, those unable to attend are asked to notify the Master Gardeners in advance.
Preferred registration is by visiting ccmga.org and go to programs/classes.
Participants may also register by emailing ccmgnews@gmail.com or calling 931-484-6743.
Master Gardeners is a 501c3 non-profit organization that provides free educational programs in Cumberland County and summer internships for college students in the field of agriculture/horticulture.