Each Saturday in March, the Garden Mill will host its annual Green Thumb series of free workshops, which begin at 11 a.m.
Garden Mill owner Jennifer Fairfield, is passionate about all aspects of gardening and this year’s topics are varied and reflect the Garden Mill’s commitment to gardeners on all experience levels.
The first workshop on March 2 will focus on the how-to of seed starting. Fairfield will discuss when to start a variety of plants, what planting medium to use, and when to move things outdoors.
And, this is a great place to get ideas for your entries for this year’s Chelsea Community Fair.
Rick Weller of “Organically Done,” will present the second workshop, Organic Gardening, on March 9. He will discuss the best methods for creating a pest-free, chemical-free garden.
“Your garden can be both bountiful and healthy, with the right plantings, and natural products,” he says in a press release.
The third workshop, on March 16, will focus on container gardening. “Everyone who wants a garden can have a garden, whether they have acres or just a patio or windowsill” Fairfield says.
“Containers are the perfect solution to people with limited space, time or mobility because there are numerous plants, both edible and decorative, that will thrive in pots,” she says.
(Publisher’s note: My first-place cherry tomatoes, and top three placing peppers and egg plants at last year’s Chelsea Community Fair were all grown in containers.)
The fourth workshop is all about attracting birds, bees, butterflies and other beneficial wildlife to your garden, and will take place on March 23. Learn which plants attract the wildlife you enjoy and keep your garden healthy.
Keeping in mind that a lifetime of healthy eating is best learned at a young age, the final workshop in the series on March 30, will focus on how to get kids interested in gardening.
Parents are strongly encouraged to bring their children to this workshop where they’ll get tips on the best ways to interest children in gardening and eating the “fruits (and vegetables) of their labors.”
Following the discussion, budding gardeners can get their hands dirty planting seeds in a free pot to take home.
Presenting the free workshops is an extension of the Garden Mill’s commitment to the original concept of a garden store and a resource for gardeners of all types, Fairfield says.
Gardening is truly an activity with something for everyone.
Class sizes are limited and pre-registration is required by calling 734-475-3539 or emailing [email protected].
You can also follow the Garden Mill on Facebook by clicking here.
