Howard County Master Gardeners
2015
CATALOG OF PRESENTATIONS
Howard County Extension
3300 Ridge Road, Suite 240
Ellicott City, MD 21043
410-313- 2707
http://www.mastergardener.umd.edu/
College of Agriculture
& Natural Resources
University of Maryland Extension programs are open to all citizens and will not
discriminate against anyone because of race age, sex, color, sexual orientations,
physical or mental disability, religion, ancestry or national origin, marital status, genetic
information, or political affiliation, or gender identity and expression.
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Howard County Master Gardeners
CATALOG OF PRESENTATIONS 2015
Who are the Master Gardeners?
In 1914, the Smith-Lever Act created Cooperative Extension offices to serve as a link
between the research-based information developed at land grant universities, like the University
of Maryland, and the residents of the state. The UM Cooperative Extension, like those in other
states, trains interested citizens in up-to-date horticultural practices applicable locally. After
testing and an internship, these trainees are designated as Master Gardeners and are available
as volunteers to share their knowledge with their local communities.
The Howard County Master Gardeners have developed a speaker’s bureau through the
Public Education Committee. Presentations are available on a wide range of gardening and
environmental topics. The Catalog of Presentations 2015 is available by request from
Ann Vieth at avieth@comcast.net or 410-461-9677.
How to Arrange for a Presentation
Contact the coordinator as listed below. The Coordinator will contact the presenter to schedule
the presentation. You will be contacted by the presenter to arrange the details of the
presentation.
Libraries Ann Vieth at avieth@comcast.net or 410-461-9677.
Garden Clubs: Ann Vieth at avieth@comcast.net or 410-461-9677.
Columbia Community Centers: Ann Vieth at avieth@comcast.net or 410-461-9677.
Other Community Groups: Jamie Kelley at blackbird29@comcast.net 410-461-7107.
Youth Education: Carolyn Cregan at crcregan@verizon.net or 240-566-5166.
.
Presentation requirements:
For presentations using PowerPoint or photo slide, a small table is needed for the
computer and LCD projector or slide projector. A screen or blank wall also is needed.
Or, for demonstrations, a large table is needed for work.
Table to display literature or other information as suggested by the presenter.
.
Minimum 8 people per program unless otherwise agreed with presenter.
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Master Gardeners typically work in group-directed teams and
committees with trainees matched to senior Master
Gardeners. Typical activities include

Environmental gardening demonstrations and classes

Plant clinics where plant and pest problems are
diagnosed and residents learn least-toxic solutions

Individual phone and site consultations

Composting classes and demonstration sites

Speakers' bureaus that make public presentations

Youth gardening

Community gardening and beautification

Information booths at fairs and festivals

Therapeutic horticulture

Advanced training/continuing education
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Table of Contents
ATTRACTING & DETERRING WILDLIFE ..................................................................... 9
Attracting bats to your backyard: how and why to do it ........................................................... 9
Attracting Birds & Wildlife to the Garden ................................................................................. 9
Deterring deer and other critters ............................................................................................. 9
Bluebirds in your garden ........................................................................................................10
Honeybees, Beekeeping, and Sustainability ..........................................................................10
BAYWISE AND STORM WATER MANAGEMENT ...................................................... 10
Baywise: Landscaping .........................................................................................................10
Baywise: Creating backyard wildlife habitats ........................................................................11
Baywise: Rain barrels: why and how ....................................................................................11
Baywise: Creating a rain garden ...........................................................................................11
Baywise: Landscaping with rain barrels and rain gardens.....................................................11
Baywise: Growing and maintaining a fescue lawn .................................................................11
Baywise: Mindful Planting, Beyond Mums and Marigolds ......................................................12
Baywise: Redefining Landscaping Practices..........................................................................12
Landscaping without grass ....................................................................................................12
State of the Bay – Baywise Gardening ..................................................................................12
Xeriscaping ...........................................................................................................................13
Trees, Wonderful Trees .........................................................................................................13
COMPOSTING .............................................................................................................. 13
Composting Demystified ........................................................................................................13
1001 Worms: a vermicomposting primer ..............................................................................13
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, ROT! Backyard Composting .........................................................14
Hot composting .....................................................................................................................14
FOOD GARDENING ..................................................................................................... 14
Starting a vegetable garden...................................................................................................14
Spring vegetable gardening ...................................................................................................14
Edible heirlooms ....................................................................................................................15
Ingredients to a successful vegetable garden ........................................................................15
Holistic vegetable gardening ..................................................................................................15
Sustainable, organic, vegetable gardening ............................................................................15
Better yield through better soils .............................................................................................16
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How to grow great tomatoes ..................................................................................................16
Growing cucumbers and other cucurbits (squash and melons) ..............................................16
Fall vegetable gardening .......................................................................................................16
Drip Irrigating Your vegetable Garden ...................................................................................17
Container vegetable gardening made easy or big ideas for small spaces ..............................17
Growing Healthy Brambles ....................................................................................................17
Herbs ....................................................................................................................................18
GARDENING SPECIALITIES ....................................................................................... 18
Butterfly gardening ................................................................................................................18
Color in the shade .................................................................................................................18
Creating outdoor garden rooms .............................................................................................18
Gardening under glass ..........................................................................................................19
Herbs through the Ages .........................................................................................................19
Perennial Gardening..............................................................................................................19
Perennial pals – a gardener’s journal ....................................................................................19
Pruning ..................................................................................................................................19
Water Gardening ...................................................................................................................20
Gardening for seniors and special needs...............................................................................20
DECORATING WITH NATURAL MATERIALS ............................................................ 20
Bringing in the greens............................................................................................................20
Decking the halls with natural materials .................................................................................20
Flower transfer / pounding .....................................................................................................20
Quilt Gardens ........................................................................................................................21
GARDENING IN SMALL SPACES ............................................................................... 21
Posies in a pot .......................................................................................................................21
Gardening in small spaces ....................................................................................................21
GARDENS TO VISIT .................................................................................................... 21
Day trippin’ ............................................................................................................................21
GOING GREEN FOR THE ENVIRONMENT ................................................................ 22
Caring for Creation ................................................................................................................22
Living Architecture: the green roof .........................................................................................22
HOUSE PLANTS & INDOOR GARDENING ................................................................ 22
Bonsai ...................................................................................................................................22
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Forcing bulbs for an early spring............................................................................................22
IPM/PLANT DIAGNOSTICS ......................................................................................... 23
Bugs in the garden: good and bad .........................................................................................23
INTRO TO GARDENING .............................................................................................. 23
Getting Your Garden Ready for Spring ..................................................................................23
Putting the garden to bed for winter .......................................................................................23
LANDSCAPING ............................................................................................................ 23
The history of gardening & how to use it in your own landscape ............................................23
Bulbs: Part I .........................................................................................................................24
Bulbs: Part Il .........................................................................................................................24
LAWN CARE & MAINTENANCE ................................................................................. 24
Pretty grasses for your garden ..............................................................................................24
NATIVES & INVASIVE NON-NATIVE PLANTS ........................................................... 24
The alien invasion: invasive non-native plants .......................................................................24
Native plants in the home landscape .....................................................................................25
Native shrubs ........................................................................................................................25
PLANT PROPAGATION............................................................................................... 25
From seed to satisfaction: starting the garden from seed ......................................................25
Seeds to seedlings ................................................................................................................25
PROGRAMS FOR FAMILY AND CHILDREN .............................................................. 26
1001 worms ...........................................................................................................................26
I love honeybees ...................................................................................................................26
You, me, and the honeybee...................................................................................................26
Honeybees, beekeeping, and society ....................................................................................26
Are bats just for Halloween? ..................................................................................................27
Butterflies ..............................................................................................................................27
Deck the halls ........................................................................................................................27
Good bugs - bad bugs ...........................................................................................................27
Native foods from Native peoples ..........................................................................................28
Nature crafts ..........................................................................................................................28
YOUTH PROGRAMS FOR THE SCHOOL................................................................... 28
1001 Worms
Grades K, 1,2, and 3......................................................................................28
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Birds in your backyard
Butterflies
Grade 4 ..........................................................................................28
Grade 2 and any group planning a butterfly garden ..........................................29
Good bugs vs. bad bugs
Grade 4 and 5 .............................................................................29
Native foods from Native peoples
Native plants
Grades K to 5.........................................................29
Grade 4 .........................................................................................................29
Pollinators: why are there BEES in the flowers?
Propagation
Grade 3 ..................................................29
Grades 1 and 2 ..............................................................................................29
We like spiders
Grades K, 1 and 2......................................................................................30
Wildlife habitats of Howard County
Container Gardening for Kids
Grades 3 to 5 ...................................................................30
You, Me and the Chesapeake Bay:
Container Gardening for Kids
Grades 1 to 5 ............................................................30
Grades 4, 5 .............................................................30
Grades 3 to 5 ...................................................................30
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ATTRACTING & DETERRING WILDLIFE
Attracting bats to your backyard: how and why to do it
This talk explores the reasons why gardeners and homeowners might wish to attract
bats to their yards; dispels some of the negative myths about bats; and explains their
preferred habitats. The particulars of appropriate houses and their sittings are
discussed, as are plant selections to lure and keep bats in your landscape.
(Recommended for very early spring or fall.)
Length of presentation: 35 minutes with Q & A hour
Method of presenting: Power Point
Presenter:
Lisa Wingate
Presentation includes birds, butterflies, moths, good bugs and other small animals in the
discussion of the four basic needs - food, housing, shelter, and places to raise young.
Attracting Birds & Wildlife to the Garden
This session focuses on gardening techniques and tools designed to attract a wide
range of birds and wildlife to the garden. It includes a discussion of the basic
requirements, suggestions for the types of plants that can be used, and some of the
challenges to successfully managing this effort. There is also a discussion of some of
the tools that can be used to discourage wildlife, such as deer, from damaging the
garden.
Length of presentation: 45 minutes to 1 hour
Method of presentation: Power point with lecture
and discussion
Presenter:
Paul Beares
Deterring deer and other critters
This presentation addresses the four points Integrated Pest Management for deer –
Population Control, Vegetation Control, Repellents and Fencing. The first segment
talks about techniques our government (and others) has tried to control deer population
growth. The second addresses what plants deer (generally!) do and do not like, so you
can avoid planning dear buffet. Repellents include chemical and physical repellents,
including large dogs. Fencing address a number of types of fences, both electrified and
non-electrified.
Length of presentation: 1 hour
Method of presenting: Power Point
Presenter:
Kent Phillips
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Bluebirds in your garden
Learn about the beneficial bluebird. Why install nesting boxes? Where to install,
requirements of a box, native plants that attract, the insects they eat and much more.
Length of presentation: 30 minutes to 1 hour
Method of presenting: Power Point and demo
Presenter:
Pat Harrington
Honeybees, Beekeeping, and Sustainability
The learning objectives of this presentation are:
1. To have a working knowledge of the vital role of the honeybee as a major
pollinator.
2. To understand the first principles of beekeeping.
3. To make a positive contribution to the health of the honeybee.
It is a critical time in the interacting history of pollinators and agriculture; we will consider
the changes facing the world’s honeybee population and the research initiatives in place
so far. Everyone has a part to play from beekeeper to farmer, to city and suburban
dweller. Find out what exactly goes on inside a beehive and how do our various
activities affect the life of the honeybee.
Length of presentation: 1 hour
Method of presenting: Lecture and Power Point
Presenter:
Carol Link
BAYWISE AND STORM WATER MANAGEMENT
Baywise: Landscaping
Landscaping for cleaner Chesapeake Bay is about making simple everyday choices that
support a cleaner and safer environment. This talk discusses how homeowners can
create a desirable and sustainable landscape while reducing the pollutants flowing into
the Chesapeake Bay. Topics include fertilizing wisely, reducing the use of pesticides,
conserving water, control soil erosion and rainwater runoff and composting.
Length of Presentation: 1 hour
Method of Presenting: Power Point
Presenters:
Members of the
Baywise Committee
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Baywise: Creating backyard wildlife habitats
Includes birds, butterflies, moths, good bugs and other small animals in the discussion
of the four basic needs - food, housing, shelter, and places to raise young.
Length of presentation: 1 hour
Method of presenting: Power Point
Presenter:
Sylvia Huestis
Baywise: Rain barrels: why and how
Gallons of a valuable commodity run off our roofs and enter storm drains. As part of a
“green” lifestyle, learn why and how to harvest rainwater for garden use. This
presentation looks at today’s rain barrel, illustrates how to assemble one, and gives
advice on using a rain barrel system in the garden, including where to buy them,
precautions, and covenant regulations.
Length of presentation: 1 hour
Method of presenting: Power Point
Presenters:
Sylvia Huestis
Caroline Feil
Baywise: Creating a rain garden
What is a Rain Garden? It is a special spot in your yard that collects runoff and is
enhanced with native plants. Why should you have one? Come to this presentation and
find out why and how along with plant suggestions.
Length of presentation: 1 hour
Method of presenting: Power Point
Presenters:
Sylvia Huestis
Caroline Feil
Baywise: Landscaping with rain barrels and rain gardens
Rain barrels and rain gardens are great ways to use the rainwater that falls on your
garden. Come and learn how simply you can implement these gardening ideas and
enhance your landscape.
Length of presentation: 1 hour
Method of presenting: Power Point
Presenter:
Caroline Feil
Baywise: Growing and maintaining a fescue lawn
The lawn supported in the presentation will be a Bay-Wise lawn. Covered topics
include soil preparation and testing, choosing correct seed, fertilizers (when, how much,
and WIN numbers), watering, mowing, thatch, weed and disease control. A beautiful
lawn will be yours without adding to pollution of the Chesapeake Bay.
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Length of presentation: 1 hour
Method of presenting: Power Point
Presenter:
Sylvia Huestis
Baywise: Mindful Planting, Beyond Mums and Marigolds
Learn the best plants for butterfly survival such as goldenrod, aster and milkweed. This
presentation focuses on native plants that are best suited to provide essential nutrients
for the growth, long-term survival and effectiveness of our local pollinators.
Length of presentation: 1 hour
Method of presentation: Power Point
Presenter:
Aylene Gard
Baywise: Redefining Landscaping Practices
This presentation is an interactive discussion of where our ideas of landscaping have
come from and where they need to go today in light of our watershed problems.
Length of presentation: 1 hour
Method of presenting: Informal Discussion
Presenter:
Sylvia Huestis
Landscaping without grass
This presentation shows how one person redesigned a typical 1/3 acre suburban yard
into a lush, natural landscape without grass. Detailed explanation of the process and
plants used.
Length of presentation: 1 hour
Method of presenting: Power Point
Presenter:
Mary Streb
State of the Bay – Baywise Gardening
This session provides an overview of the condition of the Chesapeake Bay and its
watershed based upon scientific research conducted each year by the Chesapeake Bay
Foundation. The discussion then moves to what individual gardeners can do in their
home gardens to respond to the challenges identified in the State of the Bay Report.
The audience will be introduced to the Master Gardener Baywise Program including
specific actions gardeners/homeowners can take to make their gardens more ecofriendly. Presentation appropriate for all experience levels.
Length of presentation: 1 hour
Method of presentation: Power Point, lecture
and interactive discussion.
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Presenter:
Paul Beares
Xeriscaping
Higher temperatures and lower rainfall are making our usual gardening practices
impractical and less successful. Can the principles of xeriscaping, which has the goal of
conserving water, be helpful in keeping our gardens flourishing under negative
environmental conditions? Learn about xeriscaping and the problem of water shortage
in this presentation.
Length of presentation: 45 minutes
Method of presenting: Power Point
Presenter:
Aylene Gard
Trees, Wonderful Trees
This program covers the many roles of trees in our lives and in our environment, the
multiple aspects of choosing the correct tree for your location/needs, and the basics of
planting and caring for your tree.
Type of Presentation: Power Point and Discussion
Length of Presentation: 1 hour
Presenters:
Phyllis Yigdall, Linda
Decker and Barbara
Schmeckpeper
COMPOSTING
Composting Demystified
This presentation also explains how you can turn leaves, grass, and vegetable matter
into black gold in your own backyard. It contains additional pictures
Length of presentation: 1 hour
Method of presenting: Power Point
Presenter:
Ed Blacka
1001 Worms: a vermicomposting primer
Every gardener wants to have worms in their garden. This presentation will explore why
it’s also desirable to have worms living in your house – in an indoor worm bin! Learn
how worms can help reduce waste while transforming your kitchen scraps into a rich
soil amendment for your garden and container plants. The presentation will cover the
basics of setting up a worm composting bin. It’s fun, easy, inexpensive and an
educational project for kids. (A children’s version is also available.)
Length of presentation: 1 hour
Method of presenting: Power Point
and demonstration
Presenter:
Susan Levi-Goerlich
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Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, ROT! Backyard Composting
Learn to recycle your yard waste and other plant materials into compost, a humus-like
nutrient-rich soil amendment.
Length of presentation: 1 hour
Method of presenting: Power Point
Presenter:
Susan Levi-Goerlich
Hot composting
Learn how to turn kitchen, garden, and yard waste into a valuable soil amendment
gardener’s call “Black Gold.” Learn how to mix browns (carbon rich material), greens
(nitrogen rich material), and water. With a little effort, this will yield “Black Gold” in as
little as twelve weeks.
For those people not interested in actively working their compost pile, we’ll discuss how
to make compost using the cold pile method.
Length of presentation: 45 minutes - 1 hour
Method of presenting: Power Point
Presenter:
Kent Phillips
FOOD GARDENING
Contacts – Jerry Kissel jerrybear41@verizon.net
Kent Phillips kent.a.phillips@gmail.com
Starting a vegetable garden
A vegetable garden can be established in containers on your patio, in a sunny spot in
your yard, or in a community garden plot. The harvest from your garden will provide you
with fresh healthy produce and save you money. Learn the basic components of how to
establish your own vegetable garden and effective ways to sustain it. Presentation
covers: planning your garden, selecting a site, preparing the soil, planting crops and
taking care of your garden.
Length of presentation: 1 – 1 ½ hours
Method of presenting: Power Point with demonstration
Presenters:
Jerry Kissel and
other MGs
Spring vegetable gardening
There is work to be done in the vegetable garden every season of the year, but in the
spring we tend to realize suddenly that we have lots to do. Learn how to prepare your
garden soil for spring planting, which crops like the cool weather. Also how to plant
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seeds inside for transplants and directly outside and using transplants. Which structures
will support your spring crop is included. There are tips on how to protect your crop from
critters and harsh weather.
Length of presentation: 1 - 1 ½ hours
Method of presenting: Power Point with demonstration
Presenters:
Jerry Kissel
and other MG
Edible heirlooms
Great-great grandma could not order hybrid seed from Park, Johnny, or Gurney. Yet,
the veggies she grew from seed she collected had a tastiness that we cannot find today.
Discover the world of heirloom seeds and the magnificent bounty they offer.
Length of presentation: 1 hour
Type of presentation: Demonstration
Presenter:
Pat Greenwald
Ingredients to a successful vegetable garden
Learn about the four basic ingredients for a successful vegetable garden. Soil
preparation (introduction of lots of organic material), and soil testing are of vital
importance. Adequate soil moisture is paramount for plant health. Learn how to
distinguish between “Good and Bad” bugs and ways to practice “Integrated Pest
Management.” Find out which cultivators of specific vegetables are best suited for the
Maryland area.
Length of presentation: 45 minutes – 1 hour
Type of presentation: Power Point
Presenter:
Kent Phillips or a
member of the GIEI team
Holistic vegetable gardening
Learn how to create a sustainable organic vegetable garden using locally available
resources. Soil improvement is the key to creating a great vegetable garden; and the
best way to improve your soil is to add lots of organic material. Along with soil
improvement, learn why doing a soil test is imperative for a great garden. Learn about
plant nutrients and good sources for adding organic (slow release) nitrogen to the soil.
Finally, learn about integrated pest management and which pesticides are considered
organic.
Length of presentation: 45 minutes – 1 hour
Type of presentation: Power Point
Presenter:
Kent Phillips or a
member of the GIEI team
Sustainable, organic, vegetable gardening
Learn how to create a sustainable organic vegetable garden using locally available
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resources. Soil improvement is vitally important and the introduction of lots of organic
material is discussed along with the use of organic nitrogen sources. Finally, use of
organic methods of pest control will be discussed, including organic pesticides.
Length of presentation: 45 minutes – 1 hour
Type of presentation: Power Point
Presenter:
Kent Phillips or a
member of the GIEI team
Better yield through better soils
Learn how to increase the yield from your vegetable garden. Participants will be taught
the importance of a soil test, how to interpret soil test results and based on those
results, what nutrients or amendments should be added to optimize yield. Nutrients and
amendments can be either organic or synthetic. Participants will also learn about the
importance of maintaining high levels of organic material in soils.
Length of presentation: 1 hour
Method of presenting: Power Point
Presenters:
Kent Phillips or a
member of the GIEI team
How to grow great tomatoes
Learn how to grow prolific tomato plants. Participants will learn how to maximize the
yield from their plants by optimizing soil quality and moisture levels. Presentation will
also focus on common tomato pests and disease and how to control and eliminate
these problems.
Length of presentation: 1 hour
Method of presenting: Power Point
Presenters:
Kent Phillips or a
member of the GIEI team
Growing cucumbers and other cucurbits (squash and melons)
Learn the cultural requirement for all members of the cucurbits family. Participants will
also learn about common pests and diseases and how to combat them.
Length of presentation: 1 hour
Method of presenting: Power Point
Presenters:
Kent Phillips or a
member of the GIEI team
Fall vegetable gardening
Extend your gardening season with a late summer and early fall planting of some of
your favorite vegetables. Central Maryland has a fairly mild fall climate that allows the
average gardener to grow some vegetables into late November. If you want fresh
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spinach salad or steamed broccoli for your Thanksgiving table, this is the class for you!
Length of presentation: 45 minutes – 1 hour
Type of presentation: Power Point
Presenter:
Kent Phillips.
Jo Ann Russo
Jerry Kissel
Drip Irrigating Your vegetable Garden
Tired of having your garden dry up during the dog days of summer or spending hours
watering your garden? Want to get more production out of your vegetable beds? This
introductory course in drip irrigation will teach you the basics of planning and installing a
micro irrigation system for your vegetable garden. Learn how much water the average
garden needs, learn how to plan watering zones and learn about high tech and low tech
methods for irrigating your garden. Three micro irrigation techniques will be explored.
Attendees should bring a rough sketch of the area to be irrigated along with the area’s
dimensions and vegetables being planted. (Can be presented at any time of the year
but best time is prior to the onset of the summer dry season.)
Length of presentation: 1 hour
Length of irrigation planning session: 1 hour
Method of presenting: PowerPoint presentation along
with drip irrigation equipment
Presenter:
Kent Phillips
Container vegetable gardening made easy or big ideas for small
spaces
(Given anytime during the year) Are you limited by space in your yard? Join us for some
great tips to maximize your space by using containers. Topics include selecting the right
containers, locations, soil and suitable plants. In fact everything needed to get started.
Length of presentation: 1 hour
Method of presenting: Power Point and demonstration
Presenter
Jerry Kissel
Kent Phillips or a
member of the GIEI team
Growing Healthy Brambles
Learn how to start and maintain a raspberry or blackberry patch in your back yard.
Participants will learn how easy it is to have cultivated raspberries and blackberries,
their soil requirements, trellising types and pests. Also learn how you can have
raspberries in both the spring and fall be planting everberring raspberries.
Length of presentation: 1 hour
Method of presenting: PowerPoint
Presenter:
Kent Phillips or a
member of the GIEI team
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Herbs
Learn the cultural requirement for most herbs. Herbs can be grown in the ground or
containers and both types of growing conditions will be covered in the class.
Participants will also learn about optimum harvesting times, methods for preserving
herbs and about common pests and diseases and how to combat them.
Length of presentation: 1 hour
Method of presenting: PowerPoint
Presenter:
Kent Phillips or a
member of the GIEI team
GARDENING SPECIALITIES
Butterfly gardening
This presentation covers the basics of attracting butterflies to your garden. Find out
about the developmental stages of the butterfly and their relationship with plants. The
host plants that the caterpillars must eat will be identified. What are the best nectar
plants for attracting adult butterflies? The basics of butterfly ecology will be presented.
How to use some basic principles to transform your garden into an ornamental butterfly
habitat, and the types of local butterflies that may visit your garden will be included.
Alternative presentations are available.
Length of presentation: 1 hour
Method of presenting: Power Point, Exhibits and Props
Presenter:
Pat Greenwald
Ethelyn Bishop
Color in the shade
Learn how to design a colorful shade garden. This will be a discussion of the best
practices for shade gardening and some plant suggestions for bringing color into a
shaded area. A sample design shows the application of the suggested tips.
Length of presentation: 1 hour
Method of presenting: Power Point
Presenter:
Pat Greenwald
Creating outdoor garden rooms
Extend your living space to the great outdoors by creating individual rooms for relaxing,
entertaining, dining, and many other uses. Plants, structures, paths, and focal points
can all be used to define separate areas within your yard that flow from one space to
the next.
Length of presentation: 1 hour
Method of presenting: Power Point
Presenter:
Pat Greenwald
.
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Gardening under glass
An inexpensive greenhouse can elevate your gardening to a new level. Cold frames,
windowsills, portable green houses, and bell jars extend the gardening season. This talk
explores the joys of under-glass propagation, demonstrating how to grow under glass
from January until mid-May.
Length of presentation: 1 hour
Method of presenting: Power Point
and demonstration
Presenter:
Pat Greenwald
Herbs through the Ages
A look at the historical uses of herbs through the ages, tussie-mussies, nosegays,
tisanes, strewing herbs, uses of herbs in essences, directions for making a linen spray
some culinary herbal mixes and a nosegay will also be discussed.
Length of presentation: 45 minutes
Method of presenting: Power Point
Presenter:
Anne Roy
Perennial Gardening
This session provides an in-depth forum for creating and maintaining beautiful perennial
gardens. It includes a discussion of design concepts, plant selection, soil preparation,
on-going plant care, and sustainable practices. Recommendations for tree, shrub, and
perennial plants, with an emphasis on native plants are provided.
Length of presentation: 50 minutes to 1 hour
Method of presentation: Power point, lecture and
interactive discussion
Presenter:
Paul Beares
Perennial pals – a gardener’s journal
Join a transplanted Master Gardener as she establishes a perennial garden in her
Maryland front yard. The presentation will cover site analysis, plant selection, when to
plant, what to look for, shopping tips, how to plant and how to maintain your perennials.
The Master Gardener will share her personal lessons learned.
Length of presentation: 1 hour
Method of presenting: Power Point
Presenter:
Drenda Collins
Pruning
The how, when, and why of pruning ornamental trees and shrubs. This entertaining
program includes techniques and tools used in pruning presented through lecture and
demonstration. Joe can also bring along a sample tree to work on. He will also cover
what critters you may encounter along the way.
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Length of presentation: 1.5 hour
Method of presenting: Power Point and demonstration
Presenter:
Joe Di Giovanni
Water Gardening
Learn how to incorporate a water garden into your landscape. This program discusses
The benefits of installing a pond on your property, planning and construction of your
pond, pond maintenance, and recommended plants and fish for your water garden.
Length of presentation: 45 minutes - 1 hour
Method of presenting: Power Point
Presenters:
Michelle Bryden
Gardening for seniors and special needs
This presentation addresses "accessibility" issues that seniors and others with physical
or intellectual challenges may experience in gardening.
Length of presentation: 30 minutes - 1 hour
Method of presenting: Power Point and demonstration
Presenters:
Roy Heath
DECORATING WITH NATURAL MATERIALS
Bringing in the greens
Interesting combinations of natural greens can last from December 1 until New Year’s
Day. Learn how to make arrangements that last, whether hanging on a wall or topping
a candlestick. Fresh flowers and unusual dried materials will be added to the creations.
Length of presentation: 1 hour
Method of presenting: Demonstration
Presenter:
Pat Greenwald
Decking the halls with natural materials
Materials found on the forest floor, in the supermarket, and in the winter garden can be
turned into decorations to instill the warmth of the holiday season into your home. Tips
on creating a variety of items will be shared. Versions of this presentation are available
for both autumn and Christmas.
Length of presentation: 1 hour
Method of presenting: Demonstration
Presenter:
Pat Greenwald
Flower transfer / pounding
Flower Transfer by Pounding: Flower transfer is an ancient method of transferring by
hammering delicate patterns of flowers and leaves to paper or cloth. This is a hands on
presentation with demonstration and guidance. Each participant will experience doing
the transfer to both paper and cloth. A list of supplies for participants to bring to a
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session will be provided. It can also be a children's activity.
Length of presentation: 1 hour
Method of presenting: Group participation
Presenter:
Betsy Grater
Quilt Gardens
A quilt garden is made by using the design of one block of a quilt and planting it in
flowers. The presentation is a power point program about 19 Quilt Gardens in Indiana
along the Heritage Trail (Amish) that the presenter visited in August of 2013. If
successful I will have pictures of the one I created in my front yard in May of 2014.
Length of presentation: 1 hour
Method of presenting: Power Point
Presenter:
Betsy Grater
GARDENING IN SMALL SPACES
Posies in a pot
When properly planted, a pot of blooming flowers can brighten your outdoor
environment throughout the growing season. Learn about the variety of containers,
types of soil and nutrients, suitable plants, and colorful uses for container gardens.
Length of presentation: 1 hour
Method of presenting: Demonstration
with live materials
Presenters:
Pat Greenwald
Gardening in small spaces
This presentation highlights the where, why, how, etc of “small gardening.” The benefits
to be derived and what grows and produces, along with other considerations are noted.
A demonstration of the planting of herbs in a container is included.
Length of presentation: 1 hour
Method of presenting: Power Point
Presenter:
Bettye Ames
GARDENS TO VISIT
Day trippin’
Looking for new places to visit? This program includes an outline of more than 50
public gardens and natural spaces within easy driving distance of Howard County. The
presenters will highlight about a dozen of these locations including display gardens,
arboretums, historic landscapes and some eclectic favorites.
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Length of presentation: 1 hour
Method of presenting: Power Point
Presenters:
Linda Decker
Drenda Collins
Sherry Conklin
GOING GREEN FOR THE ENVIRONMENT
Caring for Creation
This session is appropriate for church/synagogue groups and individuals interested in
the spiritual aspect of gardening from an ecumenical perspective. The session begins
with a focus on Biblical perspectives on the call to care for creation and our role as
stewards of God’s gift of the earth and its creatures. The discussion then moves to the
practice of sustainable gardening, with tips on how to create gardens which nourish the
soul and maintain and improve the soil, water, and our overall environment.
Length of presentation: 45 minutes to 1 hour
Method of presentation: Power point, lecture
and interactive discussion
Presenter:
Paul Beares
Living Architecture: the green roof
The environmental and personal benefits of a green roof, i.e. plants as insulation.
Explanation of the structure, design, plant selection, and maintenance are included in
this presentation by a Master Gardener who has a green roof
Length of presentation: 1 hour
Method of presenting: Power Point
Presenter: Team
Barbara Schmeckpeper
Joyce Prange
HOUSE PLANTS & INDOOR GARDENING
Bonsai
From nursery plant to your own miniature tree, this is a demonstration of techniques
used to create Bonsai and information about how to select plants and maintain your
creations.
Length of presentation: 1 hour
Method of presenting: Demonstration
Presenter:
Gaye Holcomb
Forcing bulbs for an early spring
This presentation addresses the forcing of Spring bulbs for conventional indoor bloom
or outdoor pots and window boxes. The topics covered include step-by-step directions
for preparing the soil and planting the bulbs, for chilling and storing bulbs to facilitate
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blooming, choice of bulbs and containers, and suggestions for attractive arrangement in
planters. (This presentation is appropriate for Early Autumn.)
Length of presentation: 1 hour
Method of presenting: Power Point
Presenter:
Pat Greenwald
IPM/PLANT DIAGNOSTICS
Bugs in the garden: good and bad
There are more than 800,000 different types of insects in the world. Although some
insects do eat crops and carry disease, only about 1 percent of them are considered
pests. In fact, many insects are considered helpful, i.e., the “beneficials.” Learn more
about good bugs and bad bugs and the effect of their interactions on our gardens.
Length of presentation: 1 hour
Method of presenting: Power Point
Presenter:
Aylene Gard
INTRO TO GARDENING
Getting Your Garden Ready for Spring
This session provides guidance on sustainable gardening best practices for the Spring
season. The session is appropriate for beginning and casual home gardeners who can
benefit from tips on what gardening tasks to do in the Spring, how best to do each task,
and when during the season to do them. A full range of gardening types – vegetable,
perennial, and native plant gardens – is discussed, along with design and on-going care
recommendations.
Length of presentation: 50 minutes to 1 hour
Method of Presentation: Power Point & interactive
group participation
Presenter:
Paul Beares
Putting the garden to bed for winter
When the gardening season is winding down, there are still things to be done to prepare
for that most glorious season: Spring! This talk addresses the clean-up of annual beds,
dividing perennials, planting of bulbs, establishment of new beds to be planted in the
spring, prepping tools for their hiatus, winter deer-proofing, and other tips.
Length of presentation: 1 hour
Method of presenting: Power Point
Presenter:
Pat Greenwald
LANDSCAPING
The history of gardening & how to use it in your own landscape
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Take a look at how the garden has evolved from the Italian Renaissance parterre to
today’s suburban backyard, noting the garden elements and plants we might use to give
an ageless appeal to our outdoor environments.
Length of presentation: 1 ½ hour
Method of presenting: Power Point
Presenter:
Pat Greenwald
Bulbs: Part I
This presentation will offer a whirlwind tour of bulbs – their history, nature, selection,
planting, care, and names – including a mini-course on all that Latin. Slides will
accompany an overview of three major bulbs: narcissus, tulips, and lilies.
Length of presentation: 1 hour
Method of presenting: Slides
Presenter:
Judy Petersen
Bulbs: Part Il
This slide presentation will feature bulb treasures, other than narcissus, tulips, and lilies,
that provide almost year-round interest, from the snowdrops of late winter to the
colchicums of late autumn, with many more in between.
Length of presentation: 1 hour
Method of presenting: Slides
Presenter:
Judy Petersen
LAWN CARE & MAINTENANCE
Pretty grasses for your garden
The Presentation Discusses What Is A Grass, Its Environmental applications, and
native varieties. The using and growing of grasses in containers is also included.
Length of presentation: 45 minutes
Method of presenting: Power Point
With handouts & games
Presenters: Team
Laura Wieder &
John Law &
Donna Hennessy
NATIVES & INVASIVE NON-NATIVE PLANTS
NE
Learn about the problem
W of non-native invasive plants and how they affect the ecology
The alien invasion: invasive non-native plants
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of our region. How to identify the worst offenders and how to combat them on your
property is included. Resources on organizations that can help and Howard County
projects to rid public parks of these noxious intruders are highlighted.
Length of presentation: 1 hour
Method of presenting: Power Point
Presenters
Aylene Gard
Native plants in the home landscape
Find out how growing native plants benefits both the gardener and the environment.
Explore the concept of “right plant, right place” and select from a variety of trees,
shrubs, flowering perennials and more that will be perfectly at home in your yard.
Length of presentation: 45 minutes
Presenters:
Method of presenting: Power Point
Aylene Gard
Pat Greenwald
Jo Ann Russo
Native shrubs
This presentation addresses the location and propagation of four native shrubs of
varying height that would be useful for developing natural habitation in a backyard...
Length of presentation: 30 minutes
Method of presenting: Power Point
Presenters:
Anne Roy
PLANT PROPAGATION
From seed to satisfaction: starting the garden from seed
Get an early start on growing annuals, perennials, and vegetables by growing your own
seedlings. Learn how to plant seeds, care for, and transplant seedlings. Techniques
will be shared to help avoid some common problems.
(Available only during January or February.)
Length of presentation: 1 hour
Method of presenting: Demonstration
Presenter:
Pat Greenwald
Seeds to seedlings
Even in the dead of winter, we can still garden. Get a jump-start on spring by learning
now how to get flowers and vegetables ready to go in the ground when it warms. (This
subject should be presented in January through March.)
Length of presentation: 1 hour
Method of presenting: Power Point
Presenter:
Jo Ann Russo
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PROGRAMS FOR FAMILY AND CHILDREN
1001 worms
Worms fascinate children. Young participants will learn how worms living in an indoor
bin can help reduce waste and make food for plants. In addition, the children will
explore a worm bin, read Diary of a Worm, and may complete a simple craft project.
Length of presentation: 45 min
Demonstration
Presenter:
Susan Levi-Goerlich
I love honeybees
Honeybees give us so many good things… honey for one. But what is the most
important thing they do for us? Pollination, of course. Think of all the delicious food we
eat. Well, we have the honeybee to thank for pollinating most of these yummy foods.
What does a beehive look like, and who are the members of the bee family? Why are
the honeybees in trouble, and what can I do to help. I love honeybees and so will you!
For Elementary aged children.
Length of presentation: 45 minutes – 1 hour
Method of presenting: Power Point
Presenter:
Carol Link
You, me, and the honeybee
Why are honeybees so vital to us? What do beekeepers do? What can you do for the
health of the honeybee? Learn about each distinct member of the hive and how they
share the work. What is pollination and how do the honeybees accomplish this
important service? Learn about the work of the beekeeper and also the challengers
facing the world honeybee population. Finally, find out what you can do to help! For
Middle School aged children.
Length of presentation: 45 minutes – 1 hour
Method of presenting: Power Point
Presenter:
Carol Link
Honeybees, beekeeping, and society
The learning objectives of this presentation are:
1. To have a working knowledge of the vital role of the honeybee as a major
pollinator.
2. To understand the first principles of beekeeping.
3. To make a positive contribution to the health of the honeybee.
It is a critical time in the interacting history of pollinators and agriculture; we will consider
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the changes facing the world’s honeybee population and the research initiatives in place
so far. Everyone has a part to play from beekeeper to farmer, to city and suburban
dweller. Find out what exactly goes on inside a beehive and how do our various
activities affect the life of the honeybee. For High School aged children.
Length of presentation: 1 hour
Method of presenting: Lecture and Power Point
Presenter:
Carol Link
Are bats just for Halloween?
Though live bats might seem spooky at first, they’re great mosquito catchers and
housing. Learn tricks about their homes and favorite treats, including plant selections to
lure and keep bats in your landscape. Then, create a batty craft if the host
organization chooses to provide this. For Elementary Age children
Length of presentation: 30 minutes plus Q & A
Method of presenting: Power Point
Presenter:
Lisa Wingate
Butterflies
Butterflies will come if we lure them to our gardens. Young gardeners will learn how to
provide for each stage of the life cycle of the butterflies that can be found in Howard
County.(A craft project can be incorporated, if desired.) Alternative presentations are
available.
Length of presentation: 1 hour, with craft 1½ hour
Method of presenting: Power Point
Presenter:
Pat Greenwald
Deck the halls
Create simple holiday decorations using natural objects. This workshop can be given
for children or for parent/child groups.
Length of presentation: 1 hour
Demonstration
Presenter:
Pat Greenwald
Good bugs - bad bugs
This is a presentation for 5th grade children. It covers the definition of an insect,
illustrates the diversity of the insect population with details of eight different common
insects, and concludes that all weeds are part of the greater ecosystem in which we
live. There is a focus on the balance of nature. The good bugs discussed are the bee,
dragon fly, ladybug, butterfly, and preying mantis. The bad bugs discussed are the
aphids, Japanese beetle, and mosquito. Materials for the class are provided. Handouts
available include a glossary and a list of references. The presentation could be broken
down into multiple sessions, perhaps with a couple of bugs presented at a time.
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Length of presentation: 45 - 90 minutes
Presenters:
Jerry Kissel’s team
Native foods from Native peoples
American Indian foods feed the world. Native farmers developed many foods and
gardening techniques. This is a review of American Indian history including gardening
techniques such as the Three Sisters. The presentation includes a wide selection of
American Indian produce and products
Length of presentation: 45mins-1hr
Presenter
Michelle Connolly
Nature crafts
Nature gives us beautiful things with interesting colors, textures and shapes. We will
use things found on the forest floor to create pieces of art. Participants, aged 5 – 11,
may use items they have found as well as using the provided natural objects to design
their unique creations.
Length of presentation: 45mins-1hr
Method of presenting: Demonstration
Presenter
Pat Greenwald
YOUTH PROGRAMS FOR THE SCHOOL
Contact Carolyn Cregan at crcregan@verizon.net or 240-566-5166
The Youth Education committee provides outreach to the youth in our county on various
topics related to gardening, the environment, native plants, and more.
1001 Worms
Grades K, 1,2, and 3
1001 worms live in my house, eat my garbage and make fertilizer for my plants! In this
45 minutes - 1 hour presentation, students will explore an indoor worm bin, learn about
worms and how they help plants grow, and discuss different ways of dealing with trash
and garbage.
Birds in your backyard
Grade 4
Learn the local Howard County birds you typically see in your backyard. Why are they
there? What do they do? How are they different from one another? How do you identify
them?
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Butterflies
Grade 2 and any group planning a butterfly garden
Native butterflies will thrive if we provide the correct environment. Students will learn
how to provide for each stage of the life cycle of the butterfly species that can be found
in Howard County. Emphasis will be on the ecological balance required by the insects.
Good bugs vs. bad bugs
Grade 4 and 5
This presentation covers the definition of an insect, illustrates the diversity of the insect
population with details of 8 different common insects, and concludes that all insects are
part of the greater ecosystem we live in. There is a focus on the balance of nature. The
good bugs discussed are the bee, dragonfly, ladybug, butterfly, and preying mantis and
the bad bugs are the aphid, Japanese beetle, and the mosquito.
Native foods from Native peoples
Grades K to 5
American Indian foods feed the world. Native farmers developed many foods and
gardening techniques. This is a review of American Indian history including gardening
techniques such as the Three Sisters. The presentation includes a wide selection of
American Indian produce and products.
Native plants
Grade 4
The right plant in the right place can provide the ecological balance needed by local
wildlife as well as creating lush gardens which are not fussy about Howard County
weather conditions. The philosophy of growing native plants will be explored, followed
by a look at some of our local natives.
Pollinators: why are there BEES in the flowers?
Grade 3
Students will learn what a pollinator is, how to identify pollinators, and why they are
important to humans. Students will practice pollinating plants, real and imagined.
Propagation
Grades 1 and 2
The children will be divided into two groups, two 20 minute sessions. Session one will
teach the children about how plants grow, what they need to survive, the ways of
starting new plants and the different types of seeds. The second session will allow the
children to see and feel different seeds, the planting of seeds and learn about proper
soil and watering. They will also hear an interactive story that teaches them about the
basics of planting seeds and what seeds need to grow. Presenter Team of Two: Donna
Hennessy, Anne Roy, Laura Wieder, Jerry Kissel
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We like spiders
Grades K, 1 and 2
This presentation defines the spider and how it differs from the insect. The focus is on
how the spider is part of the larger ecosystem, assisting us in controlling common insect
pests in our homes and gardens. Several different kinds of spiders are discussed. The
spiders webs, the silk the spiders spin, and the ways they catch their food differ
between different spiders. These will be addressed through presentation photos and
some samples.
Wildlife habitats of Howard County
Grades 1 to 5
Learn about the different kinds of wildlife habitats that are right here in Howard County.
This presentation covers the definition of a habitat and why animals would ever leave
their habitat. In addition, the interrelationship between plants and wildlife is briefly
explored through examples. Five wildlife habitats are discussed in more details
including Grassy Field, River, Forest Edge, Forest and Vernal Pool. Vivid pictures of
wildlife that may occupy these habitats and fun facts about insects, birds and animals
are shared for each habitat. The discussion ends with information on what we can do to
help our native habitats.
Container Gardening for Kids
Grades 3 to 5
Learn how to grow different type of vegetable plants in containers. Topics covered are
types of containers, use of soilless mix, planting seeds or transplants, watering,
fertilizing and harvesting your vegetables.
You, Me and the Chesapeake Bay:
Let the Rain Soak In!!
Grades 4, 5
This program shows students how to connect their backyards to the Chesapeake Bay
via our local streams and rivers. Discover what makes healthy water in our streams and
how each of us affects water quality. Learn about the water cycle and flow of rainwater.
Learn how to live “Bay-Wise”.
Container Gardening for Kids
Grades 3 to 5
Learn how to grow different type of vegetable plants in containers. Topics covered are
types of containers, use of soilless mix, planting seeds or transplants, watering,
fertilizing and harvesting your vegetables
Updated 8/19/2015
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