By Becky Anderson
Have you always wanted to start your own garden, but don’t know where to begin? Perhaps you are already a seasoned gardener but want to learn more! Now, you can, right here in Millington! The Millington Public Library is hosting a Master Gardener Series in partnership with Millington’s City Beautiful Committee and Master Gardeners from UT/Shelby County Extension Office Agricenter International. These gardening classes will teach you all the tips and tricks you need to improve your home’s curb appeal from improving your lawn to starting a flower bed!
The library is hosting 9 educational programs organized by the newly established Millington City Beautiful Commission. This Commission was established by a City resolution in October of 2022. It consists of citizens whose duties include developing and carrying out plans to improve the health, safety and cleanliness of the City. This group is passionate about their mission and has gotten right to work by organizing this wonderful Master Gardener series!
All these classes are taught by guest master gardeners. So, wondering how one becomes master gardener? To become a certified Master Gardener, you must complete 40 hours of required community service through the UT Institute of Agriculture’s Extension Master Gardener program. Along with service hours, potential master gardeners take an exam and must continue to learn about gardening topics for eight hours a year. We are so lucky to have certified Master Gardeners teaching our classes here at the Millington library!
Now, onto the classes the Millington Public Library that these Masters are hosting. Frustrated in your attempt to achieve a beautiful lawn? Learn some simple steps you can follow to have a beautiful lawn as well as alternatives to grass for a low maintenance landscape in the class titled “Simple Turfgrass Maintenance for the Memphis Area’’ on February 21st at 10 a.m. with Tom Reiman.
So turf isn’t in your field of interest? No problem! Do you want to liven up your yard with a tree, but are having trouble deciding where to place it?
Or maybe you know where to place it, but are unsure of what type of tree is best for your needs? Our “Right Tree, Right Place” class on February 28th will go over all the odds and ends of tree placement to allow you to leave the class with the confidence you need to get your tree planted. Whatever your need, come on by and attend our classes. It started Feb. 14 with Tom Rieman’s “Where Do I Start? 8 Steps to Your Dream Landscape.
To find out more about all programs offered at the Millington Public Library, stop in at 4858 Navy Road and get a print calendar or check out the Events Calendar at millingtonpubliclibrary.org.
MASTER GARDENER CLASS SERIES
Tuesday, February 21 at 10 a.m. Simple Turf Grass Maintenance for the Memphis Area with Tom Rieman
Thursday, February 23 at 5 p.m., Rain Gardens with Mary Wilder
Tuesday, February 28 at 10 a.m. Right Tree, Right Place with Tom Rieman
Tuesday, February 28 at 4 p.m. Youth Presentation: What Is Soil Worth? with Debbie Griste-Evans
Thursday, March 2 at 5 p.m. Growing in Raised Beds with Pam Beasley
Tuesday, March 7 at 10 a.m. Creating and Maintaining a Flower Bed with David Fuchs
Tuesday, March 7 at 4 p.m. Pollinators – Youth Presentation with Susan McKnight
