ay! Finally, spring is here, and gone. More like summer now; I guess we had spring sometime between Monday and Wednesday a couple of weeks back! Kansas weather can be like a rollercoaster ride with its dramatic swings in temperature and precipitation. Things are starting to settle down, gardens are being planted, lawns are being mowed, and weeds are growing.
Barbara Ames, Jeri Geren and I were presenters for the “Living on the Land” program that we held in Independence on May 3, and in Pittsburg on May 8. All total we had about 50 participants for both program events. Barbara presented a lesson on herbs for flavor and fragrance, Jeri talked about backyard poultry and I discussed home vegetable and fruit gardening. We had many positive comments about the program and did have TV coverage of the Pittsburg event.
I also have three separate speaking events about container gardening; Highland Meadows on May 10, PATH meeting at “In the Garden” nursery and garden center in Pittsburg on May 17, and at the Senior Center in Girard on May 24.
I will be conducting a class with Jeri Geren for 4-H Discovery Days in Manhattan, Kansas on May 30. This class will help the 4-H participants develop some basic skills needed for finding the correct scientific name of a plant. This class is an adaptation of a class I’ve presented for Master Gardener trainings called “Mastering Plant Identification.”
Professional Development: I will be attending the Horticulture Agent’s summer training event June 18 to 22. We will meet in Manhattan to discuss Master Gardener programming and other issues, then head of to Nebraska for multiple stops including a stop at the Arbor Day Farm in Nebraska City.
Other activities: Wednesday morning (7:40 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.) radio shows on KGGF 690 AM in Coffeyville; Staff meeting on May 21.
Pre-recorded radio news stories: Gardening with Straw Bales, Sweet Corn, Garden Weed Management, and Squash Bugs.
News Column: The Perfect Lawn
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