SARATOGA — Get to the root of what makes a garden grow at a new workshop offered for the first time this year.
“We’ll be digging into the meat and potatoes of what works in our region,” said presenter Sue Ann DuBois. Master Gardener, co-owner of Chip’s Landscaping, and author of the Garden Goddess Sense & Sustainability blog, Du Bois strives to create functional gardens that are balanced and joyful.
Plus, you’ll taste it.
The all-day workshop, being held at Longfellows Inn & Conference Center, includes a demonstration by their ground-breaking culinary staff, followed by a freshly prepared luncheon in the comfortable atmosphere and pastoral setting of their 1915 restored barn.
“The venue is the perfect location in terms of combining healthy eating and how-to-grow information,” said DuBois.
Presentations by DuBois and Shane Daley, Master Gardener, and Olde Bryan Inn herb garden designer, will be covering topics such as perennials for the all-season garden, selecting and growing herbs, and how to blend perennials and edibles in the garden. Garden marketplace resources, recipes, and networking opportunities will also be available.
“We’ll be opening up the dialogue to the audience to find out their needs and interests, outlining the use of perennials and herbs, and then taking it a step further to discuss how to blend them into the landscaping,” said DuBois.
They’ll also cover new ways to get more out of smaller spaces when gardening. This involves combining careful plant selections with specific materials, and design techniques that are targeted to do well in this climate.
“Don’t always go to the internet, the reality is, it’s not region-specific. Each one of us has had years of experiences, with successes and failures, so we know what works,” said DuBois.
They’ll also be discussing the Plant a Row for the Hungry Initiative in Saratoga County. For the first time this year, the program, which encourages home growers to share their abundant harvests with those in need, is expanding into the southern tier of the county with donations being accepted by, and distribution through, the Mechanicville Area Community Services Center.
“It’s a good forum on how you can take a small piece of your garden and give back to the community,” said DuBois.
Dig into Gardening will be held Saturday, May 6, 2017, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Longfellows Inn & Conference Center, 500 Union Ave., Saratoga Springs. Registration is S$80/person, which includes lunch and giveaways. For more information, to read DuBois’ blog, and to register for the workshop, visit http://www.saratoga.com/garden-goddess. On-site registration the morning of the event is also available.
