Saturday, January 26, 2013

9:30 am-12:45 pm

Join us for a garden fix in the dead of winter, with two fun and informative talks and an opportunity to swap seeds and houseplant cuttings with fellow enthusiasts. Beat the winter blues and get a head start on spring.

Schedule

9:30-10:30 am: Creating Arrangements with Dried Flowers and Herbs
Nellie Gardner of Flower Fields specialty cut-flower farm in Ogden will demonstrate how to make an assortment of small wreaths, tussie mussies, and small bouquets using dried flowers, leaves, pods, herbs, etc. Herbal decorations are lovely additions to your home or office for winter, or for gifts. They last a long time and are easy to make from material that gardeners have readily available – it’s just a matter of technique.

10:30-11 am: Seed and Houseplant Exchange; refreshments

11:00 am-12 noon: Terrarium Demo
Terrariums are becoming very popular these days, and for good reason – they are a really fun way to have a little garden world in a glass jar. What a winter pick-me-up! And terrariums are the perfect way to grow tiny, humidity-loving plants that might not otherwise thrive in an indoor environment. Angela Ingraham of Bristol’s Garden Center will demonstrate how to plant an assortment of styles, and discuss the proper soil, care, appropriate plants, etc.

12 noon-12:45: Questions, exchange, refreshments

Fee: $15 includes both talks, the swaps, and refreshments. You are encouraged to bring seeds and houseplant cuttings to swap, but they are not required, and there will be plenty for everyone to take some home.

Tips for the Swap

Seeds you have collected (or other fresh seed that you would like to share):

Label with as much information as you can – common name; botanical name; annual, perennial or biennial; hardiness; variety; size; sun, soil, and moisture preferences; bloom time and color. At minimum, note the common name and flower color. If possible, divvy seed into reasonable small quantities in small envelopes with the information written on the envelope. If you need help with this, call the RCGC library; they can provide assistance. If you don’t have coin envelopes or other small envelopes, just bring the seeds and info, and we will have envelopes available here at the event.

Houseplants:
Bring in some good-sized pieces of those overgrown monsters you have at home or any special houseplants you are willing to share. Seal the cuttings in a plastic bag with a damp paper towel, or put ends in water in a jar. Or bring the whole plant in its pot!

Carolyn Van Ness, RCGC Librarian

The RCGC library has several books with seed-saving information.

Note: to register online you must click on the circle below.