HOLLIDAYSBURG - Gardening enthusiasts are invited to attend a series of gardening classes held in cooperation with Hollidaysburg Borough and Penn State Extension.
This intensive, limited-enrollment program will be held from 9 a.m. to noon April 5, 12 and 19 at the Hollidaysburg Borough Building and 9 a.m. to noon April 26 at Discovery Garden at Legion Park.
Tom Ford, area commercial horticulture educator with Penn State Extension, Cambria County, teaches the classes.
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Courtesy photo
The Discovery Garden, built as a memorial to Courtney Claton, who lived in Hollidaysburg, is located in Legion?Park, Hollidaysburg.
The series of classes are free and open to the public.
In return, participants are asked to volunteer 18 hours at the Discovery Garden throughout the growing season from May through October 2012.
Participants will receive a certificate of completion.
After the classes are completed, the volunteer work days are scheduled on Thursday mornings throughout the growing season.
A minimum of three to four volunteer hours per month from May through October will be expected.
Volunteer assignments include spring clean up, planting, weeding, deadheading, guiding garden tours and helping with special events.
Other opportunities are available for volunteers interested in providing educational activities for Hollidaysburg Area School District students, individuals participating in the horticultural therapy program of Skills and other community groups.
Ford brings a wealth of experience and expertise. Class topics will include:
Session I: Plant Health Care Begins with Soil Quality - Ford will discuss how gardeners can improve soil fertility through the use of cover crop, compost and organic fertilizers.
Session II: Plant Health Care Starts with Plant Selection, Planting and Maintenance - Ford will discuss how to expertly select, plant, and maintain landscape plants.
Session III: Plant Health Care: Using Integrated Pest Management Techniques in Landscape Settings - Ford will discuss how to apply IPM practices/techniques in your garden and landscape.
Session IV: Plant Health Care: Application of Horticultural Best Management Practices in Landscape Settings -?Ford will demonstrate how gardeners can employ best management practices through hands-on activities at the Discovery Garden in Hollidaysburg.
Each session will be held in a classroom setting, except for the last one which will be held at Discovery Garden in Legion Park for hands-on gardening experience.
Built as a memorial to Courtney Claton, a Hollidaysburg resident, Discovery Garden, a project of Skills Foundation, is one of the area's most beautiful spots.
Being handicap accessible, people of all backgrounds and ages can visit the garden for beauty, horticulture, solitude, discovery, and inspiration.
To register for classes or for more information, contact Patti Duron at the Hollidaysburg Borough Office at 695-7543, ext. 308.
The registration deadline is March 30.
