CANANDAIGUA, N.Y. — Are you longing for Spring? Cabin fever got you down? Don’t despair! Come join the Ontario County Master Gardeners for a day of horticultural inspiration at the 23rd Annual Spring Garden Symposium. It is being held on Saturday, February 17, 2018 from 8:30 am to 2:30 pm at Club 86, 86 Avenue E, Geneva, NY 14456.
Fantastic Plants for Upstate NY Landscapes, From Groundcover On Up. Brian Eshenaur, Sr. Extension Associate, Cornell’s IPM Program. In this session you’ll learn how a Cornell University project evaluated groundcovers for their ability to beat out weeds and how they perform under a range of growing conditions. We’ll take a close look at the top groundcover performers in the trials some familiar, others new. We’ll also discuss some native shrubs and trees that can be excellent additions to any landscape, offering viable alternatives to invasive species. All the plants profiled will be included in full color handouts that will be given to those in attendance.
Hydrangeas in the North: Getting Blooms With Today’s Cultivars. Tim Boebel, Hydrangea enthusiast with over 400 cultivars in his garden. Tim will go over his latest findings on growing the hardy hydrangea species in our challenging climate. He will highlight many unique new introductions of the past couple years, and some that are yet to come.
American Heirlooms: The Science, Lore, and Practice of Growing Indigenous Crop Varieties. Emily Detrick, Horticulturist, Cornell Botanic Gardens. What makes heirlooms different from other vegetables, and why should we grow them? Which seed sources and resources are the best, and how do I save my own seeds? With a focus on crops indigenous to the Americas, this talk will address questions for both the beginner and experienced heirloom vegetable gardener. From big-picture conservation of crop wild relatives down to the stories behind our most regionally relevant varieties, audience members will gain a deeper understanding of the science, lore, and practice of growing heirloom vegetables.
Cost: $40.00 per person which includes refreshments, hot buffet lunch, registration, and a folder with all the presenters’ handouts.
Registration deadline is February 1, 2018. The registration flyer is available at www.cceontario.org on the events calendar. For more information or to receive a flyer, call585-394-3977 x 427 or email nea8@cornell.edu
In the event of cancellation, please listen to any of the following radio stations, WYLF (am radio 850); WHAM (am radio 1180); SUNNY 102.3 FM; Finger Lakes News Radio-WGVA 1240, 1590/98.1, WAUB and 104.5/1550 WCGR.
—Cornell Cooperative Extension of Ontario County
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