Fridays In The Garden Workshops Scheduled For February

Parkerburg - The Friday in the Garden educational series sponsored by Wood County Master Gardeners begins on Friday.

This gardening education series, a program of excellence in service at West Virginia University, is held on Friday evenings in the first week of February and March at South Parkersburg Baptist Church, 1655 Blizzard Drive.

The series is now in its ninth year, and is free and open to the public. All gardening hobbyists, experts and novices are welcome and there are prizes such as bags of seeds and herbs.

“We're excited about our Fridays in the Garden Workshops,” said JJ Barrett, planting specialist with WVU Extension Services. "Many people can improve their mental health through gardening."

Digging, planting, and harvesting in the garden is good exercise, Barrett says, and studies have shown that gardening reduces stress and anxiety.

"Also, it's really good to eat the food you grow yourself ," she said.

Along with Barrett, other master gardeners from WVU Extension will be available at each session to answer gardening questions.

“Friday in the Garden is a great opportunity for gardening enthusiasts to share knowledge, learn, and practice new skills. In addition to the educational value, it's always good to connect with people who have similar interests,” said Joyce McDougall, President, Wood County Master Gardeners .

" Friday in the Park provides a platform to connect with people with common interests and get answers to questions from knowledgeable experts ," said MacDougall.

Spotted flies and other invasive species are the subjects of the 2023 Fridays in the Garden series, presented by lead gardener Lynn Greenlee.

Also on Friday, Barrett will be introducing Home Garden Asparagus, a large selection of perennial vegetables for gardeners.

Fresh strawberries on the table on February 11th. Barrett will talk about growing strawberries.

Each year in the United States, bees pollinate $15 trillion worth of crops, including more than 130 varieties of fruits, nuts, and vegetables. Kenny Bach of the Ohio Valley Beekeeper will talk about the importance of bees on February 11th.

The workshop on February 17 will focus on Euphorbia, which is essential to the survival of the monarch butterfly. Monarch caterpillars feed exclusively on milkweed, the only plant that hosts this beautiful butterfly. Master gardener Tony Bletis offers all things Euphorbia.

Barrett discusses raised beds for growers with limited space who want better soil drainage, easier access, less soil compaction, longer growing seasons, and higher yields.

The last workshop will be held on March 3rd. Lindsey Bell of Wildroot Flower Co. It's all about her farm in her presentation, Naturally Wild, Native Roots.

Among the plants Barrett will discuss at Wildflowers of West Virginia are blackeye plants, purple echinacea, spider mites and lemon balm.

For more information, contact Barrett at (304)-424-1960 or jj.barrett@mail.wvu.edu.

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