EDUCATION » Gardening Study School » Course IV Testimonial » 

The ride to Midland was enjoyable with all the daffodils and budding trees along the way.

     Arriving at 8:30 am, I had time to find my seat, reconnect with my friends I have met, and enjoy the delicious breakfast treats. We started promptly at 9 am with a welcome from our District IV Director, Pat Wilber, and MGC 1^st VP, Nancy Stark. 

     Our first instructor was Randy Cochran on the subject of Home Irrigation Techniques. The information on water sources, delivery systems, and plant needs gave us a chance to think about what we do and how we can improve our own use of our precious water.

      After a short break, Chuck Martin, Horticulturist from the Dow Gardens, was back to give us a class on woody ornamental plants. Chuck makes learning fun and I know all he shared makes a difference in the way my own personal gardening is done. He led us through planning, purchasing plants, planting, pruning, perennials and garden frolicking (known to un-gardeners as work). Chuck never disappoints us. He freely shares his knowledge and love of gardening boosting our enthusiasm in gardening.

     Now it was time for the delicious soup and salad lunch that was provided. Amy and here committee really spoil us when it comes to meals and snacks. 

     Back to work promptly at 1:00 pm. The afternoon started with Training Topiaries and Espaliers presented by horticulturist and specialist, Deborah Hall. This was a new area for me. Deborah surely is an artist as well as horticulturist as this is truly an art. I had no idea of the variety of plants and shrubs which could be used for topiaries, nor the many sizes and uses.  Espaliers are another specialty that I had seen in pictures but now can understand better. 

     Our next class on Outdoor Identification of Plants was presented by Dr. Joanne Dannenhoffer. She was able to take us through the maze of binomial nomenclature and she even made it fun to use a key to identify spring plants—well, until she told us all to dissect some beautiful tulips, daffodils and various flowers. There was a huge gasp at that request!! We spent the rest of the day practicing identification using the key. So much knowledge and so little time! Dr. Dannenhoffer makes learning fun.

      At 5:00 we had our review for our test and we all went home to study and regroup for Tuesday. I tell you, by then my head was mush!

     I was up early again to another hard frost. This is the final day of the GSS. I am really looking forward to going to school today. Arriving shortly after 8:30 I was greeted with a delicious smell coming from our area. This day the breakfast included quiche and other goodies. We should be ready to learn a lot today with such a good start.

     Promptly at 9am we were introduced to Steve Fouch, horticulturist and MSU Extension Agent from Benzie County. The topic was Specialized Styles of Gardening.

Steve shared his great knowledge and expertise with humor thrown in. Sometimes it was difficult to remember that we were in class. He began with environmentally friendly gardening. Steve continued with greenhouse gardening, using cold frames, shade gardens, and water gardens. 

      I was surprised when break time came. It seemed so soon.

     Then we were back with Steve and his teaching Techniques for Growing Fruit. Steve grew up on a farm with orchards and still has fruit orchards. Teachers who have first hand experience with their subject definitely make more interesting and knowledgeable teachers. I knew that fruit growing required diligence, patience, and hard work but I didn’t realize how much was required. I have a new respect for fruit growers and the results of their labors. 

     It is finally time for our lunch and our final review. It gives us time to relax and take a deep breath before the final test. Finally Bethany hands out the 3 tests. Our room is quiet and we all get to work. I answered all my questions and handed the tests in. Now I wait to see if I passed. 

     As I look back to when I started, I was a novice gardener who believed you dug a hole and put the pretty plant in it. Now I am a firm convert to planning and preparation. I even have a written outline of my flower beds. 

     Thank you to all of the outstanding committee that put our classes together. Thank you to all the instructors who shared their time, knowledge and love of gardening. Thank you too, to all my classmates who shared their love of gardening and the search for knowledge. Our state will be more beautiful because of all of you.

 

Happy Gardening!

Sandy Smith