On Saturday, September 10, the Henry County Master Gardeners will host the Fourth Annual Fall for Gardening Symposium at Heritage Park (97 Lake Dow Road in McDonough) from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. The theme for the event is Bee a Mindful Gardener.
Four speakers will present information on gardening with a purpose and being thoughtful about plants, nature, and wildlife.
•Trecia Neal was a biologist at Fernbank Science Center in Atlanta for thirty years, retiring in 2017. Her areas of expertise are ornithology, environmental education, and designing outdoor classrooms and gardens. Upon retirement, Ms. Neal formed Green Gardens Education and Designs LLC to design wildlife gardens for homeowners. Ms. Neal will present “Myths of Native Plants and Why We Need Them.” She will discuss native plants, why we need them, and ecosystem services.
•Dr. Bodie Pennisi is a Professor and statewide Extension landscape specialist in the Department of Horticulture at the University of Georgia, which she joined in 2000. In addition to graduate, undergraduate and Master Gardener teaching and extensive research, Dr. Pennisi coordinates a statewide Extension program to support the landscape industry. She will present “Make Your Garden a Heaven for Pollinators and Beneficial Insects.” She will detail common pollinators and natural enemies as well as best practices to attract and keep those insects around.
•Sara Henderson has worked with public gardens at the Atlanta History Center, Vines Botanical Garden, Barnsley Gardens, the Atlanta Botanical Garden, and has been Director of Gardens for Atlanta’s historic Oakland Cemetery for the past 14 years. She will discuss “Getting the Most Out of Small Spaces.” Her presentation will guide guests through the process of appropriate plant selection and good design principles for the small garden.
•Kathy Henderson Engeman operates a 25-acre working farm in Locust Grove, Georgia which includes a 3,000 square foot greenhouse and shade house producing plants for local gardeners. She is a past staff member of the Fernbank Science Center and volunteer for the Georgia Aquarium. In 2006, she founded The Locust Grove Heritage Foundation which preserves the history and heritage of the area. Ms. Engeman will present “Mindful Winter Gardening in the South.” She will cover why a winter garden is desirable, choosing plants with winter interest, and vegetable gardening in the winter.
The day will also include local vendors offering plants and gardening related items, a silent auction, and several door prizes. A light breakfast, snacks, and a lunch catered by Rutabaga’s Market and Café of Hampton are included in the ticket price.
The proceeds from the program support the educational projects of the Henry County Master Gardeners including college scholarships. Tickets are $35 through August 31 and $40 starting September 1. To register, call the Extension Office at 770-288-8421 or stop by the Extension Office at 97 Lake Dow Road. Seating is limited, so early registration is encouraged.
