Forsyth County Master Gardeners Host Open Garden Tours
ForsythCountyMasterGardenersHostOpenGarden Tours
The Master Gardeners of ForsythCounty offered the community two opportunities to tour demonstration gardens and learn some valuable information for their own gardens.
On May 12 and June 2, Master Gardeners were available to answer questions as the public toured three gardens in Forsyth County: the Bookworm Garden at the Sharon Forks Library which showcases a native shade garden and sun garden; the Southern Heritage Garden, adjacent to the Old Cumming Schoolhouse which highlights a mix of heirloom plants and modern cultivars; and the beautiful Liberty Garden located in front of Central Park Recreation Center, a Keep Forsyth Beautiful project that honors those whose lives were lost on 9/11 as well as honoringForsyth County fire fighters, law enforcement officers and public safety personnel who dedicate their service to the community.
While the beauty of the gardens and variety of plants used was of great interest to participants, the timely topic of water conservation drew a great deal of attention. Jim O’Kelley, husband of Master Gardener Sharon O’Kelley, conducted the demonstration so well it generated fierce competition for the two 55-gallon rain barrels that were given away. The barrels, made with recycled materials, present a good way to capture rainwater for garden use that would otherwise find its way into the street and down the drain. With severe water restrictions now being enforced, the demonstration was certainly on target for homeowners.
Other demonstrations included “How to Plant Azaleas,” “Creating a Vanishing Water Feature,” “Shade Gardening,” “How to Design and Plant Raised Beds,” and “How to Make a ContainerGarden.” All the presentations were done expertly by the Master Gardeners and enjoyed by participants at the events.
The ForsythCounty Master Gardeners are active within the community and have other events throughout the year such as their highly anticipated annual plant sale in April and tours of individual, outstanding gardens of countyMaster Gardeners.
For more information regarding the gardens, which are Master Gardener projects, visit the website www.ugaextenstion.com/forsyth or call the ForsythCounty Extension Service at 770-887-2418.
