Rock Garden Basics Workshop March 21

From Carol Eichler:

Join us for our March program which is being offered in a slightly different format than usual - with 3 different speakers. We thought we'd focus on the "Basics of Rock Gardening" - in a mini-seminar format - to inspire you to make plans to build your own rock garden - or to refurbish an existing one.

Michelle Jones Ham will start us off "Easy Plants for the Rock Garden," offering inspiring photos and suitable plants that she has grown successfully.

David Mitchell comes next to talk about "Soil Mixes." David has been doing quite a lot of experimentation with different materials and formulas that he'll be sharing. Others are invited to chime in about their own experiences.

Lastly, Robin Bell will close by talking about "RG Construction Techniques." We hope the weather is cooperative so that we can go outdoors to view the different rock garden styles used on the Wurster Rock Garden, since it was designed to show these different styles.

Note we are meeting at 1 p.m. at Tompkins County office of Cornell Cooperative Extension (615 Willow Ave., Ithaca) for a program that should run about an hour longer than usual.

Many of you know Michelle Jones Ham who was a member of our Chapter for many years and served as our Chair before a new job meant she had to move. She didn't stop rock gardening and she cease her involvement with NARGS. Instead she became the driving force behind establishing a new Chapter, the Genesee Valley Chapter based in Rochester which is very much alive and well. In fact, they hosted the 2007 Eastern Study Weekend while still in their infancy. Michelle is also active at the NARGS National level, serving on ad hoc Committee to address membership issues and currently serving as Manager of the slide collection.

Our own members David Mitchell and Robin Bell are both notable for their wonderful gardens and plant knowledge. Robin has been a frequent speaker. You can be sure they will provide us with a wealth of knowledge - from their own gardening experience - often the best kind!