Note: The Lawrence Times is offering some space for area organizations and organizers to express their views, provide updates and attempt to reach other folks who might share their mission. This post is contributed content (i.e., not produced by the Times staff). See more in our Community Voices section, or see how to submit your own piece.
Douglas County Extension Master Gardeners are pleased to provide a free, one-day workshop on water gardening on Saturday, March 4.
This workshop is the culmination of a generous donation by the former Lawrence Water Garden Society. The workshop will be given by Kelly Billing, an international aquatic plant specialist, water garden designer, consultant and author with over 30 years of experience in the water garden industry. Billing compiled and currently maintains the regulated aquatic plant list in the U.S. and has served on the board of directors for the International Waterlily and Water Garden Society.
The workshop will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday in the Flory Building at the Douglas County Fairgrounds, 2120 Harper St. Check-in and refreshments will be 8:30 to 9 a.m., first session from 9 to 11:30 a.m., lunch on your own, and second session from 1 to 3:30 p.m.
The morning session will focus on finding balance in water gardens: What big ponds can teach us about small ponds. Billing will share innovative approaches to achieve balance using natural plant materials while empowering the ecosystem.
During the afternoon session, participants will discover creative options for establishing low-maintenance, big and small gardens with traditional aquatic plants, waterlilies, and lotus. Hands-on practice dividing lotus will be available as well.
Registration is required for one or both sessions. The workshop is free but registration prior to the event is required as space is limited. To register, please sign up at dgemgks.com.
A limited supply of Billing’s book, “The Lotus: Know It and Grow It,” will be available for purchase and author signature.
— Douglas County Extension Master Gardeners are people who love to garden, learn about gardening and share what they learn with others. They are a community of gardeners who share a curiosity for learning, a passion for conservation, and a sense of obligation to enrich our community through outreach, education and beautification. They are volunteers trained in all aspects of horticulture, and their mission is to provide research-based gardening information to help Douglas County residents.
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