Speakers Bureau Catalog
Given the diverse interests and specialties of our Master Gardener speakers, the Speakers Bureau Catalog list of topics is quite extensive.
The following categories are featured in this catalog. By clicking on a category below, you will jump to descriptions of the programs that we offer in that category. Scroll through the category in which you are interested to see specific presentations with brief descriptions.
Keep in mind that many talks could fall into multiple categories. For example we talk about seeds under "Basic Gardening" and "Propagation". If you want to search thoroughly for a specific topic utilize the "Find" feature on the web browser that you are using.
The following categories are featured in this catalog. By clicking on a category below, you will jump to descriptions of the programs that we offer in that category. Scroll through the category in which you are interested to see specific presentations with brief descriptions.
Keep in mind that many talks could fall into multiple categories. For example we talk about seeds under "Basic Gardening" and "Propagation". If you want to search thoroughly for a specific topic utilize the "Find" feature on the web browser that you are using.
- Annuals
- Basic Gardening
- Bulbs
- Butterfly Gardening
- Container Gardening
- Edibles
- Floral Design
- Garden Art
- Garden Design
- Gardening with Children
- Health and Wellness
- Historical Plants and Landscapes
- Houseplants
- Insects and Diseases
- Organic Gardening
- Perennials
- Poisonous Plants
- Pollinator Gardening
- Propagation
- Pruning
- Shade Gardening
- Soil
- Specialty Gardens
- Sustainablilty
- Vines and Groundcovers
- Water-Wise Gardening
- Weeds
- Wildlife
Programs by Category:
Annuals
Annuals—Cool Season
Annuals that thrive during the cool season before the heat sets in.
Gardening with Annuals
Learn how to incorporate annuals into your landscape. Extend seasonal interest beyond just spring and summer. Learn how annuals can add color, form and texture. Planning, purchasing and maintenance are covered, as well.
Annuals—Cool Season
Annuals that thrive during the cool season before the heat sets in.
Gardening with Annuals
Learn how to incorporate annuals into your landscape. Extend seasonal interest beyond just spring and summer. Learn how annuals can add color, form and texture. Planning, purchasing and maintenance are covered, as well.
Basic Gardening
The Fall Garden--Putting Your Beds to Bed (Best taught between Sept. 1st and Oct. 1st.)
Review of the six major issues that affect flower and vegetable growth through the fall and winter; soil-building: compost production and general preparation of gardens for next year's efforts; by-month (Sept., Oct., Nov., and Dec.) review for both flower and vegetable gardens: what they are doing and what you should be doing for them.
Gardening in Greenville County-Years of Lessons Learned (virtual only at this time)
A Master Gardener will share the information they have learned from years of gardening in the Upstate. Topics may include dealing with red clay soil, how to grow vegetables, and the advantages of native plants. This program is designed for newcomers to the area, but all gardeners can benefit from the experiences of others.
Starting Healthy Vegetable Plants from Seed without a Greenhouse - New in 2024!
The Master Gardener will discuss his method of starting plants from seed without having to have a greenhouse. It will focus mainly on starting tomatoes but is applicable to other crops as well. This is a PowerPoint presentation with some visual aids. Best presented January to April.
Vegetable Gardening: On-site tour - New in 2024!
Tour a personal garden. Learn about vegetable gardening techniques for a variety of crops, pest and weed control, fertilization, etc. The tour length would be 1 - 1 1/2 hours. Best presented May 10th to August 1st
The Fall Garden--Putting Your Beds to Bed (Best taught between Sept. 1st and Oct. 1st.)
Review of the six major issues that affect flower and vegetable growth through the fall and winter; soil-building: compost production and general preparation of gardens for next year's efforts; by-month (Sept., Oct., Nov., and Dec.) review for both flower and vegetable gardens: what they are doing and what you should be doing for them.
Gardening in Greenville County-Years of Lessons Learned (virtual only at this time)
A Master Gardener will share the information they have learned from years of gardening in the Upstate. Topics may include dealing with red clay soil, how to grow vegetables, and the advantages of native plants. This program is designed for newcomers to the area, but all gardeners can benefit from the experiences of others.
Starting Healthy Vegetable Plants from Seed without a Greenhouse - New in 2024!
The Master Gardener will discuss his method of starting plants from seed without having to have a greenhouse. It will focus mainly on starting tomatoes but is applicable to other crops as well. This is a PowerPoint presentation with some visual aids. Best presented January to April.
Vegetable Gardening: On-site tour - New in 2024!
Tour a personal garden. Learn about vegetable gardening techniques for a variety of crops, pest and weed control, fertilization, etc. The tour length would be 1 - 1 1/2 hours. Best presented May 10th to August 1st
Bulbs
The Arum Family of Plants
This is a family of plants including over 4000 different species. Learn to identify plants in this family and the environments in which they thrive. Propagation techniques and management of invasive species is included. (Best in the summer.)
Bulb Culture
A bulb, the promise of a plant to come, is a complete package with a miniature plant inside, along with its food. Topics such as the bulb storage, site selection and preparation, planting, and maintenance are discussed in this presentation. Bulb "imposters" are also discussed.
Spring Bulbs (Best taught between Sept. 1st and Oct. 1st.)
History of the most common bulbs for this area, definition and selection; selecting optimal site, planting and maintaining; methods of using bulbs, alone or in combination with plant materials, in containers.
Summer Bulbs
Add a splash of color to your summer garden by learning the "How, What and Where" of a variety of summer bulbs.
The Arum Family of Plants
This is a family of plants including over 4000 different species. Learn to identify plants in this family and the environments in which they thrive. Propagation techniques and management of invasive species is included. (Best in the summer.)
Bulb Culture
A bulb, the promise of a plant to come, is a complete package with a miniature plant inside, along with its food. Topics such as the bulb storage, site selection and preparation, planting, and maintenance are discussed in this presentation. Bulb "imposters" are also discussed.
Spring Bulbs (Best taught between Sept. 1st and Oct. 1st.)
History of the most common bulbs for this area, definition and selection; selecting optimal site, planting and maintaining; methods of using bulbs, alone or in combination with plant materials, in containers.
Summer Bulbs
Add a splash of color to your summer garden by learning the "How, What and Where" of a variety of summer bulbs.
Butterfly Gardening
Beginning Butterfly Gardening
Butterfly needs, top butterfly plants, butterflies of the Upstate.
Beginning Butterfly Gardening
Butterfly needs, top butterfly plants, butterflies of the Upstate.
Container Gardening
Contain Yourself - Creative Container Ideas for All Seasons
Learn to use a variety of materials to dress up existing containers as well as creating fresh new containers to dress up your porch, patio, or garden.
Floral Container Gardening--Fall/Winter (Best taught between Aug. 1st and Sept. 15th.)
Site, light and soil requirements, selecting appropriate container and planting techniques; designing with seasonal plant materials and spring bulbs; emphasis on plant structure and foliage color for eight months of impact; maintenance: water, fertilization and grooming.
Floral Container Gardening--Spring/Summer (Best taught between Mar. 1st and Apr. 15th.)
Site, light and soil requirements, selecting appropriate container and planting techniques; designing with plant materials: size, color, texture and scent; maintenance: water, fertilization and grooming.
Getting Ready for Fall from the Outside In
Refreshes spring/summer containers with plants more adapted to cooler temperatures. When and how to bring plants that have been to summer camp back inside so they aren't too traumatized by lower light levels and lack of humidity. Also, how they should be cleaned, pruned and divided to fit into their winter homes. Speaker brings actual containers and changes out plants, if necessary, to illustrate the subject of the talk.
Getting Ready for Spring from the Inside Out
Cleaning up houseplants and preparing them for "summer camp;" includes brief remarks on propagation, pest removal, cultural requirements, and transition to stronger sunlight. Also includes suggestions for editing and adapting outdoor containers for the spring/summer season. Speaker brings actual containers and changes out plants, if necessary, to illustrate the subject of the talk.
Miniature/Fairy Gardens
Basic principles for the two are the same--one involving fairies, the other involves other small items. Speaker brings containers, discusses scale, vegetation, how to maintain it, and how to make the finished product look like a tiny world.
Not Your Ordinary Container Garden
Think of containers as garden beds made smaller and easier to manage. Types and sizes of containers, potting soil, plant combinations, plant cultural requirements, fertilization, and recognizing pests and diseases are all part of a successful container garden.
Uncontained: Unusual Solutions for Container Gardens (Best taught from Halloween to Jan. 31st.)
Some basic concepts, but using fun and unusual containers for the moment; centerpieces and other holiday arrangements. Suggestions on using non-traditional containers for indoor and outdoor planting.
Vegetable Gardening in Containers (Best taught between Feb. 1st - Mar. 1st and Aug. 1st - Sept. 15th)
Basic site requirements: light, temperature, appropriate container size/material, soil and support vehicles; best seeds and plants for containers; thorough season maintenance: controlling insects and disease, fertilization.
Contain Yourself - Creative Container Ideas for All Seasons
Learn to use a variety of materials to dress up existing containers as well as creating fresh new containers to dress up your porch, patio, or garden.
Floral Container Gardening--Fall/Winter (Best taught between Aug. 1st and Sept. 15th.)
Site, light and soil requirements, selecting appropriate container and planting techniques; designing with seasonal plant materials and spring bulbs; emphasis on plant structure and foliage color for eight months of impact; maintenance: water, fertilization and grooming.
Floral Container Gardening--Spring/Summer (Best taught between Mar. 1st and Apr. 15th.)
Site, light and soil requirements, selecting appropriate container and planting techniques; designing with plant materials: size, color, texture and scent; maintenance: water, fertilization and grooming.
Getting Ready for Fall from the Outside In
Refreshes spring/summer containers with plants more adapted to cooler temperatures. When and how to bring plants that have been to summer camp back inside so they aren't too traumatized by lower light levels and lack of humidity. Also, how they should be cleaned, pruned and divided to fit into their winter homes. Speaker brings actual containers and changes out plants, if necessary, to illustrate the subject of the talk.
Getting Ready for Spring from the Inside Out
Cleaning up houseplants and preparing them for "summer camp;" includes brief remarks on propagation, pest removal, cultural requirements, and transition to stronger sunlight. Also includes suggestions for editing and adapting outdoor containers for the spring/summer season. Speaker brings actual containers and changes out plants, if necessary, to illustrate the subject of the talk.
Miniature/Fairy Gardens
Basic principles for the two are the same--one involving fairies, the other involves other small items. Speaker brings containers, discusses scale, vegetation, how to maintain it, and how to make the finished product look like a tiny world.
Not Your Ordinary Container Garden
Think of containers as garden beds made smaller and easier to manage. Types and sizes of containers, potting soil, plant combinations, plant cultural requirements, fertilization, and recognizing pests and diseases are all part of a successful container garden.
Uncontained: Unusual Solutions for Container Gardens (Best taught from Halloween to Jan. 31st.)
Some basic concepts, but using fun and unusual containers for the moment; centerpieces and other holiday arrangements. Suggestions on using non-traditional containers for indoor and outdoor planting.
Vegetable Gardening in Containers (Best taught between Feb. 1st - Mar. 1st and Aug. 1st - Sept. 15th)
Basic site requirements: light, temperature, appropriate container size/material, soil and support vehicles; best seeds and plants for containers; thorough season maintenance: controlling insects and disease, fertilization.
Edibles
Fall Vegetable Gardening (Best taught between July 1st and Sept. 15th.)
Effects of soil temperature, change in position and intensity of sun and lowering temperatures on vegetable garden growth; cool season crops, both seeds and plants, planting dates and strategies for production of vegetables from fall to spring; maintaining and enhancing the garden through fertilization, control of weeds, insects and diseases, and tips on soil-building for the upcoming year.
Growing Herbs (Best taught between Mar. 1st and Apr. 15th.)
Brief history and lore of our most commonly grown herbs; optimal site, sustenance, maintenance and propagation; methods of harvesting and preserving herbs.
Growing Herbs: A lovely addition to any garden
This presentation identifies the basics of getting started with an herb garden. It includes ideas about why to grow herbs and how to have a successful start.
Growing the Best Tomatoes . . . Ever! (Best taught between Feb. 1st and April 1st)
History of tomatoes, types available for this area and your garden's circumstances; growing healthy plants from birth to death; common disorders, insects and diseases: how to monitor and control.
How to Start a Community Vegetable Garden
Cost, structure and operational comparison of Project Host Soup Kitchen Garden (a communal garden) to St. Francis Community Garden (a community garden); defining community's needs/selection of appropriate garden model (community or communal); location/site selection and "Vegetable Gardening 101" review of the basics.
Vegetable and Herb Gardening for Senior Citizens (Best taught between Mar. 1st and Apr. 1st.)
Emphasis on small, manageable container or in-ground gardens for seniors; basic site requirements: light, temperature, appropriate container size/material, soil and support vehicles; best seeds and plants for vegetable production.
Vegetable Gardening (Best taught between Feb. 1st and March 15th)
Optimal site: sun/temperature, soil, planting plan; vegetable selection for this area: seeds, plants, timing; maintenance: controlling weeds, insects and disease, fertilization and growing tips.
Vegetable Gardening in Raised Beds/Small Space Gardening (Best taught between Feb. 1st - Mar. 1st and Aug. 1st - Sept. 15th)
Optimal choices for raised bed materials/size/construction and container size/material; vegetable selection for this area: seeds, plants, timing; seasonal efforts to prolong vegetable production.
Fall Vegetable Gardening (Best taught between July 1st and Sept. 15th.)
Effects of soil temperature, change in position and intensity of sun and lowering temperatures on vegetable garden growth; cool season crops, both seeds and plants, planting dates and strategies for production of vegetables from fall to spring; maintaining and enhancing the garden through fertilization, control of weeds, insects and diseases, and tips on soil-building for the upcoming year.
Growing Herbs (Best taught between Mar. 1st and Apr. 15th.)
Brief history and lore of our most commonly grown herbs; optimal site, sustenance, maintenance and propagation; methods of harvesting and preserving herbs.
Growing Herbs: A lovely addition to any garden
This presentation identifies the basics of getting started with an herb garden. It includes ideas about why to grow herbs and how to have a successful start.
Growing the Best Tomatoes . . . Ever! (Best taught between Feb. 1st and April 1st)
History of tomatoes, types available for this area and your garden's circumstances; growing healthy plants from birth to death; common disorders, insects and diseases: how to monitor and control.
How to Start a Community Vegetable Garden
Cost, structure and operational comparison of Project Host Soup Kitchen Garden (a communal garden) to St. Francis Community Garden (a community garden); defining community's needs/selection of appropriate garden model (community or communal); location/site selection and "Vegetable Gardening 101" review of the basics.
Vegetable and Herb Gardening for Senior Citizens (Best taught between Mar. 1st and Apr. 1st.)
Emphasis on small, manageable container or in-ground gardens for seniors; basic site requirements: light, temperature, appropriate container size/material, soil and support vehicles; best seeds and plants for vegetable production.
Vegetable Gardening (Best taught between Feb. 1st and March 15th)
Optimal site: sun/temperature, soil, planting plan; vegetable selection for this area: seeds, plants, timing; maintenance: controlling weeds, insects and disease, fertilization and growing tips.
Vegetable Gardening in Raised Beds/Small Space Gardening (Best taught between Feb. 1st - Mar. 1st and Aug. 1st - Sept. 15th)
Optimal choices for raised bed materials/size/construction and container size/material; vegetable selection for this area: seeds, plants, timing; seasonal efforts to prolong vegetable production.
Floral Design (Most have a supply fee but product is left by presenter )
Seasonal Floral Design for Mailboxes and Doors
Decorating for the different seasons as well as for holidays is an activity that many people enjoy. Whether you want to dress up your house for spring, summer, Christmas, Hanukkah, Halloween, or other holidays, remember to include your mailbox and front door. Placing decorations outside is a great way to spread a warm welcome and festive holiday cheer. This presentation will provide you with ideas for decorating, using simple yet celebratory themes that add to the joyful decorations of your home. No charge for demo only. $20 material charge if floral piece stays with the organization.
101 Flower Pressing
A demo on how to use flower, leaves, and other organic things collected from your garden to create creative pieces of art. We will learn the basic techniques for collecting, pressing and then using your found pieces. Class lasts about 35 minutes. No charge.
Seasonal Floral Design for Mailboxes and Doors
Decorating for the different seasons as well as for holidays is an activity that many people enjoy. Whether you want to dress up your house for spring, summer, Christmas, Hanukkah, Halloween, or other holidays, remember to include your mailbox and front door. Placing decorations outside is a great way to spread a warm welcome and festive holiday cheer. This presentation will provide you with ideas for decorating, using simple yet celebratory themes that add to the joyful decorations of your home. No charge for demo only. $20 material charge if floral piece stays with the organization.
101 Flower Pressing
A demo on how to use flower, leaves, and other organic things collected from your garden to create creative pieces of art. We will learn the basic techniques for collecting, pressing and then using your found pieces. Class lasts about 35 minutes. No charge.
Garden Art
Concrete Leaf Casting
A demonstration in which attendees will learn how to cast leaves in concrete. Requires a water source and an entrance to the facility where the presenter can move concrete, sand, and other materials easily. No charge for demonstration only. $10 supply charge per student to make the casting.
Creating Hypertufa Containers
Create a stone-like planter that looks like it would be at home nestled in the Victorian gardens of an old English estate. Hypertufa containers are lightweight and provide great drainage. Can be done as a demo (30 minutes) or class. Handout distributed. No charge for demonstration only. $15 supply charge per person to make their own container.
Concrete Leaf Casting
A demonstration in which attendees will learn how to cast leaves in concrete. Requires a water source and an entrance to the facility where the presenter can move concrete, sand, and other materials easily. No charge for demonstration only. $10 supply charge per student to make the casting.
Creating Hypertufa Containers
Create a stone-like planter that looks like it would be at home nestled in the Victorian gardens of an old English estate. Hypertufa containers are lightweight and provide great drainage. Can be done as a demo (30 minutes) or class. Handout distributed. No charge for demonstration only. $15 supply charge per person to make their own container.
Garden Design
Form, Texture, and Color in the Perennial Garden (Best taught between Mar. 15th - May 15th and Aug. 1st - Oct. 1st.)
Garden Design "101": what makes a great garden; exploration of plant material form, texture, and importance of bloom and (especially) foliage color; how to take a garden's "pulse" for form, texture, and color, and how to enact changes for a more successful year 'round garden.
Continuous Color All Year Long
How to create an interesting garden throughout all four seasons. How to use color, form and texture and showcase nature's seasonal attributes to provide interest in the garden all year.
Form, Texture, and Color in the Perennial Garden (Best taught between Mar. 15th - May 15th and Aug. 1st - Oct. 1st.)
Garden Design "101": what makes a great garden; exploration of plant material form, texture, and importance of bloom and (especially) foliage color; how to take a garden's "pulse" for form, texture, and color, and how to enact changes for a more successful year 'round garden.
Continuous Color All Year Long
How to create an interesting garden throughout all four seasons. How to use color, form and texture and showcase nature's seasonal attributes to provide interest in the garden all year.
Gardening with Children
Early Bloomers
Please see the Early Bloomers page for details.
School Gardens
What you need to know to create one, and how to keep it going once you've got it.
Early Bloomers
Please see the Early Bloomers page for details.
School Gardens
What you need to know to create one, and how to keep it going once you've got it.
Health and Wellness
Gardening and Garden Scents - Health and Wellness New in 2024!
This presentation explores research findings that show how our interaction with nature through gardening impacts our health, sense of well-being and promotes healing. Fragrances produced by plants affect our brain, impacting emotions, our mood and even relieving physical symptoms. This presentation will highlight therapeutic and medicinal aspects related to gardening, plants, and plant aromas.
Gardening and Garden Scents - Health and Wellness New in 2024!
This presentation explores research findings that show how our interaction with nature through gardening impacts our health, sense of well-being and promotes healing. Fragrances produced by plants affect our brain, impacting emotions, our mood and even relieving physical symptoms. This presentation will highlight therapeutic and medicinal aspects related to gardening, plants, and plant aromas.
Historical Plants & Landscapes
A Biblical Garden--Where Do I Start?
Gardens play prominent roles in our lives and in history. This is an introduction to the requirements for a Biblical garden, the resources available to create something similar in our space, and where some are that we can enjoy.
Medicinal Plants through the Ages
Herbal medicine traces its roots back to the earliest civilizations. Even with the amazing technological advances of current pharmacology, herbalism - the art and science of healing with plants - is becoming an alternative medicinal practice. Learn how common herbs planted in gardens and readily available can be the best and most popular remedies for common ailments.
A Biblical Garden--Where Do I Start?
Gardens play prominent roles in our lives and in history. This is an introduction to the requirements for a Biblical garden, the resources available to create something similar in our space, and where some are that we can enjoy.
Medicinal Plants through the Ages
Herbal medicine traces its roots back to the earliest civilizations. Even with the amazing technological advances of current pharmacology, herbalism - the art and science of healing with plants - is becoming an alternative medicinal practice. Learn how common herbs planted in gardens and readily available can be the best and most popular remedies for common ailments.
Houseplants
Houseplants 101
A simple plan for the selection, planting, maintenance and care of various kinds of houseplants is the focus of this presentation. Following "the plan" will keep your houseplants thriving and surviving.
Gardens Under Glass
Speaker will bring several terrariums for examples and will discuss appropriate containers, planting methods, useful tools, maintenance, and some easy plants for terrariums.
Houseplants 101
A simple plan for the selection, planting, maintenance and care of various kinds of houseplants is the focus of this presentation. Following "the plan" will keep your houseplants thriving and surviving.
Gardens Under Glass
Speaker will bring several terrariums for examples and will discuss appropriate containers, planting methods, useful tools, maintenance, and some easy plants for terrariums.
Insects and Diseases
Protecting the Pollinators
Scientists estimate that one out of three bites of food people eat exists because of pollinators like bees, butterflies and moths, birds, bats, beetles and other insects. Many pollinator populations are declining due to habitat loss, disease, parasites and environmental contaminants. This presentation addresses what a person can do to help pollinators--especially solitary bees--thrive.
Protecting the Pollinators
Scientists estimate that one out of three bites of food people eat exists because of pollinators like bees, butterflies and moths, birds, bats, beetles and other insects. Many pollinator populations are declining due to habitat loss, disease, parasites and environmental contaminants. This presentation addresses what a person can do to help pollinators--especially solitary bees--thrive.
Organic Gardening
Perennials
Gardening with Perennials
Learn how to incorporate perennials into your landscape. Extend seasonal interest beyond just spring and summer. Learn how perennials can add color, form and texture. Planning, purchasing and maintenance are covered, as well.
Gardening with Perennials and Annuals
Learn how to incorporate annuals and perennials into your landscape. Extend seasonal interest beyond just spring and summer. Learn how perennials can add color, form and texture.
Planning, purchasing and maintenance are covered, as well.
Growing Dahlias in the Upstate - NEW in 2024!
Tradition has held that dahlias are difficult to grow in Upstate South Carolina and that they are basically a waste of time and money. The presenter will bust that myth and get you eager to start growing your own beautiful dahlias!
Perennials—Shade
All I have is shade! What perennials can I grow?
Gardening with Perennials
Learn how to incorporate perennials into your landscape. Extend seasonal interest beyond just spring and summer. Learn how perennials can add color, form and texture. Planning, purchasing and maintenance are covered, as well.
Gardening with Perennials and Annuals
Learn how to incorporate annuals and perennials into your landscape. Extend seasonal interest beyond just spring and summer. Learn how perennials can add color, form and texture.
Planning, purchasing and maintenance are covered, as well.
Growing Dahlias in the Upstate - NEW in 2024!
Tradition has held that dahlias are difficult to grow in Upstate South Carolina and that they are basically a waste of time and money. The presenter will bust that myth and get you eager to start growing your own beautiful dahlias!
Perennials—Shade
All I have is shade! What perennials can I grow?
Poisonous Plants
Wicked Plants
This presentation is based on Amy Stewart's book, "Wicked Plants: The Weed that Killed Lincoln's Mother & Other Botanical Atrocities." Lots of interesting information and stories about many plants.
Wicked Plants
This presentation is based on Amy Stewart's book, "Wicked Plants: The Weed that Killed Lincoln's Mother & Other Botanical Atrocities." Lots of interesting information and stories about many plants.
Pollinator Gardening
Pollinators in Jeopardy: Gardeners Can Help (One hour presentation)
A discussion of various pollinators and the risks they face. Describes strategies residential gardeners can undertake to preserve a thriving pollinator habitat.
Protecting the Pollinators
Scientists estimate that one out of three bites of food people eat exists because of pollinators like bees, butterflies and moths, birds, bats, beetles and other insects. Many pollinator populations are declining due to habitat loss, disease, parasites and environmental contaminants. This presentation addresses what a person can do to help pollinators--especially solitary bees--thrive.
Tips for Planting Native Plants in Your Home Garden - New in 2024!
This talk will focus on the whys of planting native plants in your garden. Tips on how to get started, as well as how to select and shop for native plants will be discussed. Any gardener can make a difference and can improve their home ecosystem!
Pollinators in Jeopardy: Gardeners Can Help (One hour presentation)
A discussion of various pollinators and the risks they face. Describes strategies residential gardeners can undertake to preserve a thriving pollinator habitat.
Protecting the Pollinators
Scientists estimate that one out of three bites of food people eat exists because of pollinators like bees, butterflies and moths, birds, bats, beetles and other insects. Many pollinator populations are declining due to habitat loss, disease, parasites and environmental contaminants. This presentation addresses what a person can do to help pollinators--especially solitary bees--thrive.
Tips for Planting Native Plants in Your Home Garden - New in 2024!
This talk will focus on the whys of planting native plants in your garden. Tips on how to get started, as well as how to select and shop for native plants will be discussed. Any gardener can make a difference and can improve their home ecosystem!
Propagation
Horizontal Propagation (formerly "Pot" Layering)
Novice and experienced gardeners will love this popular new technique to easily produce mature plants. Through demonstration you will see it is easy to learn and readily adaptable to plants in your yard as well as in containers, while less work than most other techniques. This is an ideal technique for non-gardeners, or those who don’t want to wait years for their perennials to mature from cuttings, or people who have movement difficulty and still want the joy of easily propagating their plants.
Plant Propagation (Asexual) (Best taught between Aug. 15th and Oct. 1st.)
Getting started, timing and selection of plant materials, selection of plant parts that will yield the most success in propagation; utilizing simple techniques and tools. Plant propagation demo-time and space allowing.
Propagation--Seeds and Plants (Best taught between Jan. 1st - Feb. 15th and Aug. 15th - Oct. 1st.)
Brief/humorous history of propagation, how to get started: selecting plants or seeds, simple/economical containers, tools, etc.; plant propagation (asexual): timing techniques, tools and methods; seed propagation (sexual): seed structure, types, viability and how to start.
Seed Propagation (on demand video)
A video features a Master Gardener discussing easy seeds for beginners, how to select seeds, when to start seed (including indoors), what containers and growing media to use, how to harden seedlings off, how to save your own seed for next year and links to other good reference materials, including the online Burpee's Growing Calendar. Also includes a printed outline and references.
Success with Seeds (Best taught between Jan. 1st and Feb. 15th.)
Brief/humorous history of propagation; the structure, nature, protective strategies and dispersal of seeds; how to collect, preserve and prepare for planting; explanation of seed germination and step-by-step process of starting seeds up to planting them in-ground.
2 for 1: Propagating While Pruning
Have more of the plants you love by combining propagation with pruning. This demonstration covers basic pruning techniques with several methods of propagation, and shows techniques to easily combine them. Get many tips to improve your success.
Pruning
Shear Madness
This presentation shows proper techniques, tools and timing for pruning to promote healthy tree and shrub growth in the home landscape.
2 for 1: Propagating While Pruning
Have more of the plants you love by combining propagation with pruning. This demonstration covers basic pruning techniques with several methods of propagation, and shows techniques to easily combine them. Get many tips to improve your success.
Shear Madness
This presentation shows proper techniques, tools and timing for pruning to promote healthy tree and shrub growth in the home landscape.
2 for 1: Propagating While Pruning
Have more of the plants you love by combining propagation with pruning. This demonstration covers basic pruning techniques with several methods of propagation, and shows techniques to easily combine them. Get many tips to improve your success.
Shade Gardening
Ferns
Not just to hang on your front porch any more.
The Plant Family of Arum
This large family of plants are diverse, 3 season, shade-loving perennials. Common arum species are peace lilies, jack in the pulpit and elephant ears. And there are so many more! Learn how to care for Arum and how to incorporate these plants in your shade garden.
Ferns
Not just to hang on your front porch any more.
The Plant Family of Arum
This large family of plants are diverse, 3 season, shade-loving perennials. Common arum species are peace lilies, jack in the pulpit and elephant ears. And there are so many more! Learn how to care for Arum and how to incorporate these plants in your shade garden.
Soil
Mulch Matters: Benefits, Types, Problems, Methods
Speaker will discuss ins and outs and pros and cons of various mulches and divulge (as well as recommend) her favorite and somewhat unusual type of mulch.
Soil / Soil Testing (Best taught between Sept. 1st and Oct. 15th.)
History, components and properties of soil in this area and how to improve its fertility; simple soil tests for overall health, percolation and composition; the Clemson soil test: how to take, interpret and act on the results.
Mulch Matters: Benefits, Types, Problems, Methods
Speaker will discuss ins and outs and pros and cons of various mulches and divulge (as well as recommend) her favorite and somewhat unusual type of mulch.
Soil / Soil Testing (Best taught between Sept. 1st and Oct. 15th.)
History, components and properties of soil in this area and how to improve its fertility; simple soil tests for overall health, percolation and composition; the Clemson soil test: how to take, interpret and act on the results.
Specialty Gardens
Carolina Fence Garden
The Carolina Fence garden incorporates basic natural and cultural elements, which have been designated as symbols of our state. It is a landscape component that can be adapted to a variety of settings. Learn how to design your own Carolina Fence garden to showcase specimen and native plants.
Garden Color All Year Long
How to have interest in your garden 12 months a year.
Golden Age Gardening
Learn tips on how to adapt your gardening and container skills as gardeners age.
Native Plants and Pollinators
The Why, What and Where of South Carolina Native Plants. Learn how Native Plants interact and protect our southern pollinators.
The Twilight Garden (Best taught between Feb. 1st and Apr. 15th.)
History of the Twilight Garden; emphasis on the five senses; selection of appropriate site and planning; hardscapes, lighting, embellishments; designing of garden space and plant selection.
Theme Gardens
General overview of the requirements for a theme garden. Examples, such as: colors, children's garden, college garden. Being creative and personal.
Carolina Fence Garden
The Carolina Fence garden incorporates basic natural and cultural elements, which have been designated as symbols of our state. It is a landscape component that can be adapted to a variety of settings. Learn how to design your own Carolina Fence garden to showcase specimen and native plants.
Garden Color All Year Long
How to have interest in your garden 12 months a year.
Golden Age Gardening
Learn tips on how to adapt your gardening and container skills as gardeners age.
Native Plants and Pollinators
The Why, What and Where of South Carolina Native Plants. Learn how Native Plants interact and protect our southern pollinators.
The Twilight Garden (Best taught between Feb. 1st and Apr. 15th.)
History of the Twilight Garden; emphasis on the five senses; selection of appropriate site and planning; hardscapes, lighting, embellishments; designing of garden space and plant selection.
Theme Gardens
General overview of the requirements for a theme garden. Examples, such as: colors, children's garden, college garden. Being creative and personal.
Sustainability
Sustainability using Native Plants and Pollinators
Lawns are ecological wastelands for many reasons. The Master Gardener will present more pollinator friendly options.
Sustainability using Native Plants and Pollinators
Lawns are ecological wastelands for many reasons. The Master Gardener will present more pollinator friendly options.
Vines and Groundcover
Ground Covers (Best taught between Feb. 1st - May 1st and Sept. 1st - Oct. 15th.)
History, definition/types; why, where and how to successfully use for both function and to add beauty; selecting appropriate plants, site preparation, spacing/patterning, planting, mulching, and maintaining.
Ground Covers (Best taught between Feb. 1st - May 1st and Sept. 1st - Oct. 15th.)
History, definition/types; why, where and how to successfully use for both function and to add beauty; selecting appropriate plants, site preparation, spacing/patterning, planting, mulching, and maintaining.
Water-Wise Gardening
Residential Rain Gardens: What, Why, and How
This presentation will define rain gardens, illustrate their importance, explain their construction, as well as list and display some plants appropriate for a sunny rain garden.
Residential Rain Gardens: What, Why, and How
This presentation will define rain gardens, illustrate their importance, explain their construction, as well as list and display some plants appropriate for a sunny rain garden.
Weeds
Weed I.D. & Management
Discover how to identify weeds, how they spread, how they are managed, can they be managed? We explore the seasons, the leaves, the flowers and the roots. We also review methods of control. A quick review with information to take home.
Invasive Species in the Landscape
An invasive species is a species that is not native to a specific location, and that has a tendency to spread to a degree believed to cause damage to the environment, human economy or human health. We will discuss common invasive species such as kudzu and others common to the SC landscape and strategies to control and manage these plantings.
Weed I.D. & Management
Discover how to identify weeds, how they spread, how they are managed, can they be managed? We explore the seasons, the leaves, the flowers and the roots. We also review methods of control. A quick review with information to take home.
Invasive Species in the Landscape
An invasive species is a species that is not native to a specific location, and that has a tendency to spread to a degree believed to cause damage to the environment, human economy or human health. We will discuss common invasive species such as kudzu and others common to the SC landscape and strategies to control and manage these plantings.
Wildlife
Creating a Backyard Wildlife Habitat (Best taught Jan. 1st - Feb. 15th and Sept. 1st - Oct. 15th)
How to provide wildlife with the four basic needs: water, food, shelter, and a place to raise their young; seasonal efforts to attract wildlife in spring, summer, fall and winter; designing a simple backyard Wildlife Habitat from augmenting existing landscape to starting from scratch.
Gardening for Wildlife
Everyone's yard, no matter how big or small, how rural or urban, can provide habitat for some kind of wildlife. The landscaping practices offered during this presentation can help gardeners attract and sustain beneficial wildlife in their garden.
Seeing Blues
How to attract Eastern bluebirds to your yard and enhance wildlife in your environment.
Creating a Backyard Wildlife Habitat (Best taught Jan. 1st - Feb. 15th and Sept. 1st - Oct. 15th)
How to provide wildlife with the four basic needs: water, food, shelter, and a place to raise their young; seasonal efforts to attract wildlife in spring, summer, fall and winter; designing a simple backyard Wildlife Habitat from augmenting existing landscape to starting from scratch.
Gardening for Wildlife
Everyone's yard, no matter how big or small, how rural or urban, can provide habitat for some kind of wildlife. The landscaping practices offered during this presentation can help gardeners attract and sustain beneficial wildlife in their garden.
Seeing Blues
How to attract Eastern bluebirds to your yard and enhance wildlife in your environment.