On Saturday, March 15, garden-lovers from across southwest Missouri packed the fellowship hall at Branson’s Faith Lutheran Church for the annual Spring Garden Workshop, presented by Master Gardeners of the Ozarks. MGO is part of the Stone and Taney County Councils of the University of Missouri Extension.
Gardeners of all ages and experience levels enjoyed browsing the plant sale and garden-themed vendor booths, as well as connecting with friends or making new ones. A delicious breakfast provided by MGO members and lunch catered by Big D’s BBQ were also part of the day.
The opening workshop was “The Art of Gardening, Monet Style,” presented by Master Gardener Gale McRoberts from Johnson County, Kansas. Attendees were inspired by photos of examples of the famous artist’s use of color and composition to reflect the beauty of nature around him, shown alongside photos of the Monet-themed garden in Overland Park, Kansas, with plantings and water features stunningly like Monet’s art.
“Floating Wetlands: Taking Gardening to the Pond,” by Master Gardener Caroline Griesemer, showed plants in floating bases made from recycled plastics that not only add beauty to ponds, but can help reduce invasive algae overgrowth. Griesemer also presented “A Year in the Life of a Beehive.” Attendees marveled at the specialization and detail of these tiny creatures that pollinate our gardens while providing honey to enjoy.
Horticulture Specialist Debi Kelly from the MU Extension took attendees on a photo tour of Keukenhof Gardens and Royal Flora Holland, for historical education in “Tulips: From Discovery to Today.” She also gave tips for growing tulips in Ozarks gardens.
Greene County Master Gardener Nathan Osborne wrapped up with “Mushrooms and Fungi,” a great source of soil enrichment as well as food. The day concluded with the always-popular raffle drawings for garden décor, tools, gift certificates and more.
If you missed the workshop or want to learn more, check out free classes offered monthly throughout the gardening season at Kimberling Area Library in Kimberling City; Library Center of the Ozarks in downtown Branson; and the Taney County Extension Office in Forsyth. With topics ranging from “Hummingbird Habits” to raised bed tips to vegetables to roses, there’s sure to be a topic for everyone; visit https://mgozarks.org and select “events” to find the dates and topics for each location.
Also, plan to enjoy the 2025 Garden Tour. From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, June 14, enjoy a self-guided tour of seven enchanting private gardens, all located east of U.S. Hwy. 65 in Taney County. You’ll get some great ideas by seeing how these home gardeners have dealt with the Ozarks challenges of turning steep, rocky hillsides into beautiful spaces!
Registration is just $20 online at https://mgozarks.org, where you can also find a form to register by mail.On Saturday, March 15, garden-lovers from across southwest Missouri packed the fellowship hall at Branson’s Faith Lutheran Church for the annual Spring Garden Workshop, presented by Master Gardeners of the Ozarks. MGO is part of the Stone and Taney County Councils of the University of Missouri Extension.
Gardeners of all ages and experience levels enjoyed browsing the plant sale and garden-themed vendor booths, as well as connecting with friends or making new ones. A delicious breakfast provided by MGO members and lunch catered by Big D’s BBQ were also part of the day.
The opening workshop was “The Art of Gardening, Monet Style,” presented by Master Gardener Gale McRoberts from Johnson County, Kansas. Attendees were inspired by photos of examples of the famous artist’s use of color and composition to reflect the beauty of nature around him, shown alongside photos of the Monet-themed garden in Overland Park, Kansas, with plantings and water features stunningly like Monet’s art.
“Floating Wetlands: Taking Gardening to the Pond,” by Master Gardener Caroline Griesemer, showed plants in floating bases made from recycled plastics that not only add beauty to ponds, but can help reduce invasive algae overgrowth. Griesemer also presented “A Year in the Life of a Beehive.” Attendees marveled at the specialization and detail of these tiny creatures that pollinate our gardens while providing honey to enjoy.
Horticulture Specialist Debi Kelly from the MU Extension took attendees on a photo tour of Keukenhof Gardens and Royal Flora Holland, for historical education in “Tulips: From Discovery to Today.” She also gave tips for growing tulips in Ozarks gardens.
Greene County Master Gardener Nathan Osborne wrapped up with “Mushrooms and Fungi,” a great source of soil enrichment as well as food. The day concluded with the always-popular raffle drawings for garden décor, tools, gift certificates and more.
If you missed the workshop or want to learn more, check out free classes offered monthly throughout the gardening season at Kimberling Area Library in Kimberling City; Library Center of the Ozarks in downtown Branson; and the Taney County Extension Office in Forsyth. With topics ranging from “Hummingbird Habits” to raised bed tips to vegetables to roses, there’s sure to be a topic for everyone; visit https://mgozarks.org and select “events” to find the dates and topics for each location.
Also, plan to enjoy the 2025 Garden Tour. From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, June 14, enjoy a self-guided tour of seven enchanting private gardens, all located east of U.S. Hwy. 65 in Taney County. You’ll get some great ideas by seeing how these home gardeners have dealt with the Ozarks challenges of turning steep, rocky hillsides into beautiful spaces!
Registration is just $20 online at https://mgozarks.org, where you can also find a form to register by mail.