The following comes from Gloucester County.
A new season of Certified Gardener classes will be starting soon at the Gloucester County Office of Government Services Building at 1200 N. Delsea Drive in Clayton. The Certified Gardeners are community volunteers trained in environmentally friendly gardening.
“The classes are open to all residents, regardless of their experience levels, and serves as a great activity and hobby for anyone who has an interest in gardening or volunteering,” said Freeholder Director Robert M. Damminger.
Certified Gardener classes are a year-long program that includes lectures and hands-on learning every Wednesday from 9 a.m. to noon from January through May.
The hands-on portion of the class includes a variety of community outreach projects such as the Butterfly House and Historic Gardens at the Red Bank Battlefield, demonstration gardens throughout the county, donation gardens and through educational events and classes.
“Both experienced and beginning gardeners can gain valuable education and experience through this unique program,” said Freeholder Frank J. DiMarco, Liaison to the Department of Parks. “It’s a great way to experience the beauty of nature in our county while also learning more about it and how to take care of it.”
Topics covered in the program include: gardening naturally, composting, plant diseases, propagation, native plants, pruning and more. The program also requires participants to volunteer service hours toward Certified Gardener projects, activities and events throughout the year.
There is a $150.00 fee, which covers educational materials and speaker fees. Those interested in joining can call the Gloucester County Office of Land Preservation at (856) 307–6456 or email [email protected].
