Press releaser from Gloucester County Board of Freeholders
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, Clayton. The certified gardeners are community volunteers trained in environmentally friendly gardening.
Freeholder Director Robert M. Damminger said, “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.”
Certified gardener classes are a yearlong program that include lectures and hand on learning every Wednesday from 9 a.m. to noon from Jan. 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.
Freeholder Frank J. DiMarco, liaison to the Department of Parks, said, “Both experienced and beginning gardeners can gain valuable education and experience through this unique program. 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 fee, which covers educational materials and speaker fees.
Those interested in joining can call the GC Office of Land Preservation at (856) 307–6456 or email mcummings@co.gloucester.nj.us
