Master Gardeners of Clinton County Present Garden Sense Symposium

By Virginia Counsil

Master Gardeners will offer their annual Garden Sense Symposium on January 20, 2024, at the Penn State Extension of Clinton County office on Rt. 64 in the Learning Center from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.. 

Starting the morning at 9:00 a.m. is Penn State Extension Educator Tom Butzler, who will present Boxwoods Unboxed: Cultivating Beauty, Confronting Challenges. In this first session, we will explore the world of boxwoods! From the art of incorporating these staples into our outdoor landscapes to the challenges posed by diseases, insects, and environmental factors, we’ll unravel the issues of some of the most beloved plants in horticulture. Discover the cultural aspects influencing boxwood success and delve into the battle against foes like boxwood blight, leafminers, and winter burn.

At 10:00 a.m., Mihail Kantor, Assistant Research Professor in the Plant Pathology and Environmental Microbiology department at Penn State University, will provide a general presentation about Plant Parasitic Nematodes that will cover what plant parasitic nematodes are, how to recognize them, and their classification and common symptoms caused by nematodes. He will also discuss diagnosis and the importance of surveying for nematodes and review the most common and important plant parasitic nematodes for gardeners and small farmers.

At 11:00 a.m., audience members will hear a presentation from Sharon Miller, Master Gardener of Lycoming County, who will present Growing, Caring, and Creating with Succulents. She will help us learn how easy these amazing plants are to grow, propagate, and use in unique and unusual ways, from favors to floral designs, living wreaths, and combination planters.  Following her presentation, audience members can plant their own succulents in this hands-on workshop. For $10.00, participants will receive three succulents, soil, and a container. If you prefer to bring your own container, ensure it is no larger than 3 inches in diameter and includes a drainage hole.