Gardeners will want to attend conference

SUGARCREEK, Ohio — All around the world, growing urban populations are seeking community spaces — parks, victory gardens, greenways and gardens — as essential components of daily life, places of reflection, recreation and celebration.

This symposium will examine timeless principles of design — whether applied to the creation of a residential garden or a public space — that connect us to the natural world and in so doing, fulfill our desire’s for association with our surrounding environment.

Midwest’s gardening symposium will be held in Sugarcreek, Ohio, Cultivate Your Passions, a day of lectures on design, plants and garden style, will be held at the Carlisle Inn of Sugarcreek Jan. 28 and 29 starting at 3 p.m.

Speakers

Internationally recognized researcher and grower Peter Konjoian will discuss encouraging trends that are appearing, trends that are revitalizing locally grown, fresh produce, meat and ornamentals.

Ralph Keefe, a regionally known plant and propagation specialist, will introduce unusual plants that work together effectively for containers and small spaces.

Tim Sigrist, the state’s best known compost producer, will discuss composting as nature’s process of recycling decomposed organic materials into rich soil.

Midwest’s certified organic produce grower Ruth Ham will speak on designing vegetable gardens for effective canning and preserving needs, and herb grower, Karen Langen will be teaching the traditions of culinary and medicinal herbs.

McDonald Marlight Center’s Chef Cameron and Lighthouse Bistro’s Chef Stephan who will be giving demonstrations on the details of gourmet cooking from the fruits and labor of you own backyards.

Cost is $155 per person. Prices include the conference and trade show, a one night stay, dinner, breakfast, lunch and an evening of panel discussions with regionally known growers, designers and educators.

Short courses

For the gardener who cannot devote the time to attend a two-day course away from home, a short courses has been developed by April Showers Greenhouse to provide instruction in basic gardening practices.

Cost is $75 per person, $50 for seniors and students.

The Midwest Garden Symposium and Organic Vegetable Conference is designed to give basic information to novice as well as experienced gardeners. It is hoped the course will attract both garden club members and community residents.

For more information, contact Ruth Ham at April Showers Greenhouse, 7464 Old Route 39, N.W. Sugarcreek, Ohio, 330-852-7464 between the hours of 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.