Master Gardeners of Hamilton County offers a free class, "All About Rain Gardens" on Saturday
The Master Gardeners of Hamilton County, in association with the University of Tennessee Extension, add to their outreach programs with free monthly gardening classes open to the public. The topic will be “Rain Gardens” presented by master gardener Mike Payne on Saturday from 10 a.m.-noon. MGHC classes take place at the UT Extension, Agricultural Service Center, 6183 Adamson Cir., off Bonny Oaks Drive.
Mr. Payne said, “Rain gardens are landscaped areas designed to divert, collect and naturally filter rain water and runoff that flows from roofs, driveway, patios or lawns. Planted with a selection of native shrubs, perennials and other flowers, these small and attractive gardens serve to protect the environment, as well providing a habitat for birds and many beneficial pollinators, including bees, butterflies and insects. An example of this can be seen in the Butterfly & Hummingbird garden maintained by the Master Gardeners near the Chattanooga Aquarium.
"The class will cover common problems of soil, drainage and rainwater runoff particular to our area, elements included in a basic design, and choosing the right plants to create an attractive, easy to maintain rain garden that will benefit both homeowners and the environment.”
Master Gardeners of Hamilton County is a non-profit, educational, volunteer organization that plays a role in the civic life of Chattanooga and the surrounding area. The many on-going landscape partnerships undertaken by MGHC include: Bonny Oaks Arboretum, Reflection Riding Arboretum and Nature Center, Chattanooga Area Food Bank, Chattanooga Aquarium Butterfly & Hummingbird Garden, Chattanooga Library, Chattanooga Zoo and Siskin Children’s Garden.
For additional information, visit www.mghc.org.