The Master Gardeners of Hamilton County (MGHC), in association with the University of Tennessee Extension, extend their outreach programs with free monthly gardening classes open to the public. On Saturday, from 10 a.m. to noon, the topic will be “Valuing Our Pollinators” presented by master gardener Kristina Shaneyfelt. MGHC classes take place at the UT Extension, Agricultural Service Center, 6183 Adamson Circle, on Bonny Oaks Drive. For additional information, visit www.mghc.org.
Kristina Shaneyfelt said, “Bees, wasps and other beneficial insects are essential to our environment and critical to the production of our food supply. These pollinators are under siege from loss of habitat, chemicals, and environmental damage. However, we can attract beneficial pollinators to our own gardens, providing them with the plants they need to survive and protecting them from dangerous pesticides. With a little effort, we can create healthy, productive, thriving gardens that not only enhance the landscape but make a difference in our environment.”
Master Gardeners of Hamilton County is a non-profit, educational, volunteer organization that plays an important role in the civic life of Chattanooga and the surrounding area. Among the many on-going landscaping and garden partnerships undertaken by MGHC are: Aquarium Butterfly & Hummingbird Garden, Bonny Oaks Arboretum, Chattanooga Area Food Bank, Chattanooga Zoo, McCoy Farm & Garden, Reflection Riding Arboretum & Nature Center, and Siskin Children’s Garden.