The Master Gardeners of Hamilton County, in association with the University of Tennessee Extension, hold their Rain Barrel Class this Saturday from 10 a.m.-noon. MGHC classes take place at the UT Extension, Agricultural Service Center, 6183 Adamson Circle, located off Bonny Oaks Drive.
The cost is $40 per person (payable to UT-TSU Extension) and includes the barrel, plus the spigot and overflow pipe. Advance registration is required as a maximum of 12 spots are available. Participants are advised to wear work clothes and bring extra mats to protect car interiors from glue residue.
(Note: A 55-gallon rain barrel fits in an SUV.) To register, call the UT Extension at 423-855-6113 or visit
http://mghc.org/.
Connie Giles, one of the master gardeners who teaches the class, said, “Rain barrels are placed near gutters and downspouts to capture rain water from your roof and hold it for later use for such things as lawns, gardens or indoor plants. Collecting roof runoff in rain barrels reduces the amount of water that flows from your property. Plus, it’s a great way to conserve water and use it later in your garden. In this class, participants will learn about the benefits of having a rain barrel to catch water runoff and how much water can be collected in even a short amount of rain, as well as how to prepare your rain barrel and take care of it between seasons. Each participant will receive a 55-gallon plastic container and learn how to convert it into a useful vessel for holding water by adding a spigot, overflow pipe, and priming for waterproof sealing. Stencils will also be provided for future decorating and customizing. Everyone has a really good time and goes home with something useful for their garden.”
"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," officials said. Among the many ongoing 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.
All educational programs and/or activities sponsored or assisted by county Extension employees are open to all regardless of race, color, national origin, age, sex or disability.