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The Six Degrees of Better Gardening

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HILLSBORO – At last, have it both ways: Play in dirt, yet be treated like an adult for it. That’s right, we’re talking about gardening.

Now you can get some tips in a free six-week Noon Garden Series on Tuesdays, beginning June 24 at the Hillsboro Library- Tanasbourne

The Noon Garden Series is sponsored by Portland Community College, Hillsboro Public Library and OSU Master Gardeners. Instructors for all noon sessions are OSU Master Gardeners themselves. Topics include:

June 24 – Color in the Perennial Garden – Add lasting color to your garden. Learn to group according to texture and color as Jolly Butler discusses how to make perennials work for you.

July 1 – Low Maintenance Gardening Tips – Don’t create a high maintenance garden if you are a low maintenance person. Learn from George Hall how to work smarter not harder giving you more time to enjoy your garden.

July 8 – Introduction to Drip Irrigation – Put the water where the plant needs it! John Biewener shares how to save time and money by installing your own watering system. Even take a vacation, then put your system on a timer and come back to a healthy landscape.

July 15 – Pest Control in the Backyard – From chemicals to concoctions, identify problems in your yard and learn what is the best for you and your garden.

July 22 – Growing and Using Herbs From Your Garden – Learn about the selection, care and use of commonly grown herbs that do well in the Pacific Northwest. Touch, smell and taste your way through this class!

July 29 – Container Gardening – Everyone’s using containers! Used for annual color, edible crops or small ornamentals, container gardens can bring a riot of color to the porch or patio, produce a salad garden or be useful for divider screens for woody ornamentals. Learn the care, culture and uses for containers around your home from Melinda Mathiesen.

Classes meet from noon to 1 p.m. Pre-registration is encouraged due to limited space. Students are welcome to bring their lunch. Hillsboro Library- Tanasbourne is located at 2453 Northwest 185th Avenue. Dial PCC at 614-2708 for more information.