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Sage Gardening

Program Description

Gardening is one of the top leisure activities for Americans. Gardens and garden equipment can be easily adapted to suit one's physical needs as people age. This program is useful for all persons who would like easier access to gardening.

Topics

  • Medicinal and psychological benefits of gardening.
  • Garden design, including raised beds, vertical structures and trellises, and other structures.
  • Container gardening.
  • Plants and tools to use for persons who may have arthritis or other impairments, including ways to make homemade special tools or adapting existing tools.
  • Common sense tips for any gardener who wants to make his or her work easier.
  • Planting gardens that appeal to all the senses.
  • Planting to attract birds and butterflies.

Speakers

  • Montana State University Master Gardner program. Master gardeners are required to volunteer services in exchange for the training they receive. To locate a Master Gardener in your area, consult: http://gardenguide.montana.edu/mastergardener/.
  • County extension agent.
  • American Horticultural Therapy Association (800) 634-1603.
  • Montana Federated Garden Clubs: http://www.mtfgc.org/.
  • Local garden center and nursery owners.

Basics

  • Length - 1 hour
  • Classroom-style seating, reimbursement for any supplies.
  • Preparation time - 2 hours.

Learn More About It

Make It Special

Ask the presenter to make a container garden that can be donated to the library.

Market It

  • Distribute flyers to garden centers and home improvement centers; hang flyers around town.
  • Ask the newspaper for donated space to run an ad.

Portions of this programming guide are reprinted with permission from the Missouri State Library and Secretary of State Robin Carnahan.