Garden Gathering approaching

OLD TOWN – The 2006 edition of Garden Gathering will begin at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 19, at Rogers Farm in Old Town.

The event kicks off with the free-flowing question and answer session, “What’s Your (Garden) Problem?”

Panelists will include Cooperative Extension specialists and a soil scientist from the University of Maine. Gardeners are encouraged to bring samples of affected plants and garden pests.

Another new feature is a tent called Garden Bazaar, which will feature garden-related items, such as wind chimes, pots, decorative items, books, magazine, tools and other items. Some of the items are new, others gently used. Browsing is encouraged.

Last year’s raffle of a backyard greenhouse was so successful that it will be repeated. The winner will receive a small greenhouse constructed at the location of his choice.

A handmade potting bench also will be raffled. The potting bench is valued at more than $250 and the greenhouse at $200. Both were made by master gardeners.

Garden Gathering is held each year by the Penobscot County master gardeners who volunteer at Rogers Farm. Groups of gardeners plan and care for plots in the demonstration garden that range from the night-blooming moon garden to the spicy pepper garden – the creation of Matthew Beck, one of the youngest master gardeners.

This year, for the first time, there will be a nominal entrance fee, payable at registration. Tickets are $3, $5 per family, children under 12 free.

“This isn’t a fundraising event,” said Gleason Gray of the Extension office. “We just need to cover expenses because, regrettably, the costs of the program and maintaining the gardens have increased dramatically this year.”

Gray went on to say that this year’s workshops are “probably the best, most diverse group we’ve ever had at the Garden Gatherings.”

In addition to the workshops there will be tours and opportunities to talk with master gardeners about their plots. As in the past there will be supervised, garden-themed activities for younger attendees.

The opening session at 9:30 a.m. is a panel comprising Jim Dill, pest management specialist; David Handley, small fruit specialist; Lois Stack, ornamental horticulture specialist; Bruce Watt, plant pathologist – all from the Cooperative Extension Service. In addition, Bruce Hoskins, University of Maine soil test lab director, will answer questions about soil condition and treatment.

Other workshops include Meet the Beetles, with Phil Stack; Ethnic Herbs, by Pru Betterly; Propagating Perennials with Stephanie Burnette; Bee Keeping with Master Gardener Bill Dorrity; A Garden Classroom by Sara Speidel; and Alpine Gardens with Lydia Mussulman.

In addition to the workshops and the raffles, there will be guided tours of the Demonstration Garden, educational and equipment displays, and children’s activities. Lunch will be available on the grounds or one of the nearby eateries.

“This is intended as a family day and, hopefully, one that introduces first-time gardeners to the enjoyment and satisfaction of gardening and adds to the skill and knowledge of more experienced ones,” said Gray. “The demonstration gardens are especially imaginative this year and should be at their peak on Aug. 19.”

For a program or complete list of topics, call the Cooperative Extension Office 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. at 942-7396.