The Master Gardeners of Hamilton County, in association with the University of Tennessee
Extension, continue their public gardening classes online via Zoom during the current pandemic. On Saturday at 10 a.m. the topic will be “Creating a Native Plant Habitat,” presented by
master gardener and photographer, Ron McKitrick.
Registration is required to receive the Zoom link for this public class:
https://tennessee.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJIlduutrjMrG9b-tcImIxbU1cKDRJ8IpGZ0.
Mr. McKitrick will demonstrate how to create garden habitats for native birds, bees, butterflies and other pollinators using native plants. “There are many benefits to gardening with native plants; among them they use less water and fertilizer over time since they thrive in local conditions," said Mr. McKitrick. "Through my own trial and error process combined with an understanding of environmental factors, I discovered that I not only transformed my backyard, but I also stimulated my own well-being.
"My talk will be illustrated with examples of the native ground covers, vines, perennials, shrubs and trees I have used to create my own garden habitats. I hope people will learn from my gardening experiences and be encouraged to enhance their own backyard with native plants.”
Celebrating 25 years of education and service in 2019, the 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. MGHC sponsors annual events open to the public including: “Master Your Garden” Garden Expo, Spring Garden Tour and Hamilton County Fair Exhibit.
Among the many ongoing landscaping and garden partnerships undertaken by MGHC are: Alpine Crest Outdoor Learning Center & Gardens, Aquarium Butterfly & Hummingbird Garden, Bonny Oaks Arboretum, Brainerd Community Garden, Chattanooga Area Food Bank, Chattanooga Zoo, Crabtree Farms, McCoyFarm & Garden, Reflection Riding Arboretum & Nature Center, and St. Albans Community Rose Garden.