By: Helen Elkins
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
On Thursday, December 4, Williams County Master Gardeners held a wreath-making class in the Gillette Building at the Williams County Fairgrounds. A yearly tradition, offered to the general public for a small fee to cover costs, this year’s class was a huge hit, with over 20 people in attendance. While most events are members only, they try to hold a few classes each year available to the public.
Taught by Angie Girdham, of Hillsdale, Michigan, with the help of her mother Becky Goebel from Edgerton, the class was attended by first-timers and seasoned veterans who learned how to make Christmas wreaths from scratch. While the frame, wire, and pine branches were supplied, everyone brought their own extras to give their individual wreaths a touch of personality.
Regina Partee, Volunteer Coordinator for the Williams County Master Gardeners, said they like to change up the projects every once in a while to give the attendees something new to try. Some years they do centerpieces or other holiday projects; this year they wanted to make wreaths.
The December class is just one of the many events the Gardeners offer. By becoming a certified member, private garden tours, advanced horticulture lectures, and hands-on workshops are available.
For those wanting to become Master Gardeners, the OSU Extension Williams County will be offering classes at 1425 E. High St, Bryan, starting January 22 and running through the middle of April. Reservations are currently being accepted for the 2015 class.
What really sets the Master Gardeners apart from other home gardeners is their special training in horticulture they receive from Ohio State University Extension.
For more information, contact the Williams County office at 419-636-5608 or Florian Chirra, OSU Extension Educator, Agriculture at chirra.1@osu.edu. More information is available by visiting http://williams.osu.edu/.
Helen may be reached at
publisher@thevillagereporter.com