Community Horticulture Events

Are you interested in becoming a Master Gardener Volunteer? If not, perhaps you know somebody who might be? Cornell Cooperative Extension Dutchess County is now accepting applications! Interviews will be conducted this spring and training begins this fall. Candidates must be residents of Dutchess County and at be least 18 years old. We are looking for a diverse group of volunteers who are interested in learning more about gardening and are willing to share that knowledge with others. Class size is limited to 25 participants, so don't delay! Please help us reach new audiences by sharing this e-mail with friends, family and at work. Click here to learn more.  

Each year, Master Gardener volunteers and CCE staff hold our annual plant sale in May, at the Dutchess County Farm & Home Center in Millbrook. Our volunteers grow and sell a wide variety of annuals, perennials, vegetables and herbs. Some of these varieties are "tried and true" favorites, others are exciting new introductions. This is our primary fundraiser and we count on your support! At this event, we also have a Master Gardener info booth set up. Our volunteers are available to answer your gardening questions and to help you make your plant selections. Plant lists will be posted here as soon as they are available.

Plant sale is two days- Friday May 18 from 10-4 and Saturday May 19 from 9-2. No earlybirds please!

Each year, Master Gardener volunteers and CCE staff hold our annual plant sale in May, at the Dutchess County Farm & Home Center in Millbrook. Our volunteers grow and sell a wide variety of annuals, perennials, vegetables and herbs. Some of these varieties are "tried and true" favorites, others are exciting new introductions. This is our primary fundraiser and we count on your support! At this event, we also have a Master Gardener info booth set up. Our volunteers are available to answer your gardening questions and to help you make your plant selections. Plant lists will be posted here as soon as they are available.

Plant sale is two days- Friday May 18 from 10-4 and Saturday May 19 from 9-2. No earlybirds please!

Before you start squatting, digging and lifting heavy pots and bags of mulch, learn important safety tips to avoid injuries from gardening!  We will review and practice proper body mechanics for the many positions your body may be in while gardening including low to the ground, and high and hard to reach places. You will also learn key stretches and strengthening exercises to keep your body garden fit!

Presented by Laurie Barnum, MPT, OCS (Board Certified Specialist in Orthopedics) from Millbrook Physical Therapy.  No charge but there is a suggested donation of $10 per person to support Cornell Cooperative Extension’s Community Horticulture Program. Please RSVP to Nancy Halas by e-mail or phone 845-677-8223, x115.

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Dutchess County will host new events this year for participants to gain hands-on experience working side by side with Master Gardeners in the Demonstration Gardens at the Farm and Home Center in Millbrook. Activities tailored for each season will train adults on garden tasks and teach children about critters that visit their garden. Called “Saturday in the Garden,” topics have been chosen that encourage friends and families to garden together throughout the year.

This sessions is called "Planting the Garden". Adults will examine multiple compost systems and get hands-on mulching tips; children will plant potatoes for fall harvesting and learn how to attract garden visitors such as toads by making toad houses.

Reservations are encouraged. In case of rain, the event will be moved to the next day at the same time. Please dress appropriately and bring your own garden gloves and insect repellent if needed. All other supplies will be provided. A donation of $10 is suggested. Email Nancy Halas or call 845-677-8223 x115 for information and/or registration.

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Dutchess County will host new events this year for participants to gain hands-on experience working side by side with Master Gardeners in the Demonstration Gardens at the Farm and Home Center in Millbrook. Activities tailored for each season will train adults on garden tasks and teach children about critters that visit their garden. Called “Saturday in the Garden,” topics have been chosen that encourage friends and families to garden together throughout the year.

This session is called "Harvesting Time". Adults will learn about winter garden preparation and tool care; children will harvest potatoes and create winter bird feeders.

Reservations are encouraged. In case of rain, the event will be moved to the next day at the same time. Please dress appropriately and bring your own garden gloves and insect repellent if needed. All other supplies will be provided. A donation of $10 is suggested. Email Nancy Halas or call 845-677-8223 x115 for information and/or registration.