One of the best opportunities to learn about perennials is coming up, the 17th Annual Central Ohio Perennial Flower School to be held in Springfield on Thursday, March 3. The event is sponsored by Ohio State University Extension, Clark County.
We have a great line-up of speakers as always and you need to register early. This program usually sells out.
One of my favorite (and one of the funniest) speakers is Irvine Etienne — the Horticulture Display Coordinator at the Indianapolis Museum of Art has two great topics.
The first one is “Carmen Miranda in the Midwest” and he will tell you about tropical plants that add excitement not only to containers but also to your garden beds.
The second is “Thug-a-licious (When Bad Plants Go Good)” and focuses on plants that are sometimes needed in the garden to serve as “thugs.” You have to attend to know what he means.
Another great speaker is Jo Ellen Meyers Sharp who is an award-winning writer and editor for several garden publications. Jo Ellen will be talking about ground covers and spring bulbs and companions.
Many think that ground covers are just ivy and myrtle; Jo Ellen will share a list of plants from junipers to daylilies that also make great ground covers.
She will also discuss the lesser-known spring bulbs and perennials that make attractive companion plantings.
Laura Burchfield is an outstanding residential landscape architect who has taught courses at The Ohio State University and has her Master’s in both landscape architecture and horticulture. Laura is going to cover perennial color that lasts throughout the season.
If you grow perennials, you know that it can be challenging to have color in the garden during the entire season. She will talk about layering and planting arrangements that assure continual beauty.
The school is held at the Hollenbeck Bayley Creative Arts and Conference Center, 275 South Limestone St., Springfield. It’s from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and doors open for registration at 8:30.
The cost is $70.00 and includes a continental breakfast and lunch. Registration deadline is Feb. 24.
To register online, go to http://go.osu.edu/regperennialschool (credit cards only).
Or you can print the registration form and mail a check to our office. For the registration form and more information about the program go to http://go.osu.edu/perennialschool
I am getting excited about the Perennial School just writing about it. I am really itching for spring.
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