master gardeners

Press release:

Rain or shine, the Genesee County Master Gardeners will be hosting their annual Spring Garden Gala on Saturday, May 20, from 10 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County, 420 East Main Street in Batavia.

This annual plant sale features a variety of perennials, many of which are from the gardens of Master Gardeners.  There will also be a selection of houseplants.  The plant sale starts promptly at 10 am.  No early birds, please.

Visit the Basket Auction for garden art, gift certificates and a variety of themed baskets.  The basket auction drawing starts at 12:30 pm.  Gently used garden books will also be for sale.

Our garden garage sale was so popular last year, we’re doing it again!  We’ll have an assortment of gently used or maybe never used, gardening items such as containers, tools, signs, and garden decor.  This will be set up in the parking lot area near the garden shed.

Bring in a soil sample from your garden or lawn for a free pH test.  (A half-cup sample of your garden soil in a clean container is plenty.)  Master Gardeners will be available to answer your gardening questions.

Don’t miss your chance to pick up some great plants at great prices, plus garden art and other interesting items.  Arrive at 10 am for the best plant selection.  Proceeds from the sale benefit the educational outreach of the Genesee County Master Gardener Program.

For more information, contact Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County, (585) 343-3040, ext. 101, or stop by the Extension office at 420 East Main Street in Batavia.  Visit our website at: http://genesee.cce.cornell.edu/events for more information.  Like us on our Facebook page for Gala and Master Gardener program updates https://www.facebook.com/CCEofGenesee.

Photo: File photo by Howard Owens.

Press Release:

The Genesee County Master Gardeners invite you to a free presentation on the “History of the Batavia Community Garden,” Monday, April 24 at 6:30 p.m. The program will be held at the First Presbyterian Church, 300 E. Main St., Batavia, NY.

The Batavia Community Garden opened for its first season in the summer of 2013. Its goal was to provide city residents with space to grow fresh produce in community with other gardeners. Just as the garden’s number of plots has grown, so too has the garden’s service area. In 2022 all residents of Genesee County became eligible to rent a garden bed. It’s been 10 wonderful years of growing our garden and our community! Join us for this free program.

For more information please contact CCE Genesee County, (585) 343-3040, ext. 101, stop by the CCE office at 420 E. Main St. in Batavia or visit the website.

Press release:

Join the Genesee County Master Gardeners as we “Catch the Gardening Bug.”  We will be offering three gardening themed programs this spring.  All classes will be held from 6 to 8 pm at the Genesee County Cornell Cooperative Extension office.  If you are looking for garden inspiration and know-how to apply to your own garden, check out these classes.

March 30 – “Create a Habitat in Your Yard”
Natural habitat in this country, and the world, is disappearing at a rapid rate.  Wildlife doesn’t just randomly appear in a given area.  It is there because of favorable habitat.  The right conditions will invite a host of birds, butterflies, and other species to your yard.  If you want to discover how to make your yard more valuable to bees, butterflies, birds, and beneficial insects this program is for you.  Join us as we have a conversation about things you can do to make your yard more valuable to your wild neighbors.  Change starts in your backyard!

April 10 - “Succulents!”
This two-part program will explore the popular family of succulents.  First, we will get some succulent basics, starting with “What are they?”  We’ll cover how to grow them and also how to propagate them.  Did you know that some can only be grown inside while others are perfectly happy and hardy in the garden?  They have such interesting shapes, textures and colors who can resist them.  After a short break, we’ll have a demonstration on how to put together your own succulent dish garden and how to use them in containers.

April 25 - “Wonderful Sunflowers”
Sunflowers are a bright and cheerful addition to any garden.  They are easy to grow from seed in almost any type of soil and can be sown in succession for a season full of colorful blooms.  Sunflowers can be grown for cut flowers, a colorful garden display or even for edible seed; for you or the birds.  Whether you want short, medium, or tall; yellow, burgundy, or orange, there’s a sunflower for you.  Join us to explore the wonderful world of sunflowers!

Classes will be held from 6 to 8 pm at the Genesee County Cornell Cooperative Extension, 420 East Main Street, Batavia.  The cost is $10 per person, per class.  Pre-registration is required as class size is limited.  Stop by the CCE office to pay by cash or check; or fill out the registration form and mail in your check.  The registration form can be found at our website: http://genesee.cce.cornell.edu/events.  Questions?  Contact Jan at 585-343-3040, ext. 132.

Press releases:

Join the Genesee County Master Gardeners for their monthly Garden Talk programs starting February 2, at noon.  Master Gardener Connie B. will be our host for “Hidcote and Hever, two English Gardens of Renown.”  Escape from winter with an armchair adventure touring these two wonderful English Gardens.

March 2 – “Kitchen Gardens” with Master Gardener Kathie W.  Kitchen gardens have been around for as long as humans have lived in communities.  And no, they are not gardens in your kitchen!  Join us to find out a little history, a little design, and what exactly is a kitchen garden, and what can be planted in yours.

April 6 – “Starting a Compost Pile.”  Making your own compost can be a fun and rewarding activity.  There are many advantages to making compost, including a healthier garden and less yard waste going to a landfill.  Come learn with Master Gardener Lori G. how you can easily make your own compost using items from your kitchen, yard, and gardens.

May 4 – Houseplants 101” with Master Gardener Brandie W.  Houseplants aren't a new concept, but lately, they have enjoyed a massive surge in popularity.  Houseplants are a great way to decorate and connect with nature indoors.  Becoming a proud plant parent isn't as hard as you think.  We will go over basic houseplant care, including choosing the right plant, light, watering, fertilizer, when to repot, and more.

June 1 – “A Summer Palette of Native Plants for Monarch Butterflies” is the third Garden Talk with Master Gardener Pam M. that discusses ways you can help the Monarch Butterfly.  Adult monarchs feed on flower nectar and need a tasty buffet as they travel north from their wintering grounds in Mexico.  What flowers, especially native plants, can you grow in your garden from early summer to early fall?  Learn what plants will help provide much-needed nectar corridors for monarchs to travel safely and produce their next generation.

Garden Talk programs start at Noon and can be 30 to 60 minutes long, depending on the topic.  This free series is open to all, but registration is required.  You can attend in person at the CCE office (420 East Main Street, Batavia) or via Zoom.

To attend in person, please contact Mandy at 585-343-3040 x101 or amm532@cornell.edu.

To register for a Zoom link, visit our Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County website at http://genesee.cce.cornell.edu/events.  A Zoom link will be sent to your email with your personal link to the event.

Garden Talk programs are recorded and posted to our CCE Genesee YouTube page at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaXK_W80PkoUBj-HBm8OFMA/videos.  Upcoming Master Gardener events will be posted on the CCE Genesee County website.

“CCE of Genesee County is an employer and educator recognized for valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities and provides equal program and employment opportunities.”

Press release:

The Genesee County Master Gardeners will be holding a book sale, from Nov. 21 through 23.  The gently used gardening book sale will be held in the CCE Office board room at 420 East Main St, Batavia.  Hours for the book sale are November 21st and 22nd from 11 am to 4 pm and November 23rd from 11 am to 3 pm.

We have a variety of gently used gardening books on a wide range of topics, including houseplants, container gardens, perennials, herbs, vegetables, trees, shrubs, general gardening, ponds, wildflowers, garden-related crafts, garden decor and the history of gardening.  You might even find some vintage garden books.

Please bring your own bags to take your treasures home.  Stock up for some winter reading or look for some great gifts for that gardener on your list.

The Master Gardeners are also collecting NEW, unwrapped books for the Toys for Tots Literacy program.  Consider donating a new book for youth ages preschool up to 18.  Books can be dropped off until Dec. 5.  Books enhance a child’s ability to read and to communicate effectively.  A gift of a new book delivers a message of hope and instills self-confidence to children in need.

The Genesee County Master Gardeners thank you in advance for your support.

Press release:

The Genesee County Master Gardeners are excited to announce that we will be collecting NEW, unwrapped BOOKS for the annual Toys for Tots campaign.  Collecting new books is a goal of the Toys for Tots Literacy Program.

Books enhance a child’s ability to read and to communicate effectively.  The books that are collected will go to children and youth ages preschool through high school.  A gift of a new book delivers a message of hope and instills self-confidence to children in need.

You can drop off books at the Genesee County Cooperative Extension office, Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.  We will have a collection bin set up near the reception area.  Donations of new books can be made at the CCE office through Dec. 5.

The Genesee County Master Gardeners thank you in advance for your support.

File photo by Howard Owens.

Press release:

Save the date! Saturday, Sept. 17,  from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., the Genesee County Master Gardeners will be hosting their annual Fall Garden Gala at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County, 420 East Main Street in Batavia.

This plant sale features hardy garden perennials, most grown by Master Gardeners.  Fall is a good time to plant many perennials as there is still time for them to grow a strong root system before winter.  An interesting selection of house plants will also be available for sale.

Don’t forget to stop inside for the Basket Auction.  You never know what treasures may appear, including unique garden art.  The Basket Auction drawing will begin at 12:30 pm.

Learn how to artfully arrange flowers fresh from the garden as talented Master Gardeners create arrangements and bouquets right before your eyes!  These beautiful flower arrangements will be available for sale.

The Master Gardener Helpline will be open to answer your gardening questions.  Not sure what your garden pH is?  Bring in a soil sample for FREE pH testing.

Don’t miss your chance to pick up some great plants at great prices.  Arrive at 10 am for the best plant selection.  No early birds please.

Proceeds from the sale benefit the educational outreach of the Genesee County Master Gardener Program.

For more information contact Jan Beglinger at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County, (585) 343-3040, ext. 132, or stop by the Extension office at 420 East Main Street in Batavia.  Visit our website at: http://genesee.cce.cornell.edu/events for more information.  Like us on our Facebook page for Gala and other Master Gardener program updates: https://www.facebook.com/CCEofGenesee.

“Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County provides equal program and employment opportunities.”

Press release:

Rain or shine, the Genesee County Master Gardeners will be hosting their annual Spring Garden Gala on Saturday, May 14, from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County, 420 East Main Street in Batavia.

This annual plant sale features a variety of perennials, many of which are from the gardens of Master Gardeners.  There will also be a selection of house plants.  Plant sale starts promptly at 10 am.  No early birds, please.

Visit the Basket Auction for garden art, gift certificates and a variety of themed baskets.  Gently used garden books will also be for sale.  Basket Auction drawing starts at 12:30 p.m.

New this year – Garden Garage Sale!  We’ll have an assortment of gently used or maybe never used, gardening items such as containers, tools, signs, and garden decor.

Bring in a soil sample from your garden or lawn for a free pH test.  (A half-cup sample of your garden soil in a clean container is plenty.)  Master Gardeners will be available to answer your gardening questions.

Don’t miss your chance to pick up some great plants at great prices, plus garden art and other interesting items.  Arrive at 10 am for the best plant selection.  Proceeds from the sale benefit the educational outreach of the Genesee County Master Gardener Program.

For more information contact Mandy McCauley at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County, (585) 343-3040, ext. 101, or stop by the Extension office at 420 East Main Street in Batavia.  Visit our website at: http://genesee.cce.cornell.edu/events for more information.  Like us on our Facebook page for Gala and Master Gardener program updates: https://www.facebook.com/CCEofGenesee.

Photo: File photo by Howard Owens from 2016

Press Release:

Is your New Year’s resolution to do more gardening? If so, join the Genesee County Master Gardeners for their monthly Garden Talk starting February 3. We’ll take off with “Monarchs - their flight, their plight and what you can do.” Master Gardener Pam M. will talk about the Monarch butterfly and the challenges it faces. Monarch butterflies have had huge population declines over the past 20 years. One reason is habitat loss. Once a common sight, they are perilously close to being added to the Endangered Species List. Join us to learn about their life cycle, what they need to thrive, survive, and how you can help rescue these beautiful creatures with your garden.

March 3 – “Plants of Shakespeare” with Master Gardener Connie B. Although Shakespeare most likely was not a gardener, he constantly referenced plants in his plays and sonnets. The program will focus on plants found in Shakespeare's literary works, as well as plants popular in Elizabethan gardens and folklore.

April 7 – “Spring into the Garden” with Master Gardener Suzanne B. Once the spring weather hits, everyone wants to rush out into the garden, but sometimes the garden isn’t ready for every chore. We’ll have plenty of tips on what you can do to get your garden ready for spring.

May 5 – “Kitchen Gardens” with Master Gardener Kathie W. Kitchen gardens have been around for as long as humans have lived in communities. And no, they are not gardens in your kitchen! Join us to find out a little history, a little design, and what exactly is a kitchen garden, and what can be planted in yours.

June 2 – “Playing in the Dirt - Risks and Benefits” with Master Gardener Irene H. Gardening offers many health and life benefits to the gardener, but it also has its risks. Some will surprise you!

We hope to be able to return to an in-person option for Garden Talk programs, but the February program will only be available via Zoom. Garden Talk runs from Noon to 12:45 pm. This free series is open to all. Registration is required. Please visit our events page at the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee

County website http://genesee.cce.cornell.edu/events. After registering a Zoom link will be sent to your email with your personal link to the event.

Master Gardener events will be posted on the CCE Genesee County website and on our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/CCEofGenesee. Garden Talk programs are recorded and posted to our CCE Genesee YouTube page at
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaXK_W80PkoUBj-HBm8OFMA/videos.

Press release:

Save the date! Saturday, September 18, from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm, the Genesee County Master Gardeners will be hosting their annual Fall Garden Gala at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County, 420 East Main Street in Batavia.

This plant sale features hardy garden perennials, most grown by Master Gardeners.  Fall is a good time to plant many perennials as there is still time for them to grow a strong root system before winter.  An interesting selection of house plants will also be available for sale.

Don’t forget to stop inside for the Chance Basket Auction.  You never know what treasures may appear, including unique garden art.  The Chance Basket Auction drawing will begin at 12:30 pm.

Learn how to artfully arrange flowers fresh from the garden as talented Master Gardeners create arrangements and bouquets right before your eyes!  These beautiful flower arrangements will be available for sale.

The Master Gardener Helpline will also be open to answer your gardening questions. Not sure what your garden pH is? Bring in a soil sample for FREE pH testing.

Don’t miss your chance to pick up some great plants at great prices. Arrive at 10 am for the best plant selection.  No early birds please.

Proceeds from the sale benefit the educational outreach of the Genesee County Master Gardener Program.

We will be following CDC guidance that is available at the time of the event.  Thank you for your cooperation and support!

For more information contact Jan Beglinger at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County, (585) 343-3040, ext. 132, or stop by the Extension office at 420 East Main Street in Batavia.  Visit our website at: http://genesee.cce.cornell.edu/eventsfor more information.  Like us on our Facebook page for Gala and other Master Gardener program updates: https://www.facebook.com/CCEofGenesee.

Press release:

If you are interested in becoming a Master Gardener Volunteer, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County will be offering Master Gardener training this fall. Classes will be held on Tuesday evenings from 6 to 9 p.m., starting Sept. 7 and running through Nov. 16.

There will also be a full day of classes on Saturday, Oct. 23. We are currently planning to hold classes in-person at the CCE Genesee office, 420 E. Main St., Batavia.

Each class will focus on a different horticulture topic throughout the training. Some of the topics to be covered include: botany, diagnosing plant diseases, entomology, soils & fertilizers, lawn care, herbs, vegetable gardening, woody plants, pruning, fruits, perennials, annuals, integrated pest management and organic gardening.

By attending the Master Gardener training, you will become a more knowledgeable gardener.

Anyone interested in learning more about gardening may attend the course. Preregistration by Aug. 24 is required. Class size will be limited. The fee for this training is $225 per person. The Cornell Master Gardener manual will be provided electronically.

If you have a passion for volunteering and gardening, this training is the first step to becoming a Genesee County Master Gardener volunteer.

Genesee County residents who graduate from the program are then eligible to apply to become a volunteer. (Other county residents should contact their local Master Gardener program.)

A Master Gardener volunteer should have a willingness to give back to the community and help put into practice what they learned at training. Enthusiasm for sharing their gardening skills and knowledge is a must.

For an application or to register contact Jan Beglinger at (585) 343-3040, ext. 132, or stop by the Extension office at 420 E. Main St. in Batavia.

Press release:

Join the Genesee County Master Gardeners as we jump back into Garden Talk! On Aug. 5 at noon, we will get the lowdown on “Beneficial Insects.” Most of the insects that live in your garden or landscape do little or no harm to you or your plants.

Many of these good guys provide free pest control for you. Who are these six-legged allies? Join Master Gardener David R. to learn about the beneficial insects that could be in your garden!

Sept. 2 – “A Year in the Life of a Garden.” Gardens aren't static, they change as we progress through the seasons, and evolve over the years. Sometimes change comes from losing a major tree in the garden or a change in your lifestyle. Join Master Gardener Lynette S. as we explore the changes that have taken place in her small city garden.

Oct. 7 – “Winter Bird Feeding 101.” Do you enjoy watching the birds in your yard? Winter bird feeding can be entertaining for you and beneficial for the birds. Join us for tips on "setting the table" for your neighborhood feathered friends.

Nov. 4 – “Harvest of Squash.” Do you know what to do with that winter squash that found its way into your home? Master Food Preserver Catherine J. will explain the different types of squash, how to prepare them for use, store them for later, and share a few recipes for that bountiful harvest.

Dec. 2 – “Gifts from the Kitchen.” Join Master Food Preserver Catherine J. as she demonstrates some wonderful ideas that you can use this holiday season.

Currently all Garden Talk programs are being held online via Zoom, from noon to 12:45 p.m. This free series is open to all. Registration is required. A Zoom link will be sent to your email with your personal link to the event.

To register, please visit the events page at the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County website.

Press release:

Join the Genesee County Master Gardeners as we “Catch the Gardening Bug” this fall. We will be offering a series of noontime, gardening-themed programs via Zoom. If you are looking for garden inspiration and know-how, check out these classes.

• On Oct. 1, join us for Garden Talk "Easy Preserving." Catherine, our CCE Master Food Preserver volunteer, will show us some quick and easy ways to preserve fall bounty from the garden. Catherine will demonstrate how to safely prepare infused-flavored oils and flavored vinegars. She will also demonstrate how to make sauerkraut at home!
• Got dahlias? Not sure what to do with them at the end of the season? Join Master Gardener Brandie on Oct. 15 as we explore “What to do with those dahlias.” Brandie will explain how she manages her dahlia collection. She will cover when to dig them up, how she overwinters her dahlias and how to divide them. Get your dahlia questions answered!
• Oct. 28 finds us exploring “A Witch's Garden” with Master Gardener Connie. Witches were once considered wise women and healers. They used plants they grew or found in their environment to cure ills as well as cast spells. You, too, may have your very own witch's garden -- come explore the folklore and plants of the witch.

This series is free and open to all. Preregistration is required. You can register at our website here. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing the link to join the program.

Future topics and other Master Gardener events will be posted on the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County website and also on our Facebook page. Contact (585) 343-3040, ext. 101, for more information about this or other CCE programs.

Press release:

This is a challenging time for everyone. In light of the rapidly changing COVID-19 situation and to ensure the health and safety of our volunteers, staff and participants, all Genesee County Master Gardener programs and speaking engagements have been cancelled through April.

If you have registered and paid for any of our programs you will get a refund. We will resume our regular programming as soon as we can.

Given the uncertainty surrounding COVID-19 and to do our part to help limit the spread, the Master Gardener Helpline will not be available to walk-ins through May 1. 

Master Gardener volunteers will not be in the office during this time. We hope to reopen to the public on Monday, May 4.

With gardening season at our doorstep, we want to be available to help you. If you have gardening questions you may continue to contact us through our email at geneseemg@hotmail.com. Photos may be sent for plant and insect identification.

If you are on Facebook you can also leave a question on the CCE Genesee Facebook page.

Stay up to date with our Master Gardener program by visiting our website.

Please take all precautions to stay safe and healthy.

Thank you for your continued support and we hope to see you in the near future.

Press release:

Rain or shine, the Genesee County Master Gardeners will be hosting their annual Spring Garden Gala on Saturday, May 18, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County, 420 E. Main St. in Batavia.

This annual plant sale features a variety of perennials, many of which are from the gardens of Master Gardeners. There will also be a selection of houseplants and locally grown geraniums. Plant sale starts promptly at 10 a.m. No early birds please.

Visit the Basket Auction for garden art, gift certificates and a variety of themed baskets. Gently used garden books will also be for sale. Basket Auction drawing starts at 12:30 p.m.

Bring in a soil sample from your garden or lawn for a free pH test (a half cup of dry soil in a clean container). Master Gardeners will be available to answer your gardening questions.

Don’t miss your chance to pick up some great plants at great prices, plus garden art and other interesting items. Arrive at 10 a.m. for the best plant selection. Proceeds from the sale benefit the educational outreach of the Genesee County Master Gardener Program.

For more information contact Brandie Waite at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County, (585) 343-3040, ext. 101, or stop by the Extension office at 420 E. Main St. in Batavia. Visit the website here.

Press release:

Join the Genesee County Master Gardeners this spring as we “Catch the Gardening Bug.”

We will be offering four gardening programs this spring with our first one, “Invaders amongst Our Trees,” from 6 to 8 p.m. on March 26.

Get a DEC Forester’s perspective on what invasive species are threatening our landscape trees and forests -- from Emerald Ash Borer to Oak Wilt.

We’ll also talk about some new threats on the horizon such as Mile-a-Minute Vine and Spotted Lanternfly. This program is free, but registration is required by March 22 as space is limited.

Shade gardens can offer cool relief on hot, sunny days. While flowers offer flash, plants with attractive foliage offer season-long color. If you are looking for shade loving plants other than hostas and pachysandra, join us on April 4 for “Awesome Plants for Shady Sites.”

We'll show you a variety of great plants that you can add to your shady retreat. Registration required by March 29. Cost is $10.

Learn the history of what came to be known as “Kitchen Gardens” on April 16. Find out what settlers to the New World, especially New York, planted in their kitchen gardens and why.

There will be hands on activities to help you start thinking about how you would plant your own kitchen garden. Registration required by April 12. Cost is $10.

Has your compost pile got you down? Maybe you would like to start one but you’re not sure how to. Join us on April 25, for “Fun with Compost!”

We’ll cover the basics of two composting techniques that will turn your vegetable scraps into plant food; either by the traditional method of creating a pile outdoors or by using a container of worms indoors. Registration required by April 19. Cost is $10.

All classes will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Genesee County Cornell Cooperative Extension at 420 E. Main St., Batavia.

Unless otherwise noted, the cost is $10 per person, per class. Preregistration is required as class size is limited.

Contact Brandie at 585-343-3040, ext. 101, or stop by our office to register. Visit our website at: http://genesee.cce.cornell.edu/events for more information.

Press release:

2019 marks the fifth year of Garden Talk programs with the Genesee County Master Gardeners. This year we will make a slight change and hold the programs on the first Thursday of the month starting on Feb. 7.

All Garden Talk programs run from 12:15 to 12:45 p.m. Bring your lunch to the Cornell Cooperative Extension office (420 E. Main St., Batavia) and join us. This free series is open to the public. Registration is not required.

Feb. 7 -- “Seed Starting Basics.” Starting your own seeds is a great way to get a jump on the growing season. It also gives you access to hundreds of specialty varieties that you won’t find at your local nursery. We will demystify seed starting at home with easy to follow instructions and insightful tips for both novice and experienced gardeners.

March 7 – “Gardens of New Zealand.” Gardening is rated as one of New Zealanders’ favorite pastimes. Explore the beauty of New Zealand via a photo tour of some stunning gardens.  If you have the winter blahs this will help dispel them!

April 4 – “Composting 101.” Keep your new year’s resolution and start composting this year! There are many different ways to make a compost pile and we’ll explore some of the ways you can make your own black gold for your garden.

May 2 – “Hell Strip Plantings.” The hell strip, the area between the street and the sidewalk, is a challenge to many gardeners. Most are sparse and weed-ridden zones plagued by road salt in the winter and dry, baked soil in the summer. Learn how to avoid the typical pitfalls with hell strips so you can transform yours into a lush and welcoming garden.

Future topics and other Master Gardener events will be posted on the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County website at http://genesee.cce.cornell.edu/

Press release:

If you are interested in taking the Master Gardener training this fall, we still have a few spots open. Classes will be held on Wednesday evenings from 6 to 9, starting Sept. 5 and running through Nov. 14.

There will also be a full day of classes on Saturday, Nov. 3. Classes will be held at the Cornell Cooperative Extension office at 420 E. Main St., Batavia. Each class will focus on a different horticulture topic.

Anyone interested in learning more about gardening may attend the course. Preregistration is required and has been extended to Aug. 30 or until the class is full.

The fee for this horticulture training is $225 per person, which includes all class sessions and materials. The Cornell Master Gardener manual is available online.

If you have a passion for volunteering and gardening, this training is the first step to becoming a Genesee County Master Gardener volunteer. A Master Gardener volunteer should have a willingness to give back to the community and help put into practice what they learned at training. Enthusiasm for sharing their gardening skills and knowledge is a must. Graduates of the program (Genesee County residents) are then eligible to apply to become a volunteer.

For an application or to register contact Brandie Waite at 343-3040, ext. 101, or stop by the Extension office located at 420 E. Main St. in Batavia.

Rain or shine, the Genesee County Master Gardeners will be hosting their annual Spring Garden Gala on Saturday, May 19, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County, 420 E. Main St. in Batavia.

This annual plant sale features a variety of perennials, many of which are from the gardens of Master Gardeners. There will also be a selection of house plants and locally grown geraniums. Plant sale starts promptly at 10 a.m. No early birds please.

Step inside and visit the Basket Auction for garden art, gift certificates and a variety of themed baskets. Gently used garden books will also be for sale. Basket Auction drawing starts at 12:30 p.m. A limited selection of handcrafted garden art will be available for purchase.

Bring in a soil sample from your garden or lawn for a free pH test. Master Gardeners will be available to answer your gardening questions. There will also be a demonstration at 11:30 a.m. on how to divide some common perennials.

Don’t miss your chance to pick up some great plants, garden art and other interesting items. Arrive at 10 a.m. for the best plant selection. Proceeds from the sale benefit the educational outreach of the Genesee County Master Gardener Program.

For more information contact Brandie Waite at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County, (585) 343-3040, ext. 101, or stop by the Extension office in Batavia.