The Polk County Extension Center is offering fall gardening classes beginning in September. The classes will cover lawn care, landscape trees and ornamental shrubs. The classes will be free and are open to interested citizens.

Unique to these classes, the presentations will be offered in two stages. There will be an outdoors portion of the class from 5:30-6:30 p.m. and a lecture format from 7-8 p.m. Plans include using the grounds of Polk County High School as part of the learning experience. The first 13 participants will have transportation provided and others will need to carpool. There will be some walking required for the outside segments.

Thursday, Sept. 12 – Lawn Care 101

Thursday, Sept. 19 – Landscape Trees

Thursday, Sept. 26 – Ornamental Shrubs

“We believe this format will give participants an opportunity to observe which plants thrive in Polk County, plus give them some gardening tips on how to help them get plants to survive in our unpredictable climate,” said John Vining, Polk County Extension Director.

The presentations will end each week after an hour, but for those who have specific questions on the night’s topic, there will be a question and answer session after the lectures.

The classes are limited to 25 participants. To sign up in advance,  call the Polk County Extension Center at 894-8218 and ask for Sarah or Dot.

– article submitted

by Sarah Gottfried