Your connection to MSU provides you with access to continuing education that gives you the latest science-based information. It will help you better serve your community and protect the environment. By enrolling in seminars and classes, you also earn the education credits necessary for recertification.

Smart Gardening Conference - Saturday, March 2, 2013

Michigan State University Extension will be embarking on a new campaign this year to help folks become “smart gardeners.”  Helping homeowners learn environmentally savvy gardening techniques has long been a hallmark for MSUExtension. 

This year, at a first-ever Smart Gardening Conference, scheduled for Saturday, March 2, 2013 in Grand Rapids, participants will learn how their every-day efforts at home can have earth-friendly impacts.

Nationally known TV garden guru Joe Lamp’l, host of Growing a Greener World® will be keynote presenter for the 2013 conference, unveiling keen insights on new gardening tips and tricks.  Just to keep it scientific, garden enthusiasts will also learn what the buzz is on pollinators, putting the green back in the lawn and loads of plant and garden delights. 

Want to learn more about becoming a Smart Gardener?  Find out how by attending the Smart Garden Conference, Saturday, March 2, 2013 at the West Michigan Home and Garden Show.

For more information on a wide variety of smart gardening articles, or to find out about Smart Plants, Smart Soils or Smart Lawns, gardening classes, and events, click http://migarden.msu.edu/. 

 ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

2013 Plants of Distinction Program - March 19th (Grand Rapids) and March 20th (Novi)
New plants are the life-blood of the landscape and gardening economy.  However, we all know that “new” is not always “best” for our landscapes. MSU Extension has developed a portfolio of renowned plant experts to present the annual Plants of Distinction seminar and help gardeners assess the merits and pitfalls of many of these new plants. Speakers will enrich your plant knowledge while remembering the foundational message of “right plant right place.” 

This year’s palette of speakers and topics include:

• Three Strikes and They’re Out! Tribulation of Plant Trials - Richard Hawke, Plant Trial Manager, Chicago Botanic Gardens, Glencoe, IL
  
  
• Top Performing, Low Maintenance Annuals - Pamela Bennett, OSU Extension Horticulture Specialist and Associate Professor 

• Smart Perennials for Michigan Landscapes - Richard Hawke, Plant Trial Manager, Chicago Botanic Gardens, Glencoe, IL 

• Passing the Muster: Selection and Merits of Superior Trees and Shrubs - Tim Wood, New Product Development, Spring Meadow Nursery, Grand Haven, MI

 For a full copy of the brochure and to register for the 2013 Plants of Distinction seminar, visithttp://events.anr.msu.edu/2013pod/ .

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Oakland County Master Gardener Society Gardening Conference, April 20, 2013

For more information, please visit www.mgsoc.org under 2013 Master Gardener Conference or download a registration form at http://www.mgsocinc/event.  For more questions, please call Margaret Dolan, Registrar at 248-770-0524 or E-mail: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Online Training for Backyard and Community Gardeners
Website: http://ce.ingham.org/Horticulture.aspx. To view the program you need to have a high speed internet connection.

Online Classes:

• Fruit Update 1: http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/19872438 
  Program evaluation: Fruit Update Evaluation 
  Topics include a review of diseases and insects, update on new pests, Sweet Tango vs. Honeycrisps, pest management strategies for 2012 and using dormant oils.
• Fruit Update 2: http://connect.msu.edu/p575tx405cg/?launcher=false&fcsContent=true&pbMode=normal 
  Program evaluation: Fruit Update 2 Fruit Update Evaluation 
  Topics include goals and expectations, spraying equipment, personal protective equipment products, monitoring, mixing and loading, application and timing, most common pests, animal protection and resources.
• Garden Weed Control: http://vimeo.com/35890364 
  Program evaluation: Garden Weed Control Evaluation
  This class discusses how to reduce gardneing time by managing weeds. Topics include: solarization, mulches, cultivation, chemical weed control, weed life cycles, seed sources and longevity, weed growth and cultural practices.
• Organic Pesticides in the Garden: http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/20650414 
  Program evaluation: Organic Pesticides in the Garden Evaluation
  Why organic pesticides? Review of organic fungicides and insecticides and resources. 
• The Science of Composting:  
  Program evaluation: The Science of Composting
  Many people have compost piles, but few know how they work, the nutrient value of compost and its effects on the soil and plants. This class covers the factors that affect decomposition, the role of carbon & nitrogen, composting methods, containers, compost pile organism, materials, pile problems, when compost is readly, benefits of compost and using compost. 

• For a complete list of classes, click on http://ce.ingham.org/Horticulture/OnlineClasses.aspx

Master Gardeners will receive 1 continuing education credit for every 1 hour of presentation viewed. 

Note: Viewers will have to endure commercials when viewing programs on ustream until we come up with a way to finance the premium service. 

“Introduction to Diagnostics” was created specifically for Master Gardener Volunteers, to help in understanding the steps involved in plant pest diagnosis. Consisting of narrated PowerPoint presentations, handouts, fact sheets and other resources, “Introduction to Diagnostics” will help new and experienced volunteers gain confidence in the diagnostic process. Access this on-line course at your convenience anywhere you have internet access. Upon completion, participants will earn a certificate for 3 hours of continuing education credits.

The course has several course components:

• Narrated PowerPoint presentations
• Handouts Fact Sheet
• Certificate worth 3 continuing education credits (upon completion)

Enroll at: http://blogs.extension.org/mastergardener/2011/02/04/introduction-to-plant-diagnostics-for-master-gardeners-online-module/

There is a $10 fee that can be paid with a credit card or PayPal account.