Bookstore, groups join to help area gardeners

The Aiken Master Gardeners, The Book Stall and the Garden Gate Cafe have teamed up to help Aiken residents brighten their homes with the colors of spring.

The bookstore and cafe at 413 Hayne Ave. will host two lectures by the Master Gardeners in mid-March. Jacquelyn Rees will speak on "The Southern Spring Garden" from 3 to 5 p.m. Wednesday, March 18, at the shop; Ben Roden will speak from 3 to 5 p.m. Thursday, March 19, at the shop on "Hydrangeas."

Space is limited to 20 people for each lecture, and advance registration is required; if demand is great enough, the lectures may be repeated in a second session another day, according to Rees.

"This is our second year, and last year it was amazing. We were expecting maybe 15, 20 people - 72 people showed up. I ran out of handouts. People were sitting on the floor for two hours, which was flattering, but it can't have been comfortable. So that's why we're limiting space and doing it again if enough people want it, so they can all have seats and be comfortable," Rees said.

Both lectures are free and open to the public. The Aiken Master Gardeners has an education group which sends members out to talk to clubs and civic organizations to talk about gardening, Rees said.

Said Meg Ferguson of The Book Stall, "We, as much as our customers, look forward to having the Master Gardeners come here. They've helped us all with our own home gardens. Last year was wildly successful with this event, and the Master Gardeners are a wonderful resource for the community. Whether you're new to the area or an Aiken native, there's something for everyone to learn at these talks."

For more information about the Aiken Master Gardeners, call the Clemson Extension Service at 649-6297. For more information or to reserve a seat at the lectures, call The Book Stall at 644-0604.

Contact Suzanne Stone at sstone@aikenstandard.com.