Annual Master Gardeners workshop March 21 in Cassville

Barry County Master Gardeners will host the annual “Let’s Get Growing” spring workshop on March 21 in Cassville, starting at 9 a.m.

“We are excited to be introducing some new topics and speakers this spring, so be sure you attend,” a Master Gardeners press release said. “We will meet at a new location – Cassville Methodist Church on Gravel Street.”

The Master Gardeners have had requests for information on invasive plants, and the group has found a speaker to address this topic. Rhonda Rimer has been a Natural History Biologist with the Missouri Department of Conservation for 26 years. She has worked throughout the central and eastern Ozarks as well as the western prairie region of the state. She will identify some of these bothersome plants and advise attendees on how to deal with them.

E. J. Adams became a member of Missouri Master Gardeners in 2002 and has been active in Barry County Master Gardeners since their formation in 2015. Her presentation will be focused on planting for winter interest in attendees’ gardens and landscapes. 

“Many plants are not only beautiful in the spring and summer but produce a different kind of beauty that adds interest to the winter landscape as well,” the press release said. 

Two presenters from Lincoln University Extension will introduce the concept of Permaculture to attendees. Lesa Queen is a farm outreach worker for the southwest region of the state and lives on a Missouri Century Farm with her husband, Mike. 

Jack Spurlin retired in 2019 from Missouri Southern State University where he was a criminal justice professor and began researching and writing “The Purpose Pursuit: A Living Journal.” He also established a foundation, PLANT, which stands for Permaculture Learning and Natural Teaching. 

Spurlin is a Master Gardener and a Master Naturalist. Lisa and Jack Queen will provide an overview of permaculture, a design approach that works with natural systems to create sustainable food production while minimizing waste, conserving resources and enhancing long-term productivity from backyard gardens to diversified farms. 

“We are excited about these learning opportunities and hope that you will plan to join us on March 21,” the press release said. “We encourage you to pre-register with Barry County Extension at 417-847-3161, or by emailing [email protected].” 

Preregistered guests will pay $10 for the workshop. Walk-ins are welcome and will pay $12.00. 

The Master Gardeners will provide snacks, beverages door prizes and vendors.