Master Gardeners of the Ozarks hold Spring Workshop

On March 21, the Master Gardeners of the Ozarks held their Spring Workshop, “Memories from the Garden,” hosted by Faith Lutheran Church in Branson. The workshop is a much-anticipated time for gardeners to gather for fellowship and learning as a new season of spring planting begins. 

Gardeners in attendance represented all levels of experience, from those just starting to those with years of gardening and training, as well as some new to the area and learning to deal with the rocky Ozarks terrain. 

Matthew Huchteman presents during the workshop. (Photo by Cynthia J. Thomas)

The workshop opened with attendees enjoying delicious breakfast items provided by MGO members and browsing some great silent auction donations as well as several vendors of useful and beautiful garden-themed items: 

●      Wooden Crafts and Garden Supplies by MG Bill Greet; 

●      Rock, Paper, Scissors & Ink – Handcrafted floral cards by Dawn Neal; 

●      Master Gardener Garden Shoppe – Unique handcrafted items and plant sales; 

●      In His Garden – Honey, jams and jellies, condiments and stained glass by Diane Pope; 

●      Two Clay Sisters – Unique handmade clay pieces by Beth Ryan and Ellen Johnson; 

●      Taney County Junior Master Gardeners – plant sale 

Several of the vendors have websites or Facebook pages; check them out for some unique gift ideas or that just-right décor piece.  

MG George Hurlburt greeted attendees and introduced speaker Matthew Huchteman, MU Extension Field Specialist in Horticulture, who shared about “Vegetables & Container Gardens.” His presentation included valuable tips about which veggies do or do not succeed well in containers, as well as ideas for unique containers and placement. 

Abby Jackson, owner of Faithful Spring Farms, spoke about “Growing Cut Flowers.” She shared how her own love for flowers, and furthering her education at College of the Ozarks, led to starting her own business; she offered suggestions for timing and enhancing a variety of flowers to create bouquets and event decorations. 

Following a delicious lunch catered by Big D’s BBQ, Ren Klug of the MU School of Natural Resources shared her experiences and graduate research about “Walnut Trees and Syrup.” If you thought maple trees were the only ones that can be tapped for syrup, you’ll be surprised as some attendees were to learn that black walnut and sycamore syrup taste pretty good! Klug’s presentation included tips for supplies and procedures to harvest sap from your own trees—plus samples. 

Final speaker for the day was Kelly McGowan, MU Extension Field Specialist in Horticulture, guiding attendees through “Exploring the Fascinating World of Soil Life.” This close-up look at the microbial world in our soil, and how it relates to conservation and to good garden crops, included valuable suggestions for keeping a healthy balance and improving yields. 

If you missed the workshop, the learning opportunities continue at Kimberling Area Library and Library Center of the Ozarks, with monthly FREE workshops in the summer and fall. April classes are “Knowing and Growing Roses,” April 15 at 10 a.m. at KAL; and “Designing a Landscape to Include Native Plants,” April 28 at 10:30 a.m. at LCO. Check the website, www.mgozarks.com for additional dates and program topics. 

For some extra inspiration, plan to attend the 2026 Stone County Garden Tour, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, June 20. This visit to eight enchanting private gardens will include stops at Stonebridge, where residents encourage one another by sharing their plants and ideas; three gardens down DD highway including a stumpery, fairy garden and tropical plant greenhouse; and a sprawling country garden full of edible and ornamental plantings; as well as a visit to the newly constructed Master Gardener project at Pregnancy Life Line, where produce is harvested to bless client families. Details and registration are available via the website. 

The annual fall and spring workshops are presented by the Master Gardeners of the Ozarks with the Stone and Taney County University of Missouri Extension Councils and the Stone and Taney County Commissions. The Fall Workshop is on the schedule for Saturday, September 12, at New Testament Christian Church in Reeds Spring, so mark your calendar!