ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – Looking for the right time to start that garden or plant some herbs? Master Gardeners at the Orange County Library System say now is the right time.
Librarian Heidi Williamson shares her expertise and love for planting herbs like Chives, Basil, Dill and Cilantro during a gardening class at the downtown Orlando branch. She started with a quick presentation, then helped members like Perry Berenson start their own small plants.
“My wife is very interested in plants and we do everything together,” said Berenson.
While Berenson admits he attended the class for his wife, Karen, he says classes like these offered by OCLS are worthwhile.
“I’ve taken three or four computer classes that were very helpful because at my age you forget some things,” said Berenson. “The price for the classes is a little stiff... It’s free.”
Berenson’s wife, Karen said she learned about the program online.
“I went to the OCLS website and went to the classes tab. Then I searched the word ‘plants’ and this class came up, so I signed up,” said Karen.
They’re planting seeds hoping to grow some Basil.
Todjeune Young attended the class for a sense of peace.
“It can be a type of therapy and relaxing. It’s also a great option if you’re bored,” said Young. “I would plant with my mom, so I wanted to come here to learn more.”
Williamson said the mild fall and winter climates in Florida make it an ideal environment for gardening reducing the stress on plants, minimizing pest activity and extending the growing season. Container herb gardening is a great place to start for beginners.
“A lot of people who live here may live in an apartment or rent a house where they can’t just plant whatever they want in the yard, so I wanted people to have an opportunity to learn a little about gardening and grow food in a limited and small space,” said Williamson.
This is just one of many classes OCLS offers throughout its 15 branches. If you’re having trouble with some plants at home, you can bring them into the plant clinics held at OCLS branches and the master gardeners can give some advice on site. Click HERE to view the list of classes related to planting.