UNR Extension hosts Seed Swap and garden workshops

The University of Nevada, Reno Extension Douglas County Master Gardeners program hosts their second annual Seed Swap 9 a.m.- noon Saturday at the UNR Extension Douglas County office, 1325 Waterloo Lane in Gardnerville.

The event is an invitation to the public to stop by and peruse a variety of seeds that have been donated by seed companies and growers in our community. Seeds have been sorted and organized into different varieties of vegetables, herbs, and ornamental annuals and perennials that do well in the Carson Valley’s high-desert, mountainous climate.

UNR Extension Master Gardeners and local experts will be on hand to answer questions from attendees. VitalBeeBuds Nursery owner Lorraine Fitzhugh (vitalbeebuds.com) is one of the local growers participating in the event.

“I have just sprouted more native perennials than ever before and am so excited to share how with folks at the seed swap,” she said.

It may feel like a stretch to think about the growing season while in the midst of winter’s chill, but it’s not too early to start considering springtime cultivation plans.

“As we wait for the snow to melt, we can continue to enjoy the tans and browns that are highlighted and blanketed [across the landscape],” said Fitzhugh. “Soon, new green, growth will beckon winged visitors and colorful crawlers back to the garden.”

There’s a suggested donation of $5 to attend the Seed Swap, and all proceeds support the UNR Extension Master Gardener Program in Douglas County. Visit https://extension.unr.edu/douglas.aspx to learn more.

Pollinator garden classes start Feb. 4

Starting the first Saturday in February, the UNR Master Gardeners host a 4-class series titled, “Plant a Pollinator Garden in a Weekend.” Presenters will cover a number of different topics from garden design to cultivating a space to attract certain species. Class offerings and dates are as follows:

Feb. 4: Basic Garden design

Feb. 11: Hummingbirds

Feb. 25: Butterflies

March 4: All Pollinators

Classes are held from 10 a.m. to noon at the Douglas County Community and Senior Center, 1329 Waterloo Lane in Gardnerville. Gardeners of all experience levels are welcome, and there is no charge to participate.

Pre-registration is required for this series. Visit eventbrite.com/e/plant-a-pollinator-garden-in-a-weekend-tickets-481771199627 to secure a spot in one or more classes.

Questions about the seed swap or pollinator garden classes can be directed to UNR Extension Horticulture Outreach Coordinator Jessica Gardner at 775-782-9960 or jessicagardner@unr.edu.

Sertoma Coat Drive ends Jan. 31

The Sertoma Coat Drive wraps up next week, and collections are still going strong. Event chair Eileen Behr shared that she recently used some grant funds provided by Walmart to purchase 19 children’s jackets that were on sale at the local store.

“If [anyone has] been thinking about donating a new kids jacket or two,” said Behr, “now is the time. The Coat Drive continues until the end of the month. The blue barrels are still out there.”

For a complete list of donation locations, visit carsonvalleysertoma.org/. The final day for donations is Jan. 31.

Library Friends host annual meeting

Friends of the Douglas County Public Library host their annual meeting at 11 a.m. Saturday. All are invited to stop by the Minden Library at 1625 Library Lane to see what the Friends of DCPL all are about and learn more regarding their programs, projects, and events.

Elections for the 2023 officers and directors will be held during the meeting. Some fun raffle prizes will be awarded, and complimentary refreshments will be served.

Connect with the DCPL online at library.douglascountynv.gov, or find them on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and YouTube. Call the Minden Branch at 775-782-9841.

Amy Roby can be reached at ranchosroundup@hotmail.com.