(Media release from Chieftains Museum/Major Ridge Home):
As part of ongoing celebrations marking the 45th program anniversary, the Georgia Master Gardener Extension Volunteer Program invites you to attend Open Garden Days at 25 demonstration gardens throughout the month of June. This is a special opportunity for visitors to gain inspiration for their own gardens from practices backed by research.
“The Major Ridge Demonstration Garden provides an opportunity to learn about the workings of a historical home and prosperous farm as well as the cultural significance of the Cherokee Nation. The Master Gardener volunteers for Floyd County have put lots of time and research into this garden, and this will be a chance for our visitors to speak with them about the various plants that would have been on the Ridge farm in the 1820s,” said Olivia Cawood, Executive Director of Chieftains Museum/Major Ridge Home.
Locally, the Major Ridge Demonstration Garden at Chieftains Museum/Major Ridge Home will hold special events on June 1, 2024. Located at 501 Riverside Parkway NE, Rome, GA 30161, this garden focuses on plants native to our area, those used by Native Americans, and those that were grown on the Ridge farm to provide visitors to the campus with a “living” classroom. During Open Garden Day, visitors will be able to speak with volunteers about the history of the Ridge farm and the different types of plants grown on the property. The garden tour is free and open to the public. Visitors who travel to demonstration gardens around the state during Open Garden Days have the opportunity to complete a garden passport and enter to win prizes. The garden passport is included in the comprehensive garden guide. Collect as many stamps as possible between June 1 and June 30 and complete an evaluation survey about your garden visit for chances to win prizes like t-shirts, tickets to Winter Wonder Lights at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia, and other gifts.
Open Garden Days are open to anyone interested in visiting gardens, especially those who may be considering planting, renovating, or expanding their own gardens and are looking for ideas. Events are family-friendly and accessible to everyone.
About Master Gardeners: The Georgia Master Gardener Extension Volunteer (MGEV) Program connects UGA Extension, plant enthusiasts, and communities across the state. MGEVs share UGA Extension consumer horticulture programming about selection and care of plants for ornamental value, recreation, and home food production. Master Gardeners teach community members how to use plants and gardening to improve their environment, personal health, and quality of life. For more information, visit (https://extension.uga.edu/programs-services/georgia-master-gardener-extension-volunteerprogram.html) to find a program near you.
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