Arboretum volunteers set schedule, plan seed swap

Volunteers of all ages are invited to meet at 9 a.m. at the Mari Sandoz High Plains Heritage Center and work until noon. They are being encouraged to bring their leftover seeds to the event.

“Our first seed event last year was one of the single most rewarding events for us.” said Lucinda Mays, CSC horticulturist, noting that more than 100 packets were prepared and sold. “These are native and well-adapted plants from the campus going out into the community and region, illustrating the impact the campus arboretum can have in the surrounding area.”

She said each plant’s success begins with the seed.

“Beautiful plants all begin with healthy, viable seeds, and this session is a good place to find out how to store and package seeds for sale and learn to sort and clean seeds gathered from campus gardens last fall,” Mays said.

In addition to sowing, volunteers will learn tips for care of a take-home pot of seeds for window sill germination.

“This is a good opportunity for folks to get a jump on starting plants for transplant into summer gardens,” Mays said.

The theme of this year’s four events is“Sharing the Simplicity of Do-It-Yourself Gardening.” Information about the series follows. Each event begins at 9 a.m.

April 21: Simple Tricks of the Tool Trade

Bring your garden spade or shovel and learn hands-on how to sharpen it into a soil slicing blade.  Then join in the tree and shrub planting on campus.

May19: Simple Steps for Spring Flower Planting

Transform campus planting beds into green and growing gardens in just one morning. Put design and soil building basics to work, and plants in the ground.

Sept 15: Simplify Your Spring by Planting in the Fall

September is prime time for planting trees and shrubs. Planting now gives roots time to settle in and be raring to go in the spring.

Events are designed to help volunteers learn how simple and rewarding it is to plant and care for plants in our area. Volunteers learn through “hands-on” activities of cleaning and sorting seeds, preparing soils, caring for tools and planting. 

“We encourage volunteers o fall ages at all of our events. Our goal is that you take what you learn home to your own gardens.

Volunteers are welcome for all or part of the day and we always end promptly at noon,” Mays said.

Volunteers are asked to bring what garden tools they have, such as hand trowels, rakes, and garden spades. People are reminded to dress for the weather and wear gloves, a hat and to bring drinking water. Snacks will be provided.

More information may be obtained by contacting Mays at 308-430-4186.