My Grandmother did something in July that she hasnât done in five decades. Any guesses? She went back-to-school shopping. The process that leaves most moms feeling like they just got off a tilt-a-whirl, she went out of her way to do. She purchased a myriad of supplies including notebooks, pencils, and folders and donated them to children who wouldnât otherwise have new school supplies.
To some this back to school time of the year brings back great memories. Former teachers often remember fondly the days of preparing their classrooms. Parents play the very emotional âremember whenâ game. Former administrators perhaps are glad they chose to retire when they did. These days parents, of young children seem to be evenly divided into the âcanât wait till school startsâ camp and the âI will miss them desperatelyâ camp. Sometimes both emotions surface during the same day.
If while reminiscing about school, you find yourself wishing you to could go back, consider taking a gardening class. There are many great gardening classes available throughout the area.
The McHenry County Conservation District has a variety of classes that are held throughout the county. Specifically, they have a class titled âSenior Explorationsâ on September 5 in Woodstock. The class promises âExploring time just for you! At a relaxed pace we’ll see what is happening during the fall season, with Pleasant Valley providing the backdrop and trails.” There are sights to see, including plenty of flowers and birds. You can register on website mccdistrict.org or by calling 815-479-5779.
McHenry County College also offers a variety of non-credit and credit classes. They also have a Retired Adult Program that is very popular. According to their website âRAP is a lifelong learning program for people ages 50 and older who are active, curious, and serious about continually learning.â Although, I donât believe they have any classes currently regarding gardening, I would check out their course selection throughout the year.
The Sun City Community Association also offers gardening classes. A complete course listing is available in your monthly Lifestyles Magazine.
The Sun Flower Gardening Club offers educational information through their monthly meetings. Their next meeting is Thursday, Sept. 20. The speaker will discuss “putting your gardens to bedâ. Heather Moister from The Barn will be leading the discussion.
Local garden centers such as Tomâs Farm Market and Countryside Nursery offer gardening classes throughout the year. Be sure to check out their websites or call them regarding future classes.
I hope you find time to invest in yourself by enrolling in a gardening class. Happy Learning and Gardening!
Kathleen Carr is the owner of The Growing Scene, Inc., a garden center and landscaping company. She can be reached by calling 815-923-7322 or tgsinc12@msn.com Have a gardening question? Please contact her. She will address it in an upcoming column.
