In October, Cole Library and Lisbon Library will join together to host a series of fall classes Monday Master Gardener Talks offered by Linn County Master Gardeners. Four Master Gardeners will present a garden program on four consecutive Monday evenings from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. at Cole Library in Room 108.

Who are the master gardeners? They are your friends and neighbors who have a passion for gardening. To become a Master Gardener, you must take 40 hours of horticulture class training, complete a 40-hour internship, and then continue to take courses and volunteer so that you are up to date on the latest best practices for gardeners in Iowa. The classes are free and open to everyone in our communities and do not require pre-registration. The subjects and teachers are as follows:

• Oct. 7: Get More From Your Yard with Maeghan MacDougall, LCMG

I want it all. I want beautiful flowers in the spring, food for us or for birds, color in the fall….and I don’t really want to work at it! Yes, it can be done! Plant the right things, in the right place, in the right way, and before you know it you can have your own oasis.

• Oct. 14: Spring Bulbs: Spectacular Signs of Spring! with Angel Burns, LCMG

Planting spring blooming bulbs in the fall lets you get some of your gardening work out of the way for the following year. Most spring bulbs bloom in early spring and offer a glimpse of warm spring days ahead. We will discuss some of the most popular spring bulbs, a few select varieties of each, how to plant and protect those bulbs.

• Oct. 21: Gardening for Birds & Butterflies with Beula Dvorak, LCMG

Join LCMG Beula Dvorak for a presentation on what birds and butterflies need to thrive in our gardens. Dvorak will share helpful hints on providing for habitat, food, and water for our winged friends.

• Oct. 28: Herbs: Organic Vegetable Gardening with Phil Pfister, LCMG

With all the pressure on the environment and health, growing vegetables organically is all the more important. LCMG, Phil Pfister, will provide techniques to help you maximize the production of your garden, including insect control, without using harmful chemicals. This class is recommended for gardeners of all levels of experience who want to enjoy the healthful benefits of organic gardening.

All are welcome at these informative sessions. Please call Cole Public Library Director Grace Chamberlain at 895-5940 with questions. Cole Library is located in Mount Vernon on the southside of Cornell Campus up Library Lane.