Chelsea’s Garden Mill Offers Free Gardening Classes

Submitted by Maureen Tobin

Each Saturday in March, the Garden Mill, located in downtown Chelsea, will host its annual Green Thumb series of free workshops.

Garden Mill owner Jennifer Fairfield is passionate about all aspects of gardening, and that passion is reflected in the series. This year’s topics are varied and reflect the Garden Mill’s commitment to gardeners of all experience levels.

The first workshop in the series will focus on the how-to of seed starting. Fairfield will discuss when to start a variety of plants, what planting medium to use and when to move things outdoors.

Rick Weller of Organically Done, will present the second workshop, titled "Organic Gardening." Weller will discuss the best methods for creating a pest-free, chemical free garden.

“Your garden can be both bountiful and healthy, with the right plantings, and natural products," he said.

The third workshop will focus on container gardening.

“Everyone who wants a garden can have a garden, whether they have acres or just a patio or windowsill,” according to Fairfield. “Containers are the perfect solution to people with limited space, time or mobility because there are numerous plants, both edible and decorative, that will thrive in pots.”

The fourth workshop is all about attracting birds, bees, butterflies and other beneficial wildlife to your garden. Learn which plants attract the wildlife you enjoy and keep your garden healthy.

Keeping in mind that a lifetime of healthy eating is best learned at a young age, the final workshop in the series will focus on how to get kids interested in gardening. Parents are strongly encouraged to bring their children to the March 30 workshop, where they’ll get tips on the best ways to interest children in gardening and eating fruits and vegetables. Following the discussion, budding gardeners can get their hands dirty planting seeds in a free pot to take
home.

The classes will be held at the Garden Mill at 11a.m. every Saturday. Class sizes are limited, and pre-registration is required by calling 734-475-3539, or emailing customerservice@thegardenmill.com.