Date: May 19, 2005

Release: Home Gardening

Writer: Tony Melton, County Agent

Florence County

Bring-Up a Child to Appreciate the World

I remember when Mom and Dad would crowd all eight of us kids into an old Peaugot and head to Swan Lake in downtown Sumter. The trip was long, drained our endless childhood energy, but made a profound effect on my life. I remember feeding the swans, walking by the lake, but most of all the beautiful flowers. Simple events like this sculptured my life and most likely made me the horticulturist I am today. Kids need to not only stop and smell the flowers but also learn to appreciate the world around them.

Next weekend, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday of Memorial Day Weekend, is the Iris Festival at Swan Lake. If you have never been to Swan Lake, this would be a great event for you to introduce your child or yourself to a great garden. Swan Lake is not only famous for having every type of Swan in the world, but also its beautiful Japanese Irises. Picture, huge dinner plate sized, multi-colored, dainty irises springing from a swan filled lake with all types of festival music playing in the background. For more information, go to www.sumtersc.gov.

Also, locally we have the Junior Master Gardener Class starting on Monday, June 6th in the Red Barn Classroom at the Pee Dee State Farmers Market. This program for 3rd – 5th graders offer youth, horticultural and environmental science education as well as leadership and life skills development through fun and creative activities. This 930 a.m. to noon, Monday thru Thursday program will begin on Monday, June 6th, and end on Thursday, June 30th. Junior Master Gardeners develop an interest and skills in gardening and their spirit of volunteerism so they can go out and make a positive contribution to their family, school and community. Space is limited and on a first come first serve basis. Quickly call Alma Harris at 843/393- 0484 for more information and to register.

To learn the specifics on gardening we have both free and for-sale publications at our office. You may also visit our Home & Garden Information Center through our web site at www.clemson.edu/florence. I may be contacted through our web site, amelton@clemson.edu, or 661-4800.

The Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to people of all ages, regardless of race, color, gender, religion, national origin, disability, political belief, sexual orientation, marital or family status and is an equal opportunity employer