This summer, gardeners from beginner to advanced from across Whidbey Island and beyond will be able to attend a series of six free classes designed to help implement best practices in the garden. The Island County WSU Master Gardener Education Series classes are open to the public and cover everything from dealing with pests to growing great vegetables. The series is presented by the Island County WSU Master Gardeners.

The series highlights how climate change and new knowledge about the impact of human behavior on nature inform and influence best garden practices.  The way we garden has a big impact on our Island ecosystems.  Gardeners can make a direct difference in caring for the environment in their own back yards because what is done there can affect wildlife, biodiversity, water use and human health.

Classes are offered on the third Sunday of the month from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. May through September, and will take place at the Greenbank Education Garden, located at Greenbank Farm on Whidbey Island.

•    June 16 Firewise Gardening – Landscaping for Fire Resistance
•    July 21 Good Lawn/Bad Lawn
•    August 18 Winter Veggies Growing Guide/Island Stalwarts
•    September 15 Go Green in the Garden: Using Nature’s Own Plant Food