Nine members of Great Bend Garden Club met on March 17 in the meeting room of the Great Bend Senior Center. Connie Schuld served as hostess.

The morning’s program was “Planning and Preparations for Spring Gardening”and was given by Alicia Boor, the Kansas State Extension Office - Cottonwood District’s agriculture and natural resources agent. Her information was based on many years of research in the area of Kansas gardening methods. 

Spring garden planning requires considering the location of the garden and its soil condition first, then proper layout of the plants for ease in their care. Before the growing season and gardening tools should be cleaned and sharpened. Lawn mowers should be serviced. 

Annuals should be planted in the spring after danger of frost is past. Following planting, the maintenance requires considering watering sources, mulching materials, fertilization, weed and pest control, pruning, and then dividing plants when necessary. 

The Extension Service has literature containing information on these processes. Flowers which bloom in late summer and fall should be divided in the spring, and flowers that bloom in the spring and early summer should be divided in the fall. 

Boor recommended websites which contain much research based sites for learning of recommended varieties of flowers for locations in Kansas. Search for “Prairie Star” flowers. and” Prairie Blooms” from K-State Extension Service.

During the business meeting led by President Nancy Williams, it was decided to hold an election of officers next month. The May meeting will follow a catered luncheon.

The April meeting will be held at 10 a.m. on April 21, in the meeting room of the Great Bend Senior Center. Connie Schuld will be giving the program and Carol Woodmansee will be serving refreshments. Visitors and guests are welcome.