University of Maryland Extension to Host 2nd Annual “Growing Community Gardens” Event in Prince George’s County

University of Maryland Extension is proud to host “Growing Community Gardens,” the 2nd annual gathering for all Prince George’s County community gardeners to build community, learn from each other, and gain gardening skills.

Held on Saturday, March 23, 2013 at the Center for Educational Partnership (located at 6200 Sheridan Street, Riverdale, Maryland) the “Growing Community Gardens” event will allow community gardeners from around the county to network with each other and attend three workshops taught by local experts.  Speakers will be Jennifer Fairfax, Edi Butler, Kelley Oklesson and Joe Mudd – all Prince George’s County Master Gardeners.  

“As food prices rise and concerns about food safety are brought to our attention, more and more Prince George’s County residents are growing their own food, many of them in community gardens.  This event will help community gardeners become more successful and produce more of their own food in the future,” says event co-coordinator Christie Balch, of the University of Maryland Extension.  Co-coordinator Esther Mitchell, the Master Gardener Coordinator for University of Maryland Extension, Prince George’s County adds, “There are very few satisfying rewards as eating  fresh food from your own vegetable garden and discovering  in ecstasy, how much better food tastes.  Growing Community Gardens can equip you with knowledge to extend that satisfaction.”

The “Growing Community Gardens” event costs $10 and includes a lunch catered by the Wild Onion in Hyattsville.  To register online, visit http://growingcommunitygardens.eventbrite.com/ - registration will open up in early February.  Contact Christie Balch at cbalch@umd.edu or at 301-779-2806 x706 for additional information or if you'd like to register by mail and pay with a check. 

Special thanks for support from the Maryland Agricultural Council, Inc. 

University of Maryland Extension's three-fold mission is to contribute to the well being of Maryland residents by increasing economic prosperity, improving environmental quality, and enhancing quality of life.