2013 GARDENING WITH THE EXPERTS

The 2013 Gardening with the Experts annual event organized by the Greater Shawnee Area Enhancement and Beautification Committee, was held on January 26, 2013.

Three gardening experts shared their knowledge.  David Hillock, OSU extension horticulturist who is the state coordinator of the Master Gardening program, explained the attributes of annual and perennial plants that do well in our area of Oklahoma.  Dr. George Driever, horticulturist with the Pottawatomie County extension office provided tips for successful vegetable gardening.  Linda Vater of Oklahoma City, who regularly appears on KFOR as the “Garden Guru”, and writes for HGTV magazine, Southern Living, and Lowe’s talked about garden design.

Those who attend were invited to bringing written “Garden Tips” to the meeting.  These were reproduced and distributed to all who attended.  Prizes were awarded for the top three tips according to the judges. Click here to download a copy of the "Garden Tips".

Funds generated by this event are used to enhance the beauty of Shawnee.

 Staff Leadership: Cindy Lantz

Objective: Promote participation of our citizens and our business community in beautification efforts.

Strategy: Identify, work to provide and widely publicize programs that require community involvement in greening projects.

• Action Plan: Work with Master Gardeners to enhance the beauty of Shawnee.

• Action Plan: Schedule Arbor Day at one or more Shawnee Public Schools, and plant trees at selected schools.

• Action Plan: Promote and encourage participation in the "Adopt-a-Plot" program by the business community and residents.

• Action Plan: Promote and encourage businesses to be "Caught with Curb Appeal" and present the an award.

• Action Plan: Help fund flowers and shrubs in public areas in cooperation with Master Gardeners.
  
  Strategy: Work to provide beautification educational opportunities for the greater Shawnee area.
  
  Action Plan: Sponsor "Gardening with the Experts" seminar.
  Action Plan: Sponsor Spring and/or Fall Garden Tour.
  

Objective: Initiate and support two projects that will improve the first impression of our community.

Strategy: Have neat and clean appearance at all City entrances.

• Action Plan: Work with the City of Shawnee, Shawnee Public Schools and others to develop and implement landscaping projects.
  
  Strategy: Promote and support anti-littering and community clean-up programs for the greater Shawnee area
  
  Action Plan: Work with the City of Shawnee on ordinances or regulatory policies to promote the beautification and/or cleanliness of our community.