Myriad Gardens Foundation to host Oklahoma Gardening School

(January 10, 2008) - Great gardening and landscaping tips take root at the tenth annual Oklahoma Gardening School, presented by the Myriad Gardens Foundation.  The school will be held from 9 a.m. – 3:15 p.m. on Saturday, March 1, 2008 at Stage Center, 400 W Sheridan in Oklahoma City.

This year’s school celebrates the beauty and bounty of Oklahoma gardens with topics including the newest annuals and perennials for non-stop color and outstanding trees and shrubs for Oklahoma.  Things turn tasty with a showcase of popular herbs and how to use them in cooking as well as a talk on landscaping with edible flowers and fruits.  The ever-popular book sale will also be running throughout the day.

The day begins with a seminar with Jim Ord, a product representative with J. Frank Schmidt & Son Nursery.  Ord combines a lifelong love of trees with 30 years in the nursery business to give students the dirt on the perfect trees for the unique Oklahoma landscape.  The Myriad Botanical Gardens’ own Allan Storjohann takes the stage next with a session on ornamental grasses and shrubs. Storjohann’s informative tutorial will teach students how to save big on water bills while cutting back on mowing and edging.

Next up, Kerry Meyer, a product representative with Proven Winners, brings over ten years of plant breeding expertise to Oklahoma, where she regularlytravels to show nurseries and greenhouses the newest flowers for the Midwest.  Meyer's examples of container and flowerbed combinations are amazing – a must see for hobby home gardeners and plant professionals alike.

The afternoon sessions kicks off with Kamala Gamble, owner of Kam’s Kookery and Guilford Gardens in Oklahoma City.  Gamble’s popular cooking classes and catering services incorporate organically grown vegetables and herbs.  Gamble will dish on backyard gardens and cooking during two afternoon sessions, taking students from the garden to the kitchen and from the kitchen to the table.

Tuition for the Oklahoma Gardening School is $30 through February 22; $20 for Myriad Gardens Foundation.  Add $10 for registrations received after February 22.  Call 405 297-3995 for more information.

Proceeds from the school will benefit educational programming at the Myriad Botanical Gardens.

Sponsors for this year’s Oklahoma Gardening School include Teleflora, The Meinders Foundation, the Myriad Gardens Foundation, the City of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Horticulture Society, TLC Nursery and Greenhouses, Calvert Plant Interiors, Inc, Lawns by Murphy and Total Environment.

The Myriad Botanical Gardens is located at Reno and Robinson in downtown Oklahoma City.  Crystal Bridge hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday.  Admission is $6 for adults, $5 for seniors and students and $3 for children 4 to 12.  Admission to the outdoor grounds is free.  Call 405 297-3995 for information or visit www.myriadgardens.com.