County Cooperative Extension offers gardening classes throughout August

Chesterfield County Cooperative Extension is offering the following free gardening seminars this month:

Rain Gardens - Thurs., Aug. 2, 7-8:30 p.m., at LaPrade Library. Master Gardener Theresa Biagioli will explain how rain gardens are a wonderful solution to landscape drainage problems. Learn where to locate your rain garden, site considerations, plant selections and more.

Shrubs and Woody Ornamentals - Mon., Aug. 6, 7-8:30 p.m., at Clover Hill Library. Master Gardener Dave Bishop will cover how to maintain shrubs and trees in your yard, their correct placement, and planting for sun or shade.

Pruning Small Trees - Tues., Aug. 7, 7-8:30 p.m., at Midlothian Library. Master Gardener Sandy Fry will explain different pruning cuts and how and when to use them. Numerous pruning tools also will be displayed and discussed, helping you choose the right tool for the job.

Shade Gardening - Wed., Aug. 15, 7-8:30 p.m., at Central Library. Master Gardener Susan Nienow will share her knowledge about what plants grow well in full sun and which in shade.

Grounds for Beautiful Soil - Mon., Aug. 20, 7-8:30 p.m., at Bon Air Library. Master Gardener Janice Beatty will talk about composting. Come learn about composting and the benefits it provides to your yard and garden.

Pruning Shrubs - Tues., Aug. 21, 7-8:30 p.m., at Clover Hill Library. Master Gardener Sandy Fry will explain how and when to prune all types of shrubs. Handouts will be provided that outline the proper time to prune and what methods to use.

Gardening for Birds and Butterflies - Tues., Aug. 21, 7-8:30 p.m., at Midlothian Library. Master Gardener Mary Arginteanu will explain how to attract beautiful birds and butterflies to yards or gardens. The first half of the program will be devoted to beginning gardeners and the second half to more advanced gardeners.

Grow a Greener Lawn (cool-season grasses) - Several presentations will be given throughout the county. All will be held 7-8:30 p.m.
• Aug. 7, Central Library
• Aug. 9, Chester Library
• Aug. 14, Bon Air Library
• Aug. 16, LaPrade Library
• Aug. 21, Colonial Heights Library
• Aug. 23, Enon Library

All of the above programs are free and open to the public. Seating is limited. Please call 751-4401 to register.