Get Started With Organic Gardening

Submitted release

Saturday, March 31

“Getting Started in Organic Gardening”

Just in time for getting seeds and plants into the soil, Canton Public Library is offering “Getting Started in Organic Gardening” on Saturday, March 31, with Bettylou Sandy.  The program begins at 10:30 and includes a Powerpoint presentation, a demonstration, and time for questions. 

“Getting Started in Organic Gardening” is intended for both beginning gardeners and more experienced gardeners who are transitioning into organic gardening.  Sandy will discuss container and small space gardening for those who have limited space or who want to start small.  Attendees will leave with the knowledge and confidence to start “growing their own.” 

“No matter how little space you have and no matter what your conditions, you can grow your own food,” according to Sandy.  In her presentation she will cover growing food in containers, in framed, raised beds; and in the ground.  She will discuss the progression of crops that can be grown in our region, from cold-weather crops that can be planted in the spring—peas, lettuce, carrots, radishes—to warm weather crops for planting in May and June.  Handouts will be provided.

Sandy is an enthusiastic proponent of container gardening. “I encourage people to use containers they have, or can obtain inexpensively,” she said. “There are so many options available.  My first tomatoes were grown in a five gallon bucket with holes punched in the bottom.”

Bettylou Sandy has been the owner of “Bettylou’s Gardening” in Manchester since 1987. She has taught gardening classes at Manchester Community College since 2002 and is the cofounder and coordinator of the community garden on campus, which serves as an outdoor classroom and a community resource. She serves as vice-president of CT NOFA (Connecticut chapter of the Northeast Organic Farming Association) and is accredited by the NOFA Organic Land Care Program.

“Getting Started in Organic Gardening” is part of the library’s “Transition Towns” series, which emphasizes sustainability. Transition towns have recognized that we are on an unsustainable trajectory in our energy use, our economy, and our treatment of the planet. The movement promotes vibrant, grassroots community initiatives that increase local self-reliance and resilience.”  The program and the “Transition Towns” series is funded by a grant from the Newman’s Own Foundation

“Getting Started in Organic Gardening” is free; REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. 

Saturday, March 31

Saturday Book Conversations To Discuss Clara and Mr. Tiffany

Canton Public Library’s Saturday Book Conversations has chosen Clara and Mr. Tiffany by Susan Vreeland as its March selection. The conversation will be held on Saturday, March 31 at 1 p.m.

In 1893 at the Chicago World’s Fair, Louis Comfort Tiffany made quite a showing with his stained glass creations, and his name became known far and wide for exquisite lamps and windows. Susan Vreeland sheds light on the creative force behind that reputation in her historical novel, which features  Clara Driscoll.  Clara was head of the women’s division at Tiffany Studios and oversaw the Tiffany Girls.

It was Clara who conceived of and designed the Tiffany glass creations and saw them through production.

The novel paints a picture of nineteenth-century employment practices for women in the workplace, where the contributions of women were not always acknowledged, respected, or rewarded with a fair wage. The Tiffany Glass and Decorating Company employed only single women, so an engagement or marriage led to termination of employment. 

Vreeland did extensive research before writing the book, spending time reading Clara Driscoll’s correspondence. Vreeland is the author of two other historical novels:  The Girl in Hyacinth Blue and Luncheon of the Boating Party.

Copies of Clara and Mr. Tiffany are available at the library. New members are always welcome to join the conversation. Canton Public Library is at 40 Dyer Avenue, Canton. For information call (860) 693-5800 or www.cantonpubliclibrary.org