ELLSWORTH – From April –June, gardening expert and author Melinda Myers is inviting Ellsworth Public Library and its patrons to participate in free webinars and activities to learn about affordable, sustainable, and beautiful gardening strategies for creating an outdoor paradise whether living in an apartment, condo, or house with a small or large lot. The webinars and activities are completely free thanks to underwriting sponsor We Energies.

The program entitled “Create Your Own Outdoor Paradise” includes the following three webinars on Wednesdays April 2, May 7 and June 4; patrons can now register via the links below. The Ellsworth Public library will also be offering in-person viewing of the live webinars each month. Visit our online calendar at ellsworthlibrary.org for more details.

Container Gardens for Sun and Shade, 6 p.m. April 2

Container gardens add color and seasonal interest to balconies, patios, decks, and even your front entrance. No matter where they’re placed, matching the plants to the available sunlight will help boost success. Myers will share container plant combinations for both sun-filled and shady locations. Plus, she’ll provide tips on the proper care to keep them looking good all season long. Register at https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_QlNKSZgxRbSKsDABXwbwPg

Vertical Gardening, 6:30 p.m. May 7

Save space, screen bad views, and create privacy by growing vertically. We’ll discuss fun, affordable, and attractive ways to use this gardening technique to incorporate flowers and edibles into your landscape and container gardens. Myers will share ways vertical gardening can help reduce energy use by shading air conditioners, walls, and outdoor seating. Register at https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_BgvB89cfRpuU47ouKBilRQ

Attracting Hummingbirds, 6:30 p.m. June 4

Invite these beautiful pollinators to your landscape by growing a few of their favorite flowers. Add one or more feeders and don’t forget the water. Myers will cover a variety of hummingbird-favorite shrubs and flowers to include in your gardens and containers. Plus, we’ll discuss tips for filling, cleaning, and placing feeders in the landscape to support and keep them safe. Register at https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_RAZpnCt6Qsm4zgXOp_f7VA

Myers will be available to answer attendees’ questions following the webinar. The webinars will be recorded and housed for on-demand viewing on Milwaukee Public Library’s YouTube Channel.

Submitted by Adult Programs Librarian Robin Kruse