Special to the News-Herald

Yes, Suffolk, the Suffolk Master Gardeners and interns are very busy this time of year.

Gardening projects sprout up all over the city. Master Gardeners like Kathryn Pruden provided undivided devotion and tireless support in the areas of planning guidance and teaching. The city works closely with the Master Gardeners to provide needed materials to transform barren plant spaces into beautiful plant scapes.

One such project is located at Morgan Memorial Library at 443 W. Washington St. Master Gardener Pruden coordinates the Horticultural Therapy Project. This project uses bed to facilitate consumers of the Western Tidewater Community Services Board, who have limitations, giving them the ability to learn about plants, to plan, identify and care for their choices.

The consumers are the owners of this project,, and collaboration with Master Gardeners gives them pride and self-confidence while providing plant scapes for all to enjoy. The Master Gardeners provide guidance and support, get to meet new and interesting people and do the things we love to do: dig in the soil, plant, care for and admire the color, form and function of the garden scapes.

When passing the library or checking out or returning a book, view the plant scapes and take a minute to soak up the beauty of the gardens.

In the near future, a plant identification flipchart will be available, located inside the library, explaining plant information. Also, brochures explaining the raised bed concept will be available. This information shows everyone show easy this concept can be adapted anywhere, bringing gardening to everyone.

If your interests are gardening, the Suffolk Extension office will offer another Master Gardener class for 2004. Call the Suffolk Extension office for more information at 923-2051 or 923-2055.

Please join the Suffolk Master Gardeners at the Extension Office building, 440 Market St., Suffolk, for the next &uot;Saturday in the Garden&uot; series from9 to 10 a.m. Saturday, May 31, for discount plant sales, gardening demonstrations, information, and tips. Call 923-2051 for any questions.

Remember! Plant plants and grow a smile!

Don Fowler is a Master Gardener intern, under tutelage of Master Gardener Kathryn Pruden