ANNISTON, AL — Garden lovers and community members have a new reason to gather this season as the Calhoun County Master Gardeners’ Lunch and Learn programs return for 2025. The educational series kicked off at noon on Wednesday, April 30, at the Cane Creek Classroom, located at 77 Justice Ave. After the first session, Lunch and Learn will continue on the fourth Wednesday of each month through October.
The opening program features Coco Huang of the Jacksonville Garden Club, who will present “Popular Easy-Growing Asian Flowers and Vegetable Gardening.” This session offers an exciting opportunity for both beginner and seasoned gardeners to broaden their horizons and pick up new gardening techniques.
Participants are encouraged to bring their own lunch and enjoy a casual, informative environment while learning from local experts. Each session highlights a different topic, making the series a well-rounded experience for anyone with a green thumb — or those hoping to develop one.
The full schedule for upcoming Lunch and Learn programs includes:
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May 28: Oxford American Legion Post 111 presents “The History of the American Flag.”
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June 25: Hana Berres, Alabama Water Watch Trainer, discusses “Managing Rain Beyond the Roof.”
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July 23: Kyle Marable, Extension Agent for Forestry, Wildlife and Natural Resources, covers “Wildlife of Pelham Range.”
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August 27: Jenna Schmidt, Regional Extension Agent in Animal Science & Forages, shares insights on animal science topics.
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September 24: Johnny Phelps, Operations Chief of the Anniston Fire Department, and Fire Marshal Jason Brown speak on “Fire Safety.”
For those interested in taking their gardening passion to the next level, information about becoming a certified Master Gardener is available by contacting the Calhoun County Extension Office at 256-237-1621 or by emailing Sarrorg@aces.edu.
The Lunch and Learn series is a wonderful way for community members to connect, share their love of gardening, and gain practical knowledge from regional experts. Whether you’re tending your first flowerbed or managing a thriving backyard garden, there’s something for everyone to discover.
