Source: Judy Unruh, 785-587-8432, Judy_Unruh@att.net
News release prepared by: Tim Lindemuth, 785-532-5061, tlindemuth@k-state.com

Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2010

K-STATE GARDENS' 2010 LUNCHEON SERIES BEGINS MARCH 5

MANHATTAN -- The 2010 Kansas State University Gardens Luncheon Series begins March 5 and will include speakers throughout the year on cultivation of annuals from seed, carefree maintenance of the hardy daylily and home holiday decorating with plants.

"Knowing how busy work weeks can be, this educational program is scaled to fit within the normal noon hour with a gourmet box lunch served during the gardening lessons," said Judy Unruh, series coordinator for the K-State Gardens board of directors.

All the 2010 garden luncheon programs begin at 11:45 a.m. and end at 1 p.m. with an admission of $25 each, payable upon registration. This includes lunch and garden program. Proceeds of the series support special projects at the K-State Gardens.

The series dates and locations include:

* Friday, March 5, "Awesome Annuals for 2010," K-State Gardens Visitors Center conference room. The presenter is Mike DeRee of Ball Seed Co., Wichita.

* Thursday, July 8, tour the daylily collection of Steve and Maureen Thien at the height of the blooming season. The Thiens' home, 3400 Windsor Court, Manhattan, is designated an American Hemerocallis Society Display Garden with more than 600 daylily varieties.

* Thursday, Nov. 11, "Holiday Centerpieces and Table Decorations for Christmas," at the K-State Gardens Visitors Center conference room. The presenter is Bronwyn Douglas, co-owner of Kistner's Flowers, Manhattan.

For more information, contact Unruh at 785-587-8432 or Judy_Unruh@att.net. To place reservations contact or visit Anne Springer at the office of horticulture, forestry and recreation resources at K-State, 2021 Throckmorton Hall, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, 785-532-1442 spr@k-state.edu.