“Woody Perennials: Trees and Shrubs in the Home Landscape” is the theme to be featured at the annual Gardening Away the Winter Blues series. The Kosciusko County Master Gardeners and Purdue Extension are offering the series from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. March 7, 14 and 21 at the Extension Office, 202 W. Main St., Warsaw.

The objective of the class is to provide practical ideas and solutions for homeowners to effectively take care of their trees and shrubs. Upon completion of the series, homeowners will have the resources to troubleshoot and solve common problems found with their woody perennials.

The March 7 session will feature Ricky Kemery, Purdue Extension horticulture educator of Allen County presenting “Tree Triage,” which covers common trees found in our landscape including what’s best and worst. Then once you have your trees established, tips on general tree care, disease signs and prevention and pruning tips will be shared to help you enjoy your trees for years to come.

“From Propagation Aspirations to Showy Ornamentals” will be shared March 14, by Dr. Kyle Daniel, nursery and landscape outreach specialist, department of horticulture and landscape architecture, Purdue University. This session will focus on showy ornamental trees and shrubs for the Midwest landscape, as well as the basics of woody propagation. There will be opportunities for hands-on experiences as we discuss some of the methods and reasons of propagating woody ornamentals.

On March 21, Sally Weeks, Purdue University Department of Forestry and Natural resources dendrologist, will help attendees learn about native trees and shrubs that not only provide interest during the growing season, but also have unusual, unique and even colorful characteristics that brighten your winter landscape. Samples of some species will be on hand. Also, this session will include “All About Hydrangeas” presented by Kelly Smith, Charley Creek Gardens. If hydrangeas are your passion, then don’t miss this session on the different types, general care and to prune or not to prune.

This series is open to the public. The registration fee is $20 per person, $30 per family or $10 per session received by March 1. This includes six hours of educational instruction, handouts, refreshments and other landscape related information.

Master Gardeners who complete the class will earn six hours of educational credit or two hours per session. You may also register for individual sessions for $10 per person and receive handouts for that session.

For questions or a copy of the registration flyer with complete session and speaker details, please contact the Purdue Extension of Kosciusko County Office at (574) 372-2340 or visit the website and look under Hot Topics.