Several Bluffton-connected events this winter should interest area gardeners and naturalists. Victoria Zeits of the Bluffton-Pandora Area Gardeners provided The Icon with the following schedule.

• Thursday, Jan. 25, 10 a.m. – Bluffton Senior Citizens Center. Beth Theisen, Johnny Appleseed Metropolitan Park, presents program on the healing power of nature. Free with donations accepted.

• Monday, Feb 5, 11 a.m. - Bluffton Senior Center. Jonah Agner, The Food Store, cooking demonstration on Mediterranean cooking. Registration required by calling 419-358-8971. Cost is $3 for members of the senior citizens association and $4 for non-members.

• Friday, Feb 16, 12:30 p.m. - Bluffton Senior Center. Jason Mikell, WLIO meteorologist, program on changing weather patterns. No registration required.

• Saturday, Feb 17 - Great Backyard Bird Count at the Quarry Farm Nature Preserve, rural Pandora. Click here for the website. 

• Saturday, Feb 17 - Great Backyard Bird Count at Johnny Appleseed Metro Park. Click here for the website.

• Monday, Feb. 19, 10 a.m., Bluffton Senior Center. Amanda Wischmeyer program on organic farming. No registration required

• Saturday, March 3 – New Leaf Garden Center, Ada. Spring seminar.
   10 a.m. – Hydrangeas demystified
   11 a.m. Most common landscaping mistakes
   Noon - Top 12 herbs that every kitchen garden should grow.
   1:30 p.m. What’s new in 2018.

RSVPs are required due to space limitations. The seminar fee is $4, payable at the door. Call New Leaf at 419-634-0351 to register.

• Tuesday, March 6 – Master Gardener volunteer training for Allen and Hardin County. Allen County contact person is Gretchen Staley, 419-302-4234. Hardin County contact is Dave McPheron, 419-674-2297.

• Saturday, March 17 – Art of Gardening seminar. Allen County Master Gardener volunteers. OSU-Lima campus 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. $50 registration. Contact Gretchen Staley to register, 419-302-4234.