By Melissa Bribiesca

If you’ve ever dreamed of growing your own herbs, savoring homegrown greens or simply reconnecting with hands-on learning, a lineup of gardening and culinary workshops is the perfect way to “dig in” with the start of the new year.

The opportunity to cultivate your green thumb takes place in the Herb Garden program at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Jan. 23, in the Meadowbrook Park Clubhouse, 9101 Nall Ave., Prairie Village. In just one hour, participants will plant and pot their own herb garden with all the materials provided.

Food lovers will also enjoy From Grain to Griddle – Fresh Flour and Pancake Workshop at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 13, at the Roeland Park Community Center, 4850 Rosewood Dr. Myriam Totta, the featured garden coach, demonstrates how to mill whole grains into fresh flour and then guides participants through making hearty, homemade pancakes.

Topped with Canadian maple syrup, the workshop is both a learning experience and a treat for the taste buds. Totta, again returns to the Roeland Park Community Center for the Sprouts and Microgreens program at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 24, to show participants how to easily grow nutrient- rich microgreens and sprouts indoors. Attendees will learn how to select seeds, set up their growing space, keep their greens thriving and pick up delicious ideas for adding them to everyday meals.

Interested participants can continue the adventure by signing up for Totta’s Gourmet Greens – From Seed to Salad Dressing workshop on March 10 to create a dressing from the microgreens that were grown.

Looking for a sustainable project with practical benefits? A Building Rain Barrels program at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Feb. 20, at Meadowbrook Park Clubhouse offers hands-on instruction in water conservation. Participants will build their own rain barrel in class for a functional, eco-friendly addition to their garden.

Finally, for those who prefer learning from the comfort of home, don’t miss the free online Gardening with a Master Gardener (virtual) series presented by Kansas State Extension, Johnson County. Presentations include:

• 2 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 6, Remarkable, Monumental and Champion Trees.
• 2 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 3, at 2 pm, To Prune or Not to Prune.

View all offerings online at jcprd.com/50plus. Preregistration is required for all programs by calling 913-831-3359.

Melissa Bribiesca is 50 Plus coordinator at the Johnson County Park and Recreation District.