(CONTRIBUTED)

MADISON – Residents can learn about backyard composting at Madison Public Library and fulfill a goal for the Madison Children’s Garden – A Living Library.

The hour-long, free session on March 18 at 6:30 p.m. reflects the goals originally set for the Madison Children’s Garden.

“One of the intentions of the Madison Children’s Garden – A Living Library was to further education for all ages in the areas of the environment and sustainability,” Madison branch manager Sarah Sledge said. “We are very excited to have the garden established and to implement the education outreach that comprised the initial intent of the garden project.”

Sledge also is pleased that the Master Gardeners of North Alabama (MGNA) are helping with this class, along with two others.

“The Master Gardeners agreed to be educational partners for the garden during the grant application process,” she said. That process also involved the Alabama Mountains, Rivers & Valleys Resource Conservation and Development Council and the Alabama Cooperative Extension System.

A Master Gardener since 1997, Bill Fuller will lead the how-to workshop for the backyard gardener. “Learn how to recycle lawn, garden and kitchen waste in this class,” adult services librarian Rachel Hooper said.

The workshop will include the recommended type of compost bin, materials to avoid, materials that can be composted in the bin and other aspects of the compost management system, Hooper said. Fuller will provide all details for starting a compost bin at home.

Fuller frequently participates in MGNA programs and is project manager of the MGNA compost demonstration project at Huntsville Botanical Garden.

“The class is open to everyone, and no previous yard work skills are needed,” Hooper said. “Registration is not required.”

Fuller will give away a welded-wire compost bin as a door prize. All participants will be entered in the drawing.

While in the library, patrons can check out several instruction books that discuss composting.

For additional information, call Hooper at 256-461-0046 or email to rhooper@hmcpl.org.