MADISON – Did you think that edible gardens only grow in spring and summer months? Participants will find out at the September public workshop, “Fall/Winter Vegetable Gardening and Yard Maintenance.”

Master Gardeners of North Alabama or MGNA is presenting the session in cooperation with Alabama Cooperative Extension System on Sept. 20 from 10 a.m. to noon at Alabama A & M University, Agribition Center, 4925 Moores Mill Road, Huntsville.

Tom Simpson, MGNA 2017 Master Gardener of the Year, will lead the workshop. “This expansive workshop will walk you through what veggies to plant in the fall, when to plant them, how to maintain those cool-season crops and when to harvest,” Master Gardeners publicist Sue Khory said.

“Tom will also address yard and lawn maintenance in preparation for the winter months. As an added bonus, he will discuss planting and caring for Japanese maple trees,” Khoury said.

This workshop is free and open to all residents. However, participants must register before the event. To register, visit form.jotform.com/82105012088143.

Simpson completed his Alabama Master Gardener class in 2012. He has volunteered and supervised the demonstration vegetable garden at Huntsville Botanical Garden.

With Master Gardeners, Simpson has helped with the spring and fall plant sales at Huntsville Botanical Garden and worked with the vendors that supply vegetables for MGNA’s tent sale. He volunteers for Galaxy of Lights.

In addition, Simpson volunteers for Master Gardener Intern Classes and shares his love for the program. He serves as Vice President on the MGNA board. He has chaired the Christmas social for three years and supports the Fifth-Grade Garden Club at Morris Elementary School in Huntsville. The students affectionately call him “Grandpa.”

At his home in Five Points, Simpson nurtures a beautiful landscape, especially his collection of Japanese maple trees that attract visitors from across the Tennessee Valley.

For more information, visit mginfo.org or Facebook/MGOfNA.