Eager to begin your spring gardening by learning new tricks of the trade? Then join the Butler County Master Gardeners at their Spring Fever Speaker Series.

Four classes are presented from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Alameda Park Office Building and Cranberry Township Municipal Building.

Each class begins with an introduction to the series and the Penn State Master Gardener program. A lecture-discussion and activity-demonstration, followed by a program evaluation, complete the evening.

The schedule of classes is:

Alameda Park April 24 — Apple Tree Pest Control with Dennis CulleyMay 1 — Strawbale Gardening with Angela FishmanMay 8 — Using Shrubs in Your Landscape with Mary KrugerMay 15 — Feed These to the Bees with Lisa Bernardo and C. Richard Packer

Cranberry TownshipMay 8 — Feed These to the Bees with Lisa Bernardo and C. Richard PackerMay 15 — Apple Tree Pest Control with Dennis CulleyMay 22 — Using Shrubs in Your Landscape with Mary KrugerMay 29 — Strawbale Gardening with Angela FishmanFeed These to the Bees: This session provides an overview of the honeybee as a pollinator, as well as an exploration of plants whose nectar and pollen feed the bees throughout the year. Bernardo, PhD, RN, has been a Penn State Master Gardener since 2003. Packer is a beekeeper who owns Dancing Bees Apiary.Apple Tree Pest Control: This session introduces the art and science of growing apple trees in the home orchard. Managing pesky pests and diseases are emphasized. Culley has been a Master Gardener since 2014.Strawbale Gardening: This session offers a practical point of view on how to use strawbales as a growing medium. The pros and cons of strawbale gardening are discussed, along with a list of resources for anyone wanting to give it a try. Fishman has been a Master Gardener since 2016.Using Shrubs in Your Landscape: This session discusses appropriate and interesting shrubs to plant in the landscape as focal points, backdrops and borders. Practical information about planning, planting, and caring for shrubs is offered. Kruger has been a Master Gardener since 2011.To register for the Alameda Park classes, call the Butler County Parks and Recreation Department at 724-284-5383. Class size is limited. The cost for an individual class is $20 and the entire series cost is $65.To register for the Cranberry Township classes, contact the Cranberry Township Parks and Recreation Department at 724-779-4386. Class size is limited. For Cranberry Township residents, the cost for an individual class is $20 and the entire series cost is $70; for non-township residents, the cost is $25 per class and $85 for the series.Participants who preregister for the classes will receive educational handouts and a gardening gift valued at $10 to $15 per class.