Kirkindall to discuss hummingbirds for Master Gardeners

HUNTSVILLE – One of nature’s most fascinating creatures will be the subject of an upcoming session of Master Gardeners of North Alabama Inc.

“You don’t want to miss this one,” Master Gardener publicist Nareatha Studdard said. “On Sept. 14 at 10 a.m., speaker Melissa Kirkindall will conduct a new presentation, ‘Hummingbirds,’ at Madison County Farmers Market, 1022 Cook Ave. in Huntsville.”

“Melissa has been studying, feeding and photographing hummers at her home in Madison for many years,” Studdard said. She and husband Sandy have planted many flowers and shrubs that attract the birds to their property.

“As an outstanding speaker, Melissa brings a tremendous amount of knowledge and humor to her audiences,” Studdard said. In season, hundreds of hummingbirds gather at the Kirkindall home to feed from numerous hanging feeders and sip nectar from flowers.

Immediately following the presentation, the gardeners will conduct a make-and-take class on painting birdhouses. All registered participants will receive a cedar birdhouse and all needed painting materials.

Class fee is $8, and participants must register and pre-pay for the class. To register, visit https://form.jotform.com/92405058521957.

The class can accommodate only 25 participants. Individuals can pay by credit card, PayPal or mail checks to MGNA, 187 Coldsprings Drive, Harvest, AL 35749.

Officers of Master Gardeners of North Alabama are President Cyndi Lindblom; Vice President Jessica Thornburg; Secretary Debi Bonkoski; Treasurer Kay Jacobson; and Directors Connie Carr, David Grey, Sue Khoury, Melissa Kirkindall, Dottye Pierce and Carolyn Wade.

“Being a Master Gardener means you are a resource person for your community. There are so many ways to be an active Master Gardener,” Studdard said.

Master Gardeners of North Alabama sponsor hands-on projects in Madison and across the county that usually hands-on work in an outdoor setting. They offer educational workshops to promote best practices in home gardening. Members oversee horticultural projects in schools and therapy activities to individuals with significant cognitive disabilities.

On the fourth Saturday of each month, Master Gardeners test soil pH from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Madison County Farmers’ Market.

For more information, call 877-252-4769 or visit mginfo.org or Facebook/Master Gardeners of North Alabama Inc.