Creative gardens program at Saugus Public Library

SAUGUS – A local gardener and Saugus Community Television Station host brought his horticultural show to the public Wednesday night at an open gardening forum at the Saugus Public Library.Chet Stentiford, who hosts “Creative Gardens with the Saugonian Gardner” on Channel 8, gave demonstrations on floral arrangements as well as tips on lawn and garden care.?This is the first one,” said Stentiford. “It?s an opportunity for people to ask questions pertaining to their lawn and garden problems, and an opportunity for us to get some feedback on our program.”Stentiford hosts “Creative Gardens” with fellow gardener Mary LeBlanc. The two started the show in the spring.?For years and years I?ve kind of looked for my niche in the horticultural field and I discovered it was more in the framework of teaching and presenting,” said Stentiford. “So I decided to create a program on public access ?”Since starting the show, Stentiford said he?s actually had people recognize him and stop him on the street.?People would mention the show, but we were getting very little feedback,” said Stentiford. “I mentioned to my co-host that we have to find a way to get some feedback people as to what they would change about the show or how we could make it more usable for them.”That?s when Stentiford said he came up with the idea for Wednesday?s forum.?I thought by putting together an open forum, people could bring in samples of lawn areas that are infested with insects, or question us about problems with their garden or suggestions to make the program more entertaining,” said Stentiford.Stentiford has owned his own business, Horticultural Service, for 30 years and has won numerous flower show awards, and recently wrote his first e-book called “The Hidden Gardens of Marblehead,” which is available on barnesandnoble.com.?Basically I did a tour of seven gardens in Marblehead, one of them including Jeremiah Lee Mansion,” said Stentiford. “It took about three months to put together and edit and compile it as a finished manuscript. It?s designed for the Nook and Kindle.”Stentiford said his show is designed for the “novice gardener,” but can also be enjoyed by more experienced gardeners.Since its first airing, Stentiford has done five shows, including one at St. John?s Episcopal Church, a two-part consultation episode at a local home and another two-part show at the Saugus Iron Works, which is currently airing.?I think this one might be the best one we?ve done,” said Stentiford. “We met with the woman who is the site horticulturist and the person who maintains the gardens at the Iron Works. We discussed the authenticity of the 17th century and how it pertains to the gardens there, and she gave us the history of the creation of the garden.”Stentiford said he?s looking to do another show in mid-September along with Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year?s specials.For more information on Stentiford?s business visit hortservices.net or saltmarshflowers.com.Matt Tempesta can be reached at [email protected].