Master Gardener Cezanne Alexander and Lowell Dietz, local mushroom cultivator and president of the Olympic Mycological Society, kick off the 2011 Class Act at the Woodcock Garden educational series at 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 19, at the Master Gardeners’ Woodcock Demonstration Garden, 2711 Woodcock Road, Sequim.

In their introduction to growing mushrooms at home, Alexander and Dietz introduce participants to basic mycological terminology, describe various methods for growing edible mushrooms and explain the beneficial qualities of fungi and why some varieties of mushrooms are more difficult to cultivate than others.

They explain which mushrooms grow best on hardwood logs, in wood chips, sawdust and sterilized compost, straw and other growing mediums.

Additionally, they demonstrate the steps involved in making growing kits. Participants gain an understanding of the processes used to cultivate a variety of mushrooms and have the opportunity to see how growing kits are assembled.

The Class Act series, sponsored by the Master Gardener Foundation of Clallam County, will be held the first and third Saturdays of the month, each starting at 10 a.m. at the Master Gardeners’ Woodcock Demonstration Garden.

Presentations are free and open to the public. For more information, call 417-2279.