The Lincoln County Master Gardeners are turning their focustoward making cemeteries look better in an upcoming educationalworkshop.

The group has invited Natchez resident Mary Tillman to present aprogram on roses of old cemeteries at 6 p.m. May 17 at the St.Francis Parish Center. The event is part of the Master Gardeners’continuing education efforts, but members decided to open it up tothe public.

“We would love for the public to come and share with us inthis,” said Jimminette Phillips, Lincoln County Master Gardenerspresident.

Phillips said Tillman is well qualified to speak on the topic,having an extensive background in genealogy and history. Tillman, agraduate of Vanderbilt University, earned her undergraduate andgraduate degrees in German from the school. She is currentlypursuing a Ph.D. from Vanderbilt as well. Tillman also works withthe city of Natchez to give tours to German visitors.

“Because of her interest in horticulture and genealogy and herlove of history, she and her husband have bought an old Natchezhome and helped to restore it,” Phillips said, explaining thatTillman frequently presents seminars on the old roses of oldcemeteries to groups.

By inviting Tillman to speak, Phillips said members will get ajump start on an upcoming endeavor they will be pursuing -beautifying a portion of the Easthaven cemetery. The beautificationeffort is still in the planning stages, Phillips said.

“Right now we’re just gathering research, but it’s a great wayto get us inspired and on the right track,” Phillips said.