Spring is only days away and it’s time to plan gardens and get hands dirty. Beleaguered gardeners from across the state are weary of winter and yearning to get outdoors to begin spring cleanup and planting. Thanks to the Oktibbeha County Master Gardeners and Mississippi State University, help and inspiration are on the way.
The 2018 edition of the Everything Garden Expo will be staged March 24-25 at the Mississippi Horse Park in Starkville. Vendors of virtually every facet of gardening will be on hand to present the latest in plants, supplies and techniques.
“We have enlisted some of the South’s most noted program leaders to hold educational seminars on a broad spectrum of issues from controlling fire ants, to growing vegetables in boxes — and everything in between,” said Jane Loveless, chairman of the event.
She is being assisted by Jim McKell of the Master Gardeners who stressed that proceeds will be used to award scholarships to deserving students planning to pursue careers in agriculture.
“We will offer programs for children and valuable information for garden professionals and hobbyists alike,” noted Loveless.
The two-day Expo will fill the sprawling Mississippi Horse Park off South Montgomery Street and include almost 60 vendors. Plants and tools will be available for purchase and visitors can stroll the venue leisurely, selecting seminars and activities that most interest them.
Saturday, March 24
The Expo will be open from 7:45 a.m. to 6 p.m. March 24. Highlights that day include radio personality “Garden Mama” Nellie Neal who will discuss “Cut Flowers for Home, Businesses and Communities” at 2:15 p.m.
Gary Bachman, columnist and host of “Southern Gardening” TV and radio broadcasts, will present “Growing Vegetables in Boxes” at 3:30 p.m.
At 4:45 p.m., author and designer Jim DelPrince will discuss the latest in “Floral Designs From Your Southern Garden.”
Other Saturday speakers include Jim McCurdy, editor of Mississippi Turfgrass magazine, who will kick off seminars with his discussion of “Sustaining the Home Lawn” at 8:45 a.m., followed by Michael Hatcher, owner of the Garden Center of Olive Branch, and a landscape architecture graduate of MSU. He will present the latest in “Hardscapes in the Landscape” at 10 a.m.
Jason Gordon will discuss “Tree Selection for Mississippi Gardens” at 11:15 a.m.
Sunday, March 25
Expo hours March 25 are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Christine Coker, MSU professor of urban horticulture, will present tips and techniques for “Veggie Gardening in Small Spaces” at 11:30 a.m., and Michael Seal will discuss “Air Plants, Epiphytes and Bromeliads” at 12:45 p.m.
Horticulturist Richard Harkess of MSU will share planting ideas for large containers for spring, summer, fall and winter at 2 p.m.
Something for everyone
Garden Expo children’s activities are designed to promote a lifelong enjoyment of garden activities for youngsters. They will have an opportunity to plant seeds, meet caterpillars and observe birds of prey. MSU Extension Service’s “Farmtastic” will offer hands-on agricultural activities for a broad range in ages.
Admission to the Garden Expo is $5. Children age 6 and younger may attend free.
The Horse Park is located at 869 E. Poorhouse Road in Starkville.
For more information about the Expo, including booth space, contact Loveless at 662-320-9574.
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