Not to worry gardeners, winter is bearing down, but spring can’t be far behind.
The Starkville Area Arts Council is teaming up with Mississippi State University(MSU) to present the 1st annual “Everything Garden Expo.” It is set for March 7-8, 2009, at the Mississippi Horse Park on the MSU campus.
Organizers are planning the event to highlight the “art of gardening” and offer regional hobby gardeners as well as seasoned horticulture authorities the latest product information and garden techniques.
“We will present Northeast Mississippi’s premier garden show featuring outstanding speakers, a broad array of vendors showing their new garden wares, and seminars and activities for all ages,” said Jane Loveless, co-chair for the event.
Among speakers and seminar leaders are expert gardener and the sometimes quirky Felder Rushing (above), garden columnist Norman Winter, radio personality Nellie Neal, The Garden Mama (left), and daylily authority Milo Burnham.
Other program leaders will feature MSU professors Dr. Wayne Wells discussing lawns; Dr. Lelia Kelly, on growing and using herbs; Jim Mills, an authority on roses; and Jeff Fulton who will share information on container gardening.
Dr. David Nagel will conduct a seminar on vegetable gardening and Professor Sadik Artunc will discuss landscape architecture.
A children’s village will offer interactive projects for youngsters. Local art instructor Nell Elam will conduct a planting and pot painting activity and Dr. Michael Williams will hold a discussion and exhibit on butterflies.
Other activities will include a two hour class on child nutrition presented my MSU’s Dr. Sylvia Byrd and Beverly Lowery of Starkville Public Schools
Booth spaces for vendors are available for $150 and sponsorships are available starting at $500. Advertising in the Expo program is also available. Interested vendors and sponsors may e-mail Imogene C. Triplett at glovertriplett@aol.com to obtain more information.
“Mississippi State University is widely known for its horticulture, floral design and landscape architecture programs,” said Loveless. “This is the perfect place to conduct a garden Expo which will appeal to gardeners, both professional and amateur, from throughout the Mid-south.”
Other contributing sponsors include the Mississippi State University Extension Service, The Mississippi Horse Park, The Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station and the Greater Starkville Development Partnership.
Cost to attend the two day show is only $5. So get up a busload and make plans to head to Starkville, Mississippi, on March 7-8 . You’ll be inspired, educated and entertained. I promise!