Annual County Gardening Symposium Set for March 17

Editor's Note: The following is a news release issued by the Mercer County administration.

Spring is in the air, and Master Gardeners of Mercer County invite the public to join them and a panel of nationally recognized speakers at the annual daylong gardening symposium Saturday, March 17.

Registrations are being accepted for "Garden Scents and Sensibility," where those with a green thumb and those just discovering their love of gardening will be have their senses tickled. The event will be 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Stuart Country Day School, Princeton.

Featured this year is an exciting lineup of outstanding horticultural speakers and an expanded program. Attendees will hear from Ken Druse, a prolific author and leading radio and podcast voice of gardening, who will be joined by Tovah Martin, author, television personality and gardener extraordinaire; Bill Cullina, executive director of the stunning Coastal Maine Botanical Garden, and nationally renowned expert on native plants; and plants man Barry Glick, owner of Sunshine Farm & Gardens and a founder of the North American Plant Preservation Council.

To help solve some of your gardening problems, Barbara J. Bromley, Mercer County Horticulturist, will share her advice and expertise. The day includes breakfast, coffee and tea all day, lunch, prizes, and an opportunity to purchase books and take part in the all-new silent auction. Attendees can meet and greet the speakers, and be inspired by their knowledge and expertise.

Registration by mail is required. Those who register for the all-day event by Feb. 29 will receive a $10 discount off the $90 fee. Discounted registrations must be postmarked by Feb. 29; registrations postmarked March 1 or later are $90. The deadline for registering is March 10. 

Visit www.mgofmc.org/symposium for more event information, directions to Stuart Country Day School or to download a registration form. Questions? Contact Lwenquist@aol.com or call (609) 497-4589.

Master Gardeners of Mercer County is a volunteer educational outreach program of Rutgers Cooperative Extension, 930 Spruce St., Lawrence.

Master Gardeners participate in many volunteer programs throughout the county, as well as answer home horticulture questions through their Rutgers Master Gardener Helpline, (609) 989-6853, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (November through February) and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (March through October). 

For more information on Master Gardeners of Mercer County educational programs and events, visit the Master Gardeners of Mercer County website at www.mgofmc.org.