A Gardener's Delight: Gateway Garden Jubilee is Aug. 6 in Springfield

SPRINGFIELD, Ohio -- Saturday, Aug. 6 promises to be an information-packed, fun-filled day for gardening enthusiasts of all ages. Ohio State University Extension and the Master Gardeners of Clark County will hold their annual Gateway Garden Jubilee, 8:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. in Springfield.
 
The free event is a "must-see" family event for gardeners and those who enjoy beauty and want to learn more about gardening, said Pam Bennett, OSU Extension horticulture educator and master gardener state coordinator. It is held at the Gateway Learning Gardens, 4400 Gateway Blvd., Springfield, Ohio -- off the SR 41 exit from I-70.
 
"New for 2011 are a water feature, accessible brick pathways and an expanded shade garden," said Bennett. "Attendees will find over 800 varieties of plants displayed in numerous theme gardens, including a 'Victory' vegetable garden, a butterfly garden, a bee and hummingbird garden, an early Ohio settlers' garden, and more."
 
Also available at the event will be advice from Ohio State "plant doctors," children's activities including one focused on learning about bees, numerous vendors and public-service organizations, and bouquets of flowers sold for a nominal fee. The bluegrass band Loosely Strung will be performing, while the early Ohio settlers' garden volunteers will present "The History of Apple Trees."
 
Also on tap is a diverse lineup of speakers, including:
 
--"Rain Barrels," Jereme Best, Clark County Soil and Water Conservation District, 9 a.m.
 
--"Attracting and Keeping Hummingbirds and Butterflies," Donna Meister, master gardener volunteer, 9:45 a.m.
 
--"Everyday Living in the 1700s and 1800s," Billie and Larry Pfeifer, master gardener volunteers, 10:30 a.m.
 
--"Talking Trashy about Dirt," Steve Schlather, Clark County Waste Management District, 11:15 a.m.           
 
--"Intro to Beekeeping," Phil Young, master gardener volunteer, noon.
 
--"The Wonder of Weeds," Tom Davidson, master gardener volunteer, 12:45 p.m.           
 
For more information, contact the Clark County office of OSU Extension at 937-521-3860 or brown.1541@cfaes.osu.edu.
 
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