LEESPORT, Pa. — The 23rd annual Home Gardeners’ School will be held on Saturday from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Penn State Berks Campus, Perkins Student Center. The all-day event features two keynote addresses, multiple gardening lectures and workshops, lunch, a raffle of garden items and a garden fair.
“This day is a highlight for anyone interested in plants and gardening and a wonderful way to connect with other like-minded people,” said Dee Dee Kerscher, Master Gardener Program Assistant for Penn State Extension. “After this dreary weather, Home Gardening School is the perfect opportunity for gardening inspiration.”
The first featured speaker will be Kirk Brown, portraying “Frederick Law Olmsted, Environmental Visionary.” A superb lecturer and entertainer, Kirk Brown will be fondly remembered my local gardeners for his portrayal of John Bartram.
The second keynote will be delivered by George Weigel, author and owner of Garden House-Calls, speaking on “Gardening for All Four Seasons.”
Participants at the Home Gardeners’ School will have choices of multiple topics at each of two additional educational time slots during the day. Registrants may choose among courses on invasive insects, sure-fire trees, butterflies, organic vegetable gardening basics and new plant introductions. There are also two optional workshops for additional fees, Succulent Candle Rings and Hypertufa.
The Home Gardeners’ School is sponsored by Penn State Extension in Berks County, Penn State Berks Campus and the Berks County Horticulture Club and features horticultural education for gardeners of all levels.
The Pennsylvania State University encourages qualified persons with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact Beth Finlay at 610-378-1327 in advance of your participation or visit.
Registration is $60, which includes a boxed lunch. The deadline to register is March 2. Registration forms are available at the Penn State Extension Office at the Berks County Agricultural Center, 1238 County Welfare Road, Suite 110, Leesport, PA 19533, 610-378-1327, or via email to dzk2@psu.edu.
— Penn State Extension, Berks County