GREENSBORO, N.C.–The 17th Annual Guilford County Gardening Gala and Seminar, sponsored by NC Extension and NC Extension Master Gardener Volunteers, will take place Thursday, September 20, 2018, from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm. The event will return to its usual venue at Guilford County Cooperative Extension, 3309 Burlington Rd. in Greensboro.
A full day of “Fall for Gardening”speakers will feature laughs as well as professional gardening knowledge with 4 outstanding speakers. “The Grumpy Gardener” (aka Steve Bender) of Southern Living Magazine fame will offer gardening tips humorously in “The World According to Grumpy.”
Brie Arthur — author, foodscape trailblazer, and correspondent for the PBS television show “Growing a Greener World” — will inspire thinking outside the box with “The Foodscape Revolution,” combining edibles with ornamental gardening. Horticulturist Charlotte Glen, the NC State Coordinator for the Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Program, will offer solutions for “Reducing Deer Damage in Landscapes.”
Breakout sessions will be offered by Bender (“Grumpy’s Q & A”), Arthur (“Garden Downsizing”), and Mike Romano (“Uninvited Garden Occupants: Friends or Foes”). Romano is the Environmental Education and Lakes Supervisor for Greensboro Parks and Recreation, who has a collection of live animals to show for his spirited presentation.
Registration for the public begins on July 1 and closes on September 1. Early registration is recommended, as seating is limited. The $45 Gala fee includes continental breakfast, all three keynote addresses, one breakout session of choice, catered lunch, shopping with vendors for plants and garden-related items, door prizes, and gift bags.
Registration forms are available at the Guilford County Cooperative Extension (3309 Burlington Rd, Greensboro, NC
27405), select garden centers, some public libraries, or online at www.guilfordextension.com/events. For information, call 336-641-2400.
–Hanna Smith, NC State Extension Agent