University Park, Pa. -- Gardening enthusiasts attending Penn State's Ag Progress Days, Aug. 19-21, can learn from the masters. Penn State Master Gardeners will be on hand at the Lawn and Garden Tent to provide information on a wide range of green-thumb topics.
Home horticulturists can find out about new products and gets tips and advice on landscaping, woody ornamentals, insect and disease management, turfgrass, indoor plants, flowers, tree and small fruits, and vegetables. Visitors are encouraged to bring samples of turf, plants, diseases or insects to receive an on-the-spot evaluation.
"Each year brings a new wave of landscape questions and concerns," said Ginger Pryor, extension associate in horticulture and state Master Gardener coordinator. "Master Gardeners are prepared with information about local growing conditions to give them insights into this year's hot topics."
A special feature will be a pollinator-friendly plant demonstration. "We'll highlight examples of plants that are ideal for a successful pollinator-friendly garden, and Master Gardeners will be available to answer questions," Pryor explained.
In addition, professional growers and home gardeners interested in cut-flower production can browse the adjacent flower garden and learn about the latest varieties, weed control and business opportunities. Up to 15 perennial varieties for cut-flower use and as many as 20 of the best new container-garden plants from Penn State flower trials will be on display. Visitors can get information on starting and managing field-grown cut flowers or just enjoy a few quiet minutes walking though the flower beds.
Penn State floriculture specialists also will offer flower-arranging demonstrations at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday in the Lawn and Garden Tent. Flower enthusiasts can learn about proper cut-flower care and handling and how to extend cut-flower life expectancy. Demonstrations will include an all-around centerpiece arrangement, a one-sided wall arrangement and an exotic Japanese-style arrangement.
Sponsored by the College of Agricultural Sciences, Penn State’s Ag Progress Days is held at the Russell E. Larson Agricultural Research Center at Rock Springs, nine miles southwest of State College on sate Route 45. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Aug. 19; 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Aug. 20; and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Aug. 21. Admission and parking are free. For more information, visit the Ag Progress Days Web site at http://apd.psu.edu.