UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – People Who Have A Passion For Plants And Want To Create Inviting Garden Spaces Can Satisfy Their Thirst For Gardening Knowledge By Attending The Third Annual Garden Forum Conducted By Penn State’s College Of Agricultural Sciences May 7 At The Ramada Inn Conference Center In State College.

The all-day, consumer-oriented conference will feature how-to sessions on using annual flowers for color throughout the gardening season; container gardening essentials; growing and using herbs; maintenance and pruning of trees and shrubs; ornamental grasses and companion plants; and so much more.

"Whether you're a new or experienced gardener, Garden Forum has a lot to offer," says Kathy Kelley, consumer horticulture information specialist for Penn State Cooperative Extension. "It’s a great opportunity to learn from some of the best gardening experts in the country. There's a wide array of topics that will interest every gardener, from the person who raises houseplants on the back porch to the person who maintains an expansive home garden.

"This year's topics were chosen based on comments and suggestions from last year's participants," she adds. "We take into consideration what attendees would like to learn and invite those speakers who are considered experts in their discipline."

The fee for the Garden Forum is $65 and includes morning refreshments, buffet lunch, afternoon break and all instructional materials. The deadline for registration is April 25. To get a registration form, call 814-865-2227, visit the Web at http://hortweb.cas.psu.edu and print your own copy or send an e-mail to kmk17@psu.edu.

Writer/Editor: Jeff Mulhollem Office 814-863-2719 FAX 814-863-9877