UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - The Department of Horticulture in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences will be hosting its popular annual Garden Forum on March 22 and April 5 at the Agricultural Sciences and Industries Building on the University Park campus. Registration begins at 6 p.m., and the two-hour sessions begin at 7 p.m.

Whether you're a new or experienced gardener, the Garden Forum offers a great opportunity to learn about gardening from expert university faculty.

Gardeners who attend the March 22 session will learn how to add seasonal interest to their yards by using woody plants, as well as how to select annuals and herbaceous perennials to attract birds, butterflies and bees. On April 5, attendees will learn how to ensure that trees they plant in their yards will survive and how to select conifers for their garden.

In the March 22 session, Bob Nuss, professor emeritus of ornamental horticulture, will talk about using woody plants. "Many woody plants add landscape interest over several seasons, based on color, quality and texture of flowers and summer foliage color," he says. "In the fall, leaf color is a welcome addition along with the fruit, which can brighten the ending season. During the winter, plant bark and overall texture can be interesting landscape features."

Also, Rob Berghage, associate professor of horticulture, will talk about selecting annuals and herbaceous perennials. "Many common and some not-so-common annuals and herbaceous perennials are not only beautiful to look at but also provide food and habitat for birds and insects," he says. "We'll discuss how to grow them, how to propagate them and how to use them in the garden. And we'll also talk about a unique new type of habitat garden being used in Europe, where brownfield redevelopment is linked with habitat construction on rooftops." In the April 5 session, Jim Sellmer, associate professor of ornamental horticulture, will talk about the keys to successfully preparing, planting and caring for young trees. "Whether you are planting a white oak witness tree in an arboretum or a seedling in your backyard, your success hinges on preparation, implementation and follow-through in the planting process," he says.

In addition, Rick Bates, assistant professor of ornamental horticulture, will discuss gardening with conifers. "Conifers will add critical ingredients to any garden not easily replicated by other plants," he says. "A little extra effort in the plant-selection process will yield great dividends, resulting in a more dynamic, visually engaging four-season garden."

The fee for advanced registration through March 17 and is $17.95 for one session and $29.95 for both sessions. On-site registration is $20 for each session. Refreshments will be served and all materials will be provided.

To request a brochure, call(814-865-2227 or send an e-mail to hortpsu@psu.edu. A copy of the registration form can be obtained from the Department of Horticulture's Web site at http://hortweb.cas.psu.edu.

For more information, contact Kathy Kelley at 814-863-2196 or by e-mail at kmk17@psu.edu.

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Jeff Mulhollem Writer/editor Phone: 814-863-2719 E-mail: jjm29@psu.edu