UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- The latest edition of a popular Penn State fall tradition will kick off Saturday near the intersection of Park Avenue and Fox Hollow Road. But unlike the Nittany Lions' Big Ten home opener against the University of Iowa the same day, this event takes place across the street from Beaver Stadium.

The 94th annual Horticulture Show will be held from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 6, and Sunday, Oct. 7, at the Snider Ag Arena on the University Park campus. Sponsored by the College of Agricultural Sciences' student Horticulture Club, this year's event will invoke images of the Appalachian Trail under the theme, "Hiking through Horticulture."

Ben Keim, Horticulture Club president, says a main goal is to showcase the benefits and use of native plants in the landscape. Displays along the "trail" will feature the ecological threats of invasive plants; acid-loving shrubs and perennials; wetlands; a campsite including a children's area; sustainable living exhibits with an Audubon garden, a green roof, and a vegetable and herb garden; and an urban area with ornamental trees, shrubs and perennials.

The show's accents, such as indoor water features, walkways and hanging plants, are all designed and constructed by students.

Much of the plant material used in the displays will be available for purchase. In addition, visitors will have an opportunity to buy produce, apple cider and cut flowers. Keim says proceeds will help the club to participate in competitions, host guest speakers, fund scholarships and travel to botanical gardens and research facilities.

Keim adds that because the show coincides with the football game and with weekend activities commemorating the 100th anniversary of Penn State's Department of Horticulture, he expects large crowds at the event.

Admission to the show is free. On Sunday, free parking will be available at the Ag Arena and across Park Avenue at the Centre County/Penn State Visitors Center.

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EDITORS: For more information, contact Dan Stearns, Horticulture Club advisor, at 814-863-6167.

Writer: Bethany Fehlinger

Editor: Chuck Gill 814-863-2713 cdg5@psu.edu