‘Gathering for Gardeners’ set for March 10

A day filled with free gardening information for homeowners and gardeners has been scheduled for March 10 as part of the 29th annual “A Gathering for Gardeners” organized by the Hutchinson Horticulture Club.

The event, designed as an educational project for the community, will be at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, 407 E. 12th Street, Hutchinson, Kansas.

The doors open at 8:30 a.m. with the first session at 9 a.m. The first topic is “Salsa Gardens and New Recommended Vegetable Varieties” by Pam Paulsen, a horticulture agent for K-State Research and Extension in Reno County. Paulsen will discuss growing your own salsa ingredients; what varieties you might consider growing and sharing a recipe. She will also highlight some of the tomato and pepper varieties for other uses from the newly revised K-State’s list.

At 10 a.m., “Lawn Care—Simplified!” will be presented by Larry Crouse, horticulture agent for K-State Research and Extension in Butler County, El Dorado. His program covers the basics of lawn care cultural practices—mowing, watering, fertilizing and weed control.

At 11 a.m., Mary Buffo, a flower farmer and owner of Savoy Gardens, Valley Center, will present “Kansas Cut Flowers—Native and Notables.” She will suggest several plants to grow for cut flowers and give harvesting tips.

At 1 p.m., Scott Vogt, director of the Dyck Arboretum of the Plains in Hesston, will present “Gardening for Pollinators.” His program will cover why helping a wide variety of pollinators is important and what be some great plants to incorporate in your garden to create a better environment for them.

At 2 p.m., Mary Clark, retired superintendent of Dillon Nature Center in Hutchinson, will present “Attracting Birds to Your Yard.” She will talk about various ways to attract a variety of birds to your yard during every season.

At 3 p.m., Pat McKernan, landscape supervisor at Botanica, The Wichita Gardens, will present “Best Perennials for Kansas.” McKernan has more than 30 years of experience growing perennials at Botanica and will share photos of those he considers the best for the area.

The program is free to attend although registration at the door is requested. Door prize drawings will be conducted throughout the day. Individuals may attend any or all of the sessions.