Master Gardener Assn. sponsors conference

The Smith County Master Gardener Association, a volunteer program of Texas Cooperative Extension, will sponsor its annual fall gardening conference at the Tyler Rose Garden Center in Tyler from 8:30 a.m.-noon Saturday, Sept. 8. A bulb and plant sale following the conference will offer thousands of bulbs to the public with many varieties not often found in local nurseries. During the exposition local master gardeners will provide a help-desk and perform demonstrations of proper bulb planting techniques, division of perennials, and planting of bare root roses. This conference and plant sale have continued to grow in popularity each succeeding year with attendees coming from Central Texas to the Red River in the north and as far east as Louisiana.

Conference presentations by two recognized experts will provide insight and information about gardening in this region.

Steven Chamblee, chief horticulturist for Chandor gardens in Weatherford, will focus on "Texas Tough" plants that can withstand the heat and drought Texas gardeners face.

Keith Kridler, a cultivator of antique daffodils in Mt. Pleasant, will speak on the selection, planting and care of heirloom bulbs. Admission to both the gardening conference and the plant expo is free.