March 2: First Master Gardeners program of the season

‘Explore New Paths to Gardening’

Todd McLeish

Those who are already thinking about – and looking forward to – the spring gardening season should consider getting a motivational boost by attending the annual gardening symposium presented by the University of Rhode Island Master Gardener Program.

The symposium, open to gardeners of all levels, will feature keynote speakers, a panel discussion, a variety of educational displays, and a gardening marketplace – all focused on the theme of “Explore New Paths to Gardening.” 

The event runs from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 2, at the URI Center for Biotechnology and Life Sciences, 120 Flagg Rd., Kingston campus.

“Are you a gardener who’s looking for pointers to start a new gardening adventure at home? Are you looking for inspiration for gardens you already tend?” asked symposium coordinator and URI Master Gardener Gail Skidmore. “If so, then this event is for you.”

Featured speakers at the symposium are:

• Nancy Lawson speaking on “Humane Gardener,” based on her book The Humane Gardener: Nurturing a Backyard Habitat for Wildlife. Her nonprofit, Humane Gardener, is an outreach initiative dedicated to animal-friendly landscaping practices;
• Vincent Simeone, director of the Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park on Long Island and the author of five books on gardening, whose presentation is entitled “Grow More.” He has worked in the horticulture field for 32 years and is an expert in woody plant identification, culture and use; and
• Brie Arthur, a plantswoman and vice president of horticulture at Gardenuity, a gardening e-commerce start-up, discussing “The Foodscape Revolution.” With a decade of experience as a grower and propagator, she lectures across the country to promote the hobby of gardening.

Registration for the symposium is $75 and includes morning refreshments, lunch and all resources and session materials.

See more information about the symposium at web.uri.edu/mastergardener/symposium or contact URI Cooperative Extension at 401-874-2900 or coopext@uri.edu.