Flower and Garden Show Saturday at fairgrounds

Plant experts and affordable plants will be offered at Saline County Master Gardeners’ annual Flower and Garden Show, “Spring in Saline,” from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, April 12 at Saline County Fairgrounds. Admission is free.
Sponsors say it’s the county’s largest plant sale.  “It’s a great opportunity to attend top notch gardening seminars, free of charge, and a great place to get your plants at very affordable prices,” said Pat Gipson, chair of the event. 
“Many of the plants for sale have been grown by the Master Gardeners of Saline County, who will be on hand to answer your gardening questions,” said Ron Matlock, county extension chairman.
Several featured speakers will attend. 
A horticulture and design show will feature live plants grown by Saline County exhibitors. Ribbons and “best of show” will be awarded.
Dr. Jim Robbins, University of Arkansas at Little Rock horticultural specialist for ornamentals, will speak at 9 a.m. on “Hot Plants.”
Terry Thomas, will speak at 9:50 a.m. on “Gardening is for the Birds.”
Chris Olsen, manager/designer for Botanica Gardens, who also appears each week in the Weather Garden on KTHV Channel 11, will speak on “Inviting Spaces for Outdoor Living” at 10:30 a.m. His plants will be for sale.
Carson will broadcast her weekly call-in radio show on KARN. She will be speaking on perennials at 11:30 a.m. and will answer plant and garden questions from the audience.
Herbs and vegetables, ornamental shrubs and small trees, in addition to a large variety of annual and perennial plants will be offered. There will be educational displays on combating fire ants, xeriscaping, care of crape myrtles and roses. People may bring soil samples to send off for testing.
“Our sale is always a fun and educational event, and we hope everyone will attend. Be sure to come early for the best selection,” said Pat Gipson.
The event is co-sponsored by the Saline County Master Gardeners and the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service. For more information, call Gipson, 776-0985 or Matlock, 303-5672.