'Gardening Saturday' to host full day of speaker presentations April 6 at Alerus Center

Mar. 9—GRAND FORKS — The 37th annual Gardening Saturday will offer a full day of speaker presentations on a variety of topics, ranging from landscaping to photography, April 6 at the Alerus Center.

The event, which runs from 7:45 a.m. to 4:15 p.m., will also include a silent auction, book sale and other activities.

The featured speaker, John Ball, professor of forestry at South Dakota State University, will present general sessions, "We Must Think in Tree Time" and "Coming Threats to the North."

Ball also serves as the forest health specialist for the South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

Other speakers include: Lyndon Anderson, gardener, and Tom Kalb, horticulturist, NDSU Extension, both of Bismarck; Shawna Schill, photographer; Tammie Nadeau, family community wellness agent, NDSU Extension; Vince Ames, Ames Landscaping; Kristine Haas, All Seasons Garden Center; Ryan Thorson, soil conservationist, Natural Resources Conservation Service; Sonia Roberton and Jon Mattson, The Lighting Gallery; and Larry Rivard, Rivard's Turf & Forage, all of Grand Forks; April Johnson, pollinator technician, NDSU Extension, and Audrey Gilbraith, Baker Garden and Gift, both of Fargo; and John and Jenny Thull, Grape Breeding and Enology Project, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities.

Vendors will be on hand to sell garden supplies, plants and bulbs, yard art and other items.

Among the many topics to be presented is a session on "Make and Take Terrific Terrariums," which is limited to the first 40 registrants, with a $40 materials fee.

Other sessions include: The Best Vegetable Varieties for North Dakota; Small Scale Conservation; Carnivorous Plants; Improving the Lawn; Growing Heirloom Pumpkins, Squashes and Gourds; and Enhance Your Outdoor Space with Landscape Lighting.

The event, coordinated by Carrie Knutson, horticulturist with NDSU Extension Grand Forks County, will also feature informational exhibits, free catalogs and magazines, and a book sale.

Pre-registration, $50 per person, is required. The registration deadline is Friday, March 15. No refunds will be given. The registration fee includes lunch. Walk-ins, at $60, are welcome but lunch is not guaranteed. Parking is free at the Alerus.

Those with disabilities can request reasonable accommodation to participate in NDSU-sponsored programs and events. To request accommodation, contact NDSU Extension Grand Forks County at (701) 780-8229 two weeks before the event.

For more information, registration forms and online registration, go to:

www.gardeningsaturday.info

.