Garden, landscape symposium set for April 27 in Hampton

Gardening enthusiasts can learn new techniques and shop for plants to enhance their landscapes by attending Penn State Extension’s Garden and Landscape Symposium and Marketplace from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 27 at the Hampton Community Center, 3101 McCully Road.

The workshop is designed for home gardeners of all experience levels, landscape professionals, Master Gardeners and patrons of public gardens. Topics to be covered are:

• Landscaping techniques tailored to individual styles.

• Design principles for effective plant pairing.

• Techniques for strategic plant pairing.

• Benefits of biodiversity in landscaping.

Organizers noted that the event offers something for everyone and will feature talks by renowned horticultural experts Mary Palmer Dargan and Bill Thomas under the theme “Make Your Garden You.”

Palmer Dargan is an award-winning landscape architect who designs sustainable landscapes for her clients. Her work has been featured in Architectural Digest and shown on Home and Garden Television.

She and her husband, Hugh Dargan, have authored the bestselling books “Timeless Landscape Design” and “Lifelong Landscape Design.” Mary has taught numerous courses at Clemson University and the University of South Carolina.

Thomas has served as the executive director of Chanticleer Gardens in suburban Philadelphia’s Main Line since 2003 and previously spent 26 years at Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square. He co-wrote “The Art of Gardening,” which received the American Horticultural Society Book Award.

Thomas emphasizes an environmentally sensitive and multicentury approach to Chanticleer Gardens, which is considered one of the most visually exciting, imaginative and romantic gardens in the nation.

Participants can engage in an interactive “Stump the Gardener” session with both experts.

Registration is required for the symposium. Space is limited, so participants must register by April 19. The $115 registration fee includes lunch.

The garden marketplace is free and open to the public without registration. Hosted by the Penn State Master Gardeners of Allegheny County, the marketplace will feature nurseries and other vendors from around the region selling garden-related wares and plants, including sun- and shade-loving varieties and deer-resistant options.

Organizers of a silent auction welcome gifts of merchandise and will acknowledge donations at the event. The silent auction supports scholarships and public education programs of the Master Gardeners of Allegheny County.

Event sponsorships, which include exhibitor space and meal sponsorships, are available.

For more information, visit extension.psu.edu/garden-landscape-symposium.