A Gardening Symposium

Monday is the first day of spring. With this, I will now start to get busy. Today was a garden symposium that is sponsored by local nurseries, businesses and internet businesses (mostly stationed in PA). It is put on by the horticulture branch of Penn State University. I had found out about this last year but to late to go. So, this year, I sent my money and went.

Having never been there before, we really didn't know what to expect. We were surprised to see the volume of people that attended, some of which had been attending for 14 years. It took us close to a half hour to get to the continental breakfast buffet table.

We got there to start the day with breakfast. Coffee and donuts and pastry. We also received a packet of catalogs, magazines and information, all of which had some great news and instruction. There were five speakers all from more local areas and all associated with Penn State, Longwood Gardens and the University of Delaware. All were master gardeners and authorities in their fields. We listened to talks about vegetable gardens, native plants and decorative gardening. Then we stopped for a lunch of chicken breast, salad, vegies and red rolly potatoes. It was very pleasant and topped with some of the most delicious desserts. After the lunch break it was back to the speeches. This time we heard about height in the garden and another talk about designing gardens.

I have to admit it was great fun. We met a number of people who were simply wonderful as are most gardeners I've ever met. We got some really great ideas to try and I especially liked the last talk about designing. After all, I am an artist and already know how these things go. It was also nice to hear someone offer encouragement when things don't seem to be coming along quite as quickly as we think it should. The symposium was over about 4 pm. I didn't win any of the door prizes. There were some there that I would loved to have -- three Peace roses and a redbud had really caught my eye. I did come home with two very lovely lettuce plants that need to be planted soon in the garden so I can start eating them.

Afterward, before we left, I filled out a paper telling the chairwoman about our experience today. I mentioned some ideas of types of gardening that I would like to hear about in the future, told her what I thought of today's symposium and am looking forward to attending many more of these. It was quite the wonderful day. Now, to go rest in front of the fireplace and read the Horticulture magazine and the Garden Gate magazine and check out what plants Plants Delights has on special. I ordered from Bluestone Perennials this year, but not Plants Delight; at least not yet.