Upcoming Events for Mississippi

To submit your gardening event to our staff, submit it using our contact form or send an email to calendar@statebystategardening.com.

May 1-4 Natchez

2012 Southern Region Master Gardener Conference, Natchez Convention Center

The Mississippi Master Gardener Association and Mississippi State University Extension Service will host the 2012 Southern Region Master Gardener Conference. The conference combines presentations, workshops and a Gardeners’ Expo with opportunities to experience Natchez and see the areas gardens. Day one includes bus excursions to private and public gardens, access to the Gardeners Expo and time to explore Natchez. The next two days include a program packed with keynote presentations, workshops, walking tours, vendor shopping, gardening forums and a silent auction. Featured keynote speakers are Gestalt Gardener Felder Rushing, landscape architect Rick Griffin and horticultural experts and innovators Dave Shanklin, Stanley Wise, Jr., Nicholas Staddon and Robert (Buddy) Lee. Conference registration is $205. Registration ends April 15.

www.msucares.com/srmg

May 2-3 Natchez

Gardeners Expo, Natchez Community Center, 215 Franklin Street

More than 30 vendors from across the South will be selling original and exotic garden-related merchandise. Many specialists from the Mississippi State Extension Service will be on hand to answer questions and provide advice. This free event is open to the public and is being held in conjunction with the Southern Region Master Gardener Conference. 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

601-277-3345

May 5 Brandon

Plant and Rummage Sale, Rankin County Extension Building, 601 Marquette Road

The Rankin County Master Gardeners will hold a plant and rummage sale. 8:00 a.m. until all plants are sold.

601-825-1462

May 12 Picayune

Painted Pots, Crosby Arboretum

Make the perfect Mother's Day gift for moms who love plants! Decorate a clay pot and design a Mother's Day card using recycled materials. Workshop led by Master Naturalist Mary Cordray. Children must be accompanied by parent or guardian. All materials are provided. Members’ children, $2; non-members’ children, $4. Register by May 11. 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

www.crosbyarboretum.msstate.edu

601-799-2311, Wednesday through Sunday

May 18-19 Holly Springs

Annual Native Plant Sale, Strawberry Plains Audubon Center

Support the Strawberry Plains Native Plant Nursery, and get the plants your garden needs to literally come to life with birds, butterflies and other wildlife! The sale will offer many beautiful and hard-to-find native plants that will attract and benefit wildlife. In addition, there will be native plant experts to answer your plant and wildlife questions and vendors selling a variety of garden accessories including sculptures, worm composting starting kits, bird feeders and baths, nature books and much more! Remember to bring bags and boxes so you can transport your plants! 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

www.strawberryplains.audubon.org

May 19 Picayune

Native Orchids of South Mississippi, Crosby Arboretum

Learn to recognize and enjoy many of the 30 species of orchids that are native to the Gulf Coast. There are many interesting species that are often overlooked by everyone but the most avid orchid grower. Glen Ladnier, a long-time orchid enthusiast and member of the Gulf Coast Orchid Society, will discuss habitats, plant and flower characteristics, and touch on common conservation techniques. Members, free; non-members, $5; non-members’, children $2. 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.

www.crosbyarboretum.msstate.edu

601-799-2311, Wednesday through Sunday

May 25 Purvis

Plant Swap, Water Flow Productions

Come join us as family, friends, neighbors and strangers exchange plants from their yard to yours. Here’s how it will work:

*Bring your plants between 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.

*Have your plants labeled for identification (so others will know what you are offering).

*Check in at desk.

*You will have a chance to look at the plants available for swapping.

*You are free to continue swapping plants with others after the official swap is over.

*No plants to be sold by individuals.

*No patented plants allowed.

Please make sure the plants you bring to exchange are disease and pest free. All we want to exchange with others are plants not problems.

For more information, call 601-794-6655.

State-by-State Gardening assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of listed events. It is recommended that you verify the date, time and location of any event you plan to attend.