The Cass County Master Gardeners and Cass County Extension are helping local gardeners gear up for warmer weather, with the 15^th Annual Atlantic Spring Garden Seminar, set for Saturday March 16th. The day-long event, to be held at the Atlantic High School, features garden experts from across the Midwest sharing the latest information on gardening methods and plant varieties. The seminar is open to all interested gardeners no matter the level of experience. Participants are not required to have completed Master Gardener training to attend, but Master Gardeners who attend the full day will be given 5 credit hours toward their continuing education requirements.

The day starts with registration and refreshments at 8:30 AM, then Sandy Wentworth of Proven Winners will share the newest tested and trialed plant varieties for 2013. The first of two breakout sessions for the day is next, and attendees will have 11 different topics to choose from, covering everything from container gardening to rain barrels, and fairy gardens to shade planting. Before lunch, attendees will gather back in the auditorium to hear about weather-hardy plants for Iowa from Justin Hancock of Better Homes and Gardens.

Over the lunch break, participants are welcome to browse the vendor/exhibitor booths in the high school gym, sit in on a Q & A session with some of our expert presenters, or simply enjoy the sandwich and salad luncheon while chatting with friends or making new acquaintances.

Our final group session for the day features Deb Groth of Groth Gardens discussing ways to keep your garden colorful year round by picking the right mix of plants. Before attendees head home, they will split up for one more breakout session where they can again pick from a list of 11 different topics to round out their day. The final session will wrap up by 3:20 PM.

The cost for the fun-filled day of learning is $35, including all meals and general session materials. Some breakout sessions involving hands-on activities may have an additional fee. A full list of all breakout sessions, a schedule for the day and printable registration form are all available online at www.extension.iastate.edu/cass or can be picked up at the Cass County Extension Office. Brochures are also available at many local businesses with the schedule and registration form.

The early registration deadline, to be eligible for door prizes, is postmarked by Friday March 8. Cass County Master Gardeners will also have a booth at the Home and Garden Expo on March 8 and 9 at the Cass County Community Center, where attendees will be able to register and pick up more information on the Garden Seminar and other upcoming Master Gardener events. Registrations are welcome up to the day of the Garden Seminar, including walk-in registrations at the door.

For more information on the Spring Garden Seminar or the Cass County Master Gardener Program, call the Cass County Extension Office at 712-243-1132, email keolson@iastate.edu, or stop by the Extension Office at 805 W. 10^th St in Atlantic.