UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Home gardeners and landscape enthusiasts of all experience levels can gain ideas and guidance for creating sustainable, wildlife-friendly gardens through expert presentations led by the Master Gardeners of Washington County. The upcoming Penn State Extension event also will feature a free marketplace with resources and local insight.
The 2026 “It Starts in Your Backyard: Spring Garden Symposium and Marketplace” will occur from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. April 11, at the Loft Conference Center, 1000 Noble Energy Drive, Suite 100, Canonsburg.
Attendees will take part in a full day of presentations from nationally recognized horticultural experts and can explore products and services from more than 20 industry vendors in a garden marketplace, including gardening suppliers and local industry experts.
Organizers note that admittance to the marketplace is free and open to the public and encourage anyone interested to attend.
Laura Deeter, professor and director of Chadwick Arboretum and Learning Gardens at The Ohio State University, will present “Year-Round Color in Your Backyard.” Deeter will guide gardeners on maintaining a visually striking garden year-round, highlighting the beauty of bark, fruit, fall color, foliage and plant structure as well as flowers.
Harland Patch, assistant research professor and director of pollinator programming at The Arboretum at Penn State, will present “The Pollinators in Your Backyard.” Patch will discuss how to attract pollinators and the critical role they play in supporting garden and landscape health.
In addition to the two keynote speakers, registrants will have the option to attend breakout sessions on native plants, invasive plants, landscape design, food preservation, soil fertility, house plants, tree health, and the differences between pasture-raised, organic and free-range products.
Organizations can partner with the Penn State Extension Master Gardeners of Washington County to showcase their organization at the event. Organizers noted that each sponsorship level offers meaningful opportunities to increase brand exposure, connect with attendees, and demonstrate commitment to horticultural education, sustainability and community outreach. For more information, visit the sponsorship page for details.
Organizers noted that space is limited, so preregistration is required. Participants can register for the event through March 30 for a fee of $65.
More information is available on the Penn State Extension website at https://extension.psu.edu/it-starts-in-your-backyard-garden-symposium-and-marketplace.
—Penn State Extension
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