Johnson County Garden Club and Purdue Master Gardeners will host the group’s annual Garden Celebration on Saturday at Scott Hall, 250 Fairground St., Johnson County Fairgrounds, in Franklin.
The event from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. emphasizes conservation of the monarch butterfly and will feature guest speakers who will explain planting strategies to attract butterflies.
One of the nation’s leading experts on monarch butterfly habitats, Reni Winters, will discuss best practices for creating a successful garden for the waning butterfly population. She owns Winterhaven Wildflowers & Native Plant Preserve in Tippecanoe County, a certified monarch waystation.
Jeffrey Belth, photographer and author of “Butterflies of Indiana: A Field Guide,” will give a talk, “Identifying Common Butterflies,” at 10:30 a.m. in Scott Hall. His wife Sandy, an Indiana Master Gardener and Assistant Naturalist for Monroe County Parks and Recreation, and he share a love for butterflies and the need to protect their habitats. Jeffrey Belth will have books available for purchase.
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A USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service representative and also a member of the Indiana Organic Gardening Association, Tony Branam will discuss practices conducive to attracting monarchs. He is a well-known advocate of no-till farming and cover crops.
Completing Garden Celebration’s educational roster, Amanda Smith will present “Historic Uses of Native Plants.” Smith serves as Indiana Native Plant and Wildflower Society Central Chapter President.
Approximately 40 plant and garden-related vendors are featured during the event. Breakfast and lunch will be available for purchase. Admission is $2 at the door.
Johnson County Garden Club will also give away trees, first come, first served. More information is available on the JCGC Facebook page or by calling Lynne Schuetz at 317-736-5609.
