PICAYUNE, Miss. -- Mississippi State University Extension Service experts are hosting a Smart Landscapes program Aug. 4 to help homeowners develop thriving and ecologically friendly landscapes.

 

The event, Summer Smart Landscapes: Creating Gardens that Thrive in Summer Heat, will be held Saturday from 1-2:30 p.m. at the MSU Crosby Arboretum in Picayune. Members attend for free, and other guests pay $5 each.

 

“Does your garden fade in the summer? This workshop will help gardeners learn wise maintenance and landscaping practices to conserve resources and energy, and to create eco-friendly home landscapes that reduce summer maintenance needs,” said Pat Drackett, arboretum director and an event organizer. “You will also learn about native plant species that strengthen local biodiversity.”

 

Drackett and MSU Extension Service Pearl River County agent Eddie Smith will speak. Reservations are requested by Aug. 3. Contact the arboretum staff at 601-799-2311 for more information or to register.

 

A variety of online resources for Extension’s Smart Landscapes program are also available: Facebook, Smart Landscapes MSU website (https://bit.ly/2K2y1L0;); and YouTube playlist (https://bit.ly/2NO8QON).