Fannin County, Texas -- The Fannin County Master Gardeners Home and Garden Expo next Saturday, March 28, at the Multi-Purpose Center will feature four knowledgeable speakers on topics of interest to gardeners. Door prizes will be given out at each speaker session.

Dr. Garett Slater will start the day at 9:00 with his presentation “Pollinator-Smart Gardening: What to Plant, When, and Why.” Creating a pollinator-friendly garden is about providing the right forage at the right time to true bees and other pollinators. In his talk, Dr. Slater will explore which plants provide meaningful nectar and pollen resources, how to design seasonal bloom cycles that sustain pollinators year-round, and how small acreage gardens can make a big impact. He will also discuss plant selection and practical steps gardeners can take to support pollinators. Dr. Slater is an Assistant Professor and Apiculture Extension Entomologist with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. He leads the statewide apiary program, delivering education, outreach, and applied research to support sustainable beekeeping and stronger colonies across Texas.

At 10:30 Michael Cook, AgriLife Extension agent, specializes in viticulture and enology. His will be speaking on “Growing Grapes as Easy as 1, 2, 3.” Michael is a Texas native who received his BS in Horticulture from Texas A&M. He received a fellowship to Fresno State University in California where he competed a Masters in Viticulture and Enology.

Fannin County Master Gardener Sharon Kilpatrick will present her program, “the Buzz about Bees,” at 12:00. Sharon will share beekeeping basics as well as tips and tricks for setting up hives, catching swarms, and harvesting honey. Sharon has been a Master Gardener for three years and a beekeeper for nine years.

Tree Gibbs, Advanced Master Gardener - Entomology will complete the speaker sessions at 1:30 with her presentation on “Pest Patrol: Meet Your Tiny Allies.” She will speak on the ten most prevalent and damaging insect pests in our North Texas vegetable gardens and give gardeners an understanding of how to use beneficial predatory insects to help with insect pest management, thereby reducing the need for chemical pest control.

The EXPO is Saturday, March 28 at the Complex in the Dr. E. O. Harrison Building at 700 FM 87, Bonham. Doors open at 8:30 a.m. The event features a wide variety of vendors showcasing garden, lawn, and home products and services; wine-tasting; a Silent Auction; and food trucks as well as four speaker sessions. Master Gardeners will be on hand to answer gardening questions.

Fannin County Master Gardeners would like to express their sincere gratitude to our sponsors: Dadant Beekeeping Supplies; Twin Oaks Nursery; First United Bank, Bonham; Red Coop Feed and Seed; Stay Grounded Coffee Cafe; Community National Bank and Trust; 160 Lawn and Timber; and The Nursery at Double O Seven Farms.