Healthy Yards Expo promotes green lawn and garden practices

The Eleventh Healthy Yards Expo on Saturday, March 11, can help you make greener choices for your yards and homes. This free Earth-friendly lawn and garden event is from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Shawnee Civic Centre, located at 13817 Johnson Drive in Shawnee. The expo is free to attend.

The expo highlights many simple and easy environmentallyfriendly practices that can be done to achieve a nice landscape. Johnson County K-State Research and

• Talk with city representatives to find out what’s going on in your neighborhood and learn about cost share programs for establishing rain garden and rain barrels.

• Listen to informative speakers on topics such as native plants, composting, organic gardening and edible landscaping

• Kids can enjoy a free performance by Stone Lion Puppet Theatre with their show, The Little Red Hen.

an Earth-friendly home, lawn and garden event

Extension is teaming with Johnson County Stormwater Management and the cities of Overland Park, Lenexa, Olathe, Shawnee and the Unified Government of Wyandotte County to present the event.

Local businesses, non-profits, city and county departments will offer seminars and tips helping make greener choices. “The expo promotes eco-friendly practices and provides education so that you can do your part for clean water, air and healthy soils while maintaining an attractive landscape,” said Dennis Patton, horticulture agent for Johnson County Extension.

Visitors to the Expo can:

• Enter to win door prizes –such as rain barrels and compost bins

• Get a free tree seedling (while supplies last)

• Visit with Johnson County KState Research and Extension Master Gardeners and local plant societies for expert advice on gardening and plant cultivation.

Free soil tests

Johnson County residents get one free soil test, compliments of Johnson County Stormwater Management and Johnson County KState Extension. It is important to know the nutrient levels in order to grow healthy plants and protect the water quality in our local streams and lakes. Bring your soil sample to the expo. Learn how to take a soil sample by visiting the website.

For more information on the Healthy Yard Expo, visit www. johnson.k-state.edu or call 913715-7000.