Hancock County Master Gardeners and the Hancock Park District are teaming up to offer native  plant education and sales to benefit area gardeners. The event will be at the Oakwoods Nature  Preserve Discovery Center, Saturday September 16, from 9:00 a.m.-noon. Programs about native plants that benefit wildlife, pollinators and the environmentin are free and open to the public. New exhibits and ”Ask-A-Master Gardener” gardening assistance will be part of the event.

Selections of native plants, plus a large group of small Ohio Buckeye trees, will be on sale. Plants are appropriate for NW Ohio and are brought to Hancock County in cooperation with Star Farms Native Plants Nursery in Kenton, Ohio. Owner Dave  McPheron will be on hand to explain about the growth habits, bloom time and colors with planting  suggestions. Prices vary from $4 perennials to $15 small trees. Cash or checks will be accepted.

Visitors purchasing plants are asked to bring small boxes to take their plants home. Plant sales  will benefit the Hancock Parks Foundation and Master Gardeners programs. 

In the Discovery Center at 10:00 a.m., Master Gardener Pete Reynolds will explain the role and benefits of native plants. Volunteers will answer questions and offer one-on-one help in planning native plant gardens. Participants should bring pictures and diagram of proposed garden area.