This year’s Southwest Louisiana Garden Festival will be March 27-28 in the Burton Coliseum on the corner of Gauthier Road and Gulf Hwy. in Lake Charles.

Robert Turley, LSU AgCenter horticulture agent, said people who attend the festival can learn where to obtain gardening products, accessories and services as well as about garden clubs and plant societies in southwest Louisiana.

“This festival has been celebrating plants, gardening and being outdoors for 11 years now and gardening experts are anxious to help you make your green thumb even greener,” he said.

Turley said the Southwest Louisiana Master Gardeners will host the 11th annual pre-show Gumbo and Silent Plant Auction in the Burton Coliseum from 6-8 p.m. on March 26. The cost is $10. Tickets may be picked up at the LSU AgCenter, 7101 Gulf Hwy, Lake Charles, or tickets available at the door.

“If you haven't started your garden yet, but you want to, there also will be a regional flower show during the festival and many plants for sale to get you ready to dig in. So whether you are a flower-planter, occasional weed-puller, or seasoned master, this is a festival that will get your hands dirty,” Turley said.

Information covered during the two days will include traditional woody and herbaceous plants appropriate for the area and new and improved garden plants and shrubs that will be sold at local garden centers.

“The festival includes a variety of activities for people of all ages and backgrounds, including commercial plant booths, a plant disease clinic, educational talks and demonstrations, a flower show, gardening activities for kids and adults. You can even rent-a-kid to haul plants from the coliseum to your automobile,” he said.

Participants are urged to enter the Burton Coliseum at the south entrance opposite the Livestock Show Barn. It is handicapped accessible. 4-H members will collect the $2 entrance fee for adults; children 12 years and under can enter free.

For additional information on the festival, contact Turley at (337) 475-8812, ext. 23.