MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Serious gardeners and those who just enjoy a few plants their home landscapes will find something of interest at the 2006 North Mississippi Garden Expo in Verona.

The Sept. 30 expo at the North Mississippi Research and Extension Center is free. Tours and other activities begin at 9 a.m. and continue until 1 p.m.

“Visitors can stroll through the Magnolia Botanical Gardens and other areas devoted to fruits and vegetables, turf grass and ornamental plants,” said event coordinator Crofton Sloan. “The botanical gardens include a rose garden, annual garden, native plant garden, water garden and the latest addition, a perennial garden.”

A poplar feature with kids and adults is the annual “Scarecrow Trail,” featuring traditional and fanciful creations by north Mississippi schools, business and organizations.

There will be presentations throughout the day by Mississippi State University horticulturists, entomologists, landscape specialists and others. Topics will include hay bale gardening, designing mixed combination planters and working with clay soil in the landscape.

Vendors will have plants and other home gardening supplies for sale.

The MSU Extension Service and the Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station sponsor the garden expo.