The Penn State Master Gardeners of Dauphin County are committed to developing their horticultural expertise so that they can share best practices in sustainable horticulture and environmental stewardship with the community.

This fall, the Master Gardeners are offering various programs for the public.

A Saturday Garden Chat at Forest Hills Park, 4100 Wimbledon Drive, Harrisburg, will be offered on Saturday, Oct. 5, from 10 to 11 a.m. Topics to be discussed will include fall garden ideas and tasks to do before the winter. 

The final Walk and Talk with a Master Gardener at Detweiler Park, 1451 Peters Mountain Road, Dauphin, will take place on Friday, Oct. 11, from 10 to 11 a.m. Attendees will learn what flowers are blooming and what insects are roaming in one of six demonstration gardens.  

The final Home Gardening Series presentations of the year will be offered on Saturdays, Oct. 26 and Nov. 16, from 9:30 to 11 a.m. at Wildwood Park's Olewine Nature Center, 100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg. The program will focus on adding colors, layers, textures and biodiversity to fall and shade gardens. Many of the plants that will be explored are underused in the landscape. Attendees may join the presentation virtually or in person.

Master Gardeners also offer a Garden Hotline at 717-921-8803, where people can get personalized solutions to their garden questions. Questions can also be emailed to dauphinmg@psu.edu.