Spring is in the air and Master Gardeners are hoping to growsome strong support for their third annual Spring GardeningExtravaganza and Farmers Market in downtown Brookhaven Saturdayfrom 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

“It’s a nice day to get out, meet the neighbors and enjoy theweather while learning about plants, produce and landscaping,” saidMaster Gardener Homer Richardson, one of the event’sorganizers.

Vendors will be on site in Railroad Park offering a wide variety ofspring items from plants to bird houses. Produce by local farmerswill also be sold.

“The whole idea is to have as much variety as we can,” Richardsonsaid.

New this year is a special area for children from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.that will provide information and experience to the younggardeners. One planned event is for children to pot plants.

“We’re really trying to make it even more family-oriented,”Richardson said.

Refreshments such as hamburgers, homemade ice cream and a varietyof beverages will be available, he said.

People with brown thumbs can even get some advice from notableguest speakers at the event.

Dr. Drew Bates with the Mississippi Cooperative Extension Servicewill speak from 10 to 11 a.m.

“He’s going to talk about putting color in your landscape,”Richardson said.

Bates will be followed by Dr. George Dukes Jr. until noon. Dukes isa noted horticulturist who will be signing copies of his latestbook, “The Gardener’s Guide to Mississippi Wildflowers and OtherNative and Naturalized Plants: An Anthology,” following hispresentation.

In addition, experts on turf and landscaping, identification ofplant diseases and other gardening topics will be available toanswer questions at various booths scattered among the vendors,Richardson said.

David Ingram, an expert on plant diseases and insects with theextension service, will also visit any home or business within thecity limits to inspect troubled plantlife and offer suggestions toimprove their quality.