Next Saturday, Aug. 4, is one of the best days of the year for the Master Gardeners of Clark County and Ohio State University Extension. We are going to be showing off our Gateway Learning Gardens, and we can’t wait. Preparations have been under way since early spring and the gardens really look spectacular.

This is the 14th year for the event, and it’s our way of giving back to you. Our gardens have been primped and primed and really do look good. They are indeed a little dry, but we are using a little irrigation to help out Mother Nature.

This free event is open to everyone and runs from 8:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m., rain or shine. The location is 4400 Gateway Blvd., Springfield, and you will see plenty of parking.

This family event is packed with all kinds of fun things, with the star of the show being our more than 800 different varieties of plants. Between all of our different theme and research gardens, we have a lot of plants for you to learn about and enjoy.

Master Gardener volunteers will be on hand in each of the gardens to answer questions. In addition, you will have the opportunity to pick out your favorite plants in the field trial plots.

Another great thing about our garden is that most of the plants are labeled. If you see something you like, write down the name for future reference.

We have gardens that would interest just about any type of gardener. Our different displays and theme gardens include: herb, annual and four perennial gardens, butterfly, bee and hummingbird (including plants necessary to feed the larvae of these critters), “Victory” vegetable garden, early Ohio settlers garden, and a turf display of five different blends. In addition, we have a cutting garden where you can purchase a nice fresh bouquet of cut flowers at a very modest price.

We will have popcorn, hot dogs and snow cones for our visitors - all free. In addition, you can visit the vendors that carry different types of garden items that you can purchase.

Throughout the day we will have various demonstrations on the following topics: 9:30 Heirloom Tomatoes; 10:15 All American Selections; 11:00 Talking Trashy About Dirt; 11:45 Dividing Irises; and 12:30 The Mosquito Eaters, Purple Martins.

Master Gardeners will also be on hand to help answer any plant questions that you might have. If you are having trouble in the garden with any of your plants, bring in a good sample and we will try to help you out.

Our favorite bluegrass group, Loosley Strung Band out of Columbus will be on hand during the event providing great garden music.

For more details about the day, go to: http://go.osu.edu/gardenjubilee.