MISSISSIPPI STATE -- People who want to learn more about unifying design concepts of homes and gardens should attend Mississippi State University’s 54th annual Edward C. Martin Jr. Landscape Design Symposium on Oct. 21.

The MSU Department of Landscape Architecture and the Garden Clubs of Mississippi Inc. sponsor the event each fall to introduce the public to new concepts in green design and the influence they have on daily life. This year’s theme is “Inside/Out,” which highlights how inside and outside environments can work together.

The symposium will be in the Bost Center auditorium on campus. Preregistration is $20 by Oct. 16 and $25 the day of the event. Forms are online at http://www.lalc.msstate.edu. Click on “Edward Martin Landscape Design Symposium” under the “Coming Events” menu.

The symposium begins at 9:15 a.m. with “Flowers al Fresco,” a presentation by floral design professor Jim DelPrince of the MSU Department of Plant and Soil Sciences. DelPrince will illustrate how to enhance dining by using different plants and accessories to craft appealing table themes.

At 10 a.m., associate professor Robert Brzuszek of the MSU Department of Landscape Architecture will show how to create intimacy and relaxation around the home by using plants and other materials to transform bleak yard spaces into personalized private gardens.

“Gardens are spots where we can create wonderful little places to enjoy with family and friends, to grow our favorite plants and, most of all, to have fun,” Brzuszek said.

At 11:10 a.m., Mississippi Native Plant Society president Gail Barton of Meridian will present her perspective on getting back to the garden after retiring from a 26-year teaching career in horticulture. Barton, who is a certified arborist and well-known gardening personality, will use slides to guide participants through her own 6-acre garden of sustainable yard flowers and native plants.

Contact Debbie Whitfield at (662) 325-4554 or dww12@lalc.msstate.edu for more information.

Writer: Patti Drapala