The Garden Faire returns to Roseville this week with gardening fun for all ages

Spring is the ideal season for gardening, with warmer soil for plants and beautiful weather. To celebrate, the Placer County UC master gardeners are hosting their fourth annual Garden Faire, inviting gardeners of all ages and experience levels to enjoy all things flora and fauna.

This free event Saturday in Roseville will have speakers and activities for kids and adults, according to Placer County master gardener Jan Shellito. Speakers will address succulent propagation, native plants, vegetable gardening and more; crafts and activities will be available for kids of all ages.

The Garden Faire even includes animals, with information on bees, butterflies, and chickens, and a live bat display from NorCal Bats (yes, you read that right – live bats).

Placer County 4H will be featured in the Kids Corner, hatching baby chicks and showing their chickens and rabbits, said Shellito. The Kids Corner will also have spring-themed arts and crafts, and kids will have an opportunity to plant a plant, Shellito said.

Master gardeners will be spread across 10 booths to answer questions and provide information on topics such as composting, lawn replacement, local native plants and more.

For succulent lovers, there will be two hands-on demonstrations during the fair. These hands-on demonstrations give a brief overview on planting and propagating succulents; participants get to plant their own to take home with them.

The fair will have three guest speakers. Kevin Marini, master gardener programs manager, will give the PCMG’s “Top 10 Vegetable Gardening Tips,” Shellito said.

Robert Littlepage, a qualified water-efficient landscaper and landscape architect, will speak about “The Future of Water,” giving information on plants, water system efficiency and the current water outlook.

Tora Rocha, founder of Pollinator Posse, will give a talk about pollinators and native plants, with information on what to grow and how to make life in your garden easier for the local pollinators, like honeybees.

The fair will also have more than 20 vendor displays, with regional agencies like the CA Department of Fish and Wildlife represented alongside local businesses.

Shellito said other vendors include the Roseville Utility Exploration Center, Morningsun Herb Farm, Inspired Gardener, Gold Country Wildlife Rescue and more.

Garden art, planters, and native plants will be available for purchase; there will also be giveaway goodie bags and door prizes.

The Garden Faire is being held at the Maidu Community Center in Roseville. Parking is free, entrance to the Faire is free and registration is not required.

If you go

What: The Placer County Master Gardeners 4th Annual Garden Faire

When: Saturday, April 13, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Where: Maidu Community Center, Roseville

Cost: No cost. Parking is free, the event is free and registration is not required.