From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Oct. 4, Baldwin County Master Gardeners will present a Continuing Education Seminar at Faulkner State Community College, 450 Fairhope Ave., titled, “Grass Roots and True Grits.”

The four guest speakers, Kerry Smith, James Miles, Marie Harrison and Beth Bolles, have varied professional backgrounds, and are knowledgeable speakers in their respective fields.

Smith, co-leader of the Home Grounds Team in the Alabama Cooperative Extension System, and the Master Gardener State Program Coordinator, delivers training, community programs, and provides timely, research-based information for home gardeners. Before returning to Alabama and her alma mater, Auburn area, she was an interpretive horticulturist at Callaway Gardens. Her topic will cover advanced residential landscaping.

No matter the horticultural topic, Miles informs and instructs his commercial or residential audiences. James’ topic is turf. A horticulture degree in hand from Alabama A&M, he co-founded the Mobile County MG Program, is currently responsible for 11 counties as the commercial horticulture REA, and is based in Mobile.

“Groundcovers for the Coastal Areas” will be the topic presented by Marie Harrison, a gardener, teacher and writer from Valparaiso, Fla. With degrees from Mississippi State and the University of South Alabama, Harrison, a Master Gardener, has judged the National Garden Club flower shows, taught floral designing and published several books, besides her regularly published newspaper articles.

Beth Bolles is the horticulture agent with the Escambia County Extension Service who continuously interfaces with homeowners, gardening professionals, and Escambia’s MG’s. Her topic includes tropical plants and ginger.

There will be two morning sessions followed by a two-hour lunch break (walk to lunch at one of Fairhope’s downtown restaurants); the occasion concludes with two afternoon sessions.

Book sales and door prizes will be offered. Tickets are $10 and are available by sending a check to Jane Wright, treasurer, 13789 Underwood Road, Summerdale, AL 36580.

Enclose a stamped, self-addressed envelope (or e-mail address) for ticket return for confirmation.

Call Pat Libby for information (251) 971-6277. Space is limited and there will be no refunds for unused tickets.