It's spring and it's time to begin thinking about the great outdoors, sprucing up the lawn, and planning our flower and vegetable gardens.

In keeping with the season, the Butler County Master Gardeners have planned a Spring Garden Market and Workshop for May 1. The event will be held at the Succop Conservancy at the corner of Route 8 south and Airport Road, five miles south of Butler. The program will get under way at 8 a.m. and will run through 3 p.m.

The event will feature gardening workshops and the annual master gardener plant sale. In addition, there will be opportunities to shop for garden décor and related items. Food also will be available.

Featured workshop speakers include Doug Oster, Pittsburgh area newspaper columnist, on "Gardening for the Fun of It." Justin Pizella, owner of Millie's Herbs, will discuss organic gardening, and Linda Kramer, a professional gardener, will discuss "Shady Spaces, Exciting Spaces."

There is a $10 registration fee for workshop reservations. Seating is limited and advanced registration is advised. Contact the Butler County Extension Office at 724-287-4761 for a brochure and registration information.

If you have never been to the Succop Conservancy, you'll want to take advantage of this opportunity. The conservancy consists of 50 acres featuring two houses, a barn, a cottage and outbuildings nestled in a meadow with two ponds, walking trails and gardens. A free guided walking tour of the grounds will be held at 10:15 a.m. and 12:15 p.m.

Mark your calendar and plan to come and browse, attend a workshop or just enjoy the scenery.

This material is submitted by Donna Zang, director, and the staff of the Penn State Extension office at the Sunnyview Nursing Home complex.