If you enjoy growing beautiful, colorful annual and perennial flowers and are interested in attracting and observing butterflies, hummingbirds, bees and other pollinators in your yard, then visit with the Penn State Extension Butler County Master Gardeners at this year’s Butler Farm Show.

“Attracting Pollinators” is the theme for the Master Gardeners’ farm show education booth. The purpose of the educational display is to help spread the word on how easy it is to attract pollinators to your yard and gardens by planting the best flowers, shrubs and trees in your landscape.

This year’s educational display will have information on the common pollinators found in the Butler County area; native plants including annuals that are particularly good for attracting pollinator species; and information on the monarch butterfly and how you can support their life cycle.

Children may take a turn with the “Wheel of Pollinators and Garden Questions” that will provide a fun learning opportunity.

In addition to the focus on gardening to attract pollinators, the Master Gardeners’ education display will provide updated information on the spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicaluta). This insect is considered a threat to Pennsylvania’s agricultural crops and trees.

The spotted lanternfly has been identified in southeastern Pennsylvania counties, and agricultural agents are working to keep this insect from spreading westward. Master Gardeners will explain how to identify the spotted lanternfly as well as its host plant, the tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima) and how to report your spotted lanternfly sightings.

Master Gardeners will be available to answer questions on garden- related topics throughout the duration of the farm show. Information about becoming a Penn State Extension Master Gardener also will be available.

The farm show is held at the Butler Farm Show Complex, 625 Evans City Road in Connoquenessing Township. Gates open daily 8:30 a.m. until 11 p.m. Monday through Aug. 10.

The Master Gardeners look forward to meeting you there!

Terri Helfer and Mary Alice Koeneke have been Penn State Extension Master Gardeners in Butler County since 2016.