Local gardeners and artists will showcase their works and love of nature this Saturday.

The Penn State Master Gardeners of Butler County and The Succop Conservancy will host the Spring Garden Market and Art Show from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at The Conservancy, 185 West Airport Road, Butler, off of Route 8. Admission and parking are free.

"I think of the garden market as a great introduction to spring and the planting season," said Justine Brown, who co-chairs the fundraiser with Alice Christy. "It includes a variety of nursery vendors, crafters and food vendors, in a beautiful, natural setting."

This is the fourth garden market that will include sales of annuals, perennials, herbs, shrubs and garden décor. Besides plants raised by Master Gardeners, local greenhouses and nurseries will be selling their products. In addition to selecting plants, crafts and food items, market visitors will have the chance to bid on a variety of gift items and certificates at the silent auction.

Other activities planned are gardening and pruning demonstrations, as well as tours of the 170-year-old Succop Mansion's herb garden, designed and maintained by Master Gardeners.

Scheduled workshops are:

• 10 a.m. — Exercise for gardeners

• 10:30 a.m. — Herbal topiary

• 11 a.m. — Pruning demonstrations

• Noon — Herb garden tour

• 1 p.m. — Trough gardening

• A result of the new partnership with The Conservancy, this year's market will feature an art show and sale. Several area artists who have an interest in landscapes and nature will show their work.

• After choosing plants and crafts from the sale, visitors can stop by the Green Line table where Master Gardeners will answer questions about plant care.

"The Spring Garden Market showcases the interest that the Master Gardeners have in helping the home gardener with their own situations," Brown said. "The market will help the Master Gardeners become a real presence in the county and will be great advertising for all of our trial gardens, and all of the work that we do throughout the county."

Funds raised at the Spring Garden Market will be used to promote the Master Gardeners community projects, including public gardens, tours and educational programs. Proceeds from the art sale will be used for care and upkeep of The Conservancy.

Master Gardeners are volunteers of Penn State Extension. After training, volunteers dedicate time to educating other home gardeners through community projects. For more information about the program, call the Extension office at 724-287-4761.

Jennifer Frohnapfel is a Master Gardener with the Penn State Master Gardener program.