Tyler, Texas — The Texas A&M Agrilife Extension Service in Smith County will continue its 2016 East Texas Garden Lecture Series at 9 a.m. Saturday, November 12 at the Tyler Rose Garden, 420 Rose Park Drive in Tyler, Texas. Dr. Jared Barnes, assistant professor in the Arthur Temple College of Forestry and Agriculture at Stephen F. Austin State University, will present “Foodscaping with Incredible Edibles.”
At SFA, Barnes pursues how to best cultivate plants and connect students with horticulture and manages the Sprout Garden, a trial ground for edibles and perennials in East Texas.
Barnes, who began gardening at age 5, joined the SFA faculty in 2014. Prior to his arrival, he participated in a summer internship at the Scott Arboretum of Swarthmore College in Swarthmore, Pennsylvania, and has also traveled around the U.S. and to 10 different countries to gain a national and global perspective on horticulture.
Barnes received his doctorate in horticultural science from North Carolina State University. His work has been recognized in Organic Gardening, Greenhouse Grower, and Ken Druse’s Real Dirt, and in 2016 he was recognized with Greenhouse Products News’ 40 Under 40 award and the Perennial Plant Association’s Young Professional of the Year. Barnes’ love of teaching extends beyond the classroom as he delights in giving gardening talks around the country. His articles have been published in Fine Gardening andCarolina Gardener.
Registration for the lecture begins at 8:30 a.m.with the program beginning at 9 a.m in the Rose Room. Tickets are $15 per person and may be purchased at the door or in advance at the Smith County AgriLife Extension office (Cotton Belt Building), 1517 W. Front St. Suite 116 in Tyler. Each attendee will receive a packet of heirloom Crawford reseeding lettuce seed.
The lecture series is a collaborative effort between the Smith County AgriLife Extension Environmental Horticulture Committee, the Smith County Master Gardeners, and the city of Tyler Water department.
For more information about the lecture series, call the Smith County AgriLife Extension office at 903-590-2980 or emailGreg.Grant@ag.tamu.edu.