The 11th Healthy Yards Expo on Saturday, March 11, can help you make greener choices for your yards and homes.

The Earth-friendly lawn, garden and home event is from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Shawnee Civic Centre, 13817 Johnson Drive in Shawnee. The expo is free to attend.

The expo highlights many simple and easy environmentally friendly practices that can be done to achieve a nice landscape. Johnson County K-State Research and Extension has teamed up with Johnson County Stormwater Management and the cities of Overland Park, Lenexa, Olathe, Shawnee and the Unified Government of Wyandotte County to present the event.

Local businesses, non-profits, city and county departments will offer seminars and tips to help you make greener choices.

“The expo promotes eco-friendly practices and provides education so that you can do your part for clean water, air, and healthy soils while maintaining an attractive landscape,” said Dennis Patton, horticulture agent for Johnson County Extension.

Visitors to the expo can:

• Enter to win door prizes – such as rain barrels and compost bins.
• Get a free tree seedling (while supplies last).
• Talk with city representatives to find out what’ s going on in your neighborhood and learn about cost share programs for establishing rain gardens and rain barrels.
• Listen to informative speakers on topics such as native plants, composting, organic gardening and edible landscaping.
• Kids can enjoy a free performance by Stone Lion Puppet Theatre with their show, The Little Red Hen.
• Visit with Johnson County K-State Research and Extension Master Gardeners and local plant societies for expert advice on gardening and plant cultivation.
• Shop our Native Plant Sale! Choose from locally grown plants selected to thrive in your garden.

Free soil tests

Johnson County residents get one free soil test, compliments of Johnson County Stormwater Management and Johnson County K-State Extension. It is important to know your soil nutrient levels to grow healthy plants and protect the water quality in our local streams and lakes. Bring your soil sample to the expo. Learn how to take an adequate soil sample by visiting our website.

For more information on the Healthy Yard Expo, visit johnson.k-state.edu or call 913-715-7000.