For nearly two decades, gardeners have flocked to the annual Miami Valley Gardening Conference to discover the secrets of growing show-stopping gardens in half the time, with half the expense and half the effort. This year, home gardeners, lawn care professionals and other enthusiasts who are serious about maintaining fabulous curb appeal are invited to Five Rivers MetroParks 18th annual Miami Valley Gardening Conference, Saturday, March 2, from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Sinclair Community College Ponitz Center, Dayton. Headlining the event this year is Andrew Keys, writer, designer, lifelong gardener, Garden Confidential podcaster, and author of the book Why Grow That When You Can Grow This 255 extraordinary Alternatives to Everyday Problem Plants. Keys advice will help gardeners get they look they want by making better plant choices. Some prima donna plants are very fussy and aren t best suited for our Ohio climate, says Five Rivers MetroParks Education Supervisor Betty Hoevel, coordinator of the annual MVGC. But swapping in natives or other more laid back plants will get you the look you want without the extra labor and maintenance. Back by popular demand is the weedless gardening keynote address from Dr. Lee Reich, a farmdener who is taking his plant and soil research conducted with Cornell University and the United States Department of Agriculture on the road. In his top-down approach to gardening, Reich explains how taking care of the top layer of soil can make a big difference in your garden. The conference also offers a broad variety of speakers covering topics for new gardeners, seasoned veterans and vegetable gardening. Patrons also can participate in a casual Q-and-A session with the keynote speakers for one-on-one advice, and practical gardening demonstrations led by local experts. Registration for this event is $50 for online registration and $60 for phone, mail or in-person registration. Cost includes all materials in lectures and hands-on sessions, door prizes, a catered lunch, parking and refreshments during breaks. Check out the full conference roster, schedule of events, directions, online registration and more at the website www.metroparks.org/conference. For further details, contact Betty Hoevel at (937) 277-6545. Sponsors for this year s event include Five Rivers MetroParks, Meadow View Growers, Inc., Scarff s Nursery, Siebenthaler s, Montgomery County Master Gardeners and the Wegerzyn Gardens Foundation. $60