The Southwest Louisiana Garden Conference & EXPO inside the Burton Coliseum is celebrating gardening with its 18th Annual Show and Plant Extravaganza about gardening, flowers, trees, shrubs, garden accessories, books, demonstrations, educational lectures, and general garden tools. Area, regional and interstate exhibitors and vendors will be there to assist you with your plant and garden needs. The Federated Garden Clubs of Southwest Louisiana will present: “The Spirit of Adventure” their 2017 flower show theme. They will be displaying their floral design and horticulture talents. There will be new and exciting educational programs about garden topics of interest by LSU AgCenter specialist, as well as, regional, and state guest speakers. "The Garden EXPO is a wholesome, educational environment and the perfect activity to bring together friends and families," said LSU AgCenter Extension Horticulturist, Robert Turley. The EXPO attracts over 3,000 garden lovers, residents, and visitors each year. There will be a Plant Health Clinic with professionals from the LSU AgCenter as well as Master Gardener volunteers who will help diagnose plant problems and answer garden questions. Educational garden seminars will be on-going throughout the two day event. The 4-H Cart Service will be there to help EXPO-goers carry out items to their vehicles. Educational programs include Home Vegetable Gardening and Fruit Production held on Friday while programs on Ornamentals and Landscape Gardening & Herbs being held on Saturday. The SWL Master Gardeners will present their Garden EXPO Preview Party with a Gumbo Supper & Silent Auction in the Chalkley Room of the Burton Coliseum on Thursday, March 23th, 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Donation of $10.00 in advance for admission. Tickets can be purchased at the LSU AgCenter, 7101 Gulf Hwy., Lake Charles or at the door. Attendees will enjoy the gumbo supper, participate in the Silent Auction, allowed to preview the Garden Show and purchase from the participating Garden EXPO vendors that evening.