MEDIA ADVISORY: Mizzou Botanic Garden to Welcome TV Host P. Allen Smith

Story Contact(s):
Jeff Sossamon, sossamonj@missouri.edu, 573-882-3346

By Jerett Rion

WHAT: The Mizzou Botanic Garden is celebrating the University of Missouri’s 175th Anniversary by welcoming P. Allen Smith, TV host, author, and gardening & lifestyle expert, to participate in the celebration of President Thomas Jefferson’s birthday and other gardening events on campus.

Smith is a recognized and respected garden and design expert, providing ideas and inspiration through multiple media venues, including several programs on PBS. In 2009, Smith founded the Heritage Poultry Conservancy, an organization dedicated to the preservation and support of all threatened breeds of domestic poultry. As host of the nationally syndicated television series P. Allen Smith’s Garden to Table, Smith has become an expert on local food. He has also expressed particular interest in the life and gardens of Thomas Jefferson throughout his career.

“The Mizzou Botanic Garden is excited to have P. Allen Smith, a national expert in local food and urban agriculture. The garden, as part of our academic mission, is dedicated to spreading knowledge about plant life and gardening,” said Pete Millier, director of Mizzou Botanic Garden. “We’re pleased that he has an interest in Thomas Jefferson. His knowledge on Jefferson allowed us to organize events centered on our nation’s third president, of whom the university is quite fond.”

WHO: P. Allen Smith, TV host, author, and gardening & lifestyle expert

WHERE: Various locations, MU campus

WHEN: Sunday, April 13 – Monday, April 14

NOTE: Events are free and open to the public. For a full schedule of events visit: http://www.cf.missouri.edu/pallensmith/.

In case of inclement weather on Sunday, the outdoor birthday celebration will be held in the main lobby of Jesse Hall.