VICKSBURG, Miss. -- Mississippians trying to turn the highest business profit from the beautiful architecture of their historic homes can learn ways to maximize the landscape through a Mississippi State University Extension Service course.

The MSU Extension Service is offering the daylong Know Your Roots: Grow Your Business workshop in Vicksburg June 13 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Southern Cultural Heritage Center. The registration deadline is June 1.

The event is designed for bed-and-breakfast and historic property owners. The goal is to help owners increase the revenue generated by their property by increasing the value of their landscapes and gardens.

“This workshop will show that with minimal effort and out-of-pocket expense, you can provide your clients with a Southern heritage experience focused on the traditions and culture developed around the home garden,” said Sandy Havard, Warren County Extension agent. “This short course will show you how to create economic opportunity using local farms as well as community and private gardens.”

Participants will learn how to maximize their landscape, providing creative, value-added services for clients. They will also learn to prepare innovative dishes using produce, plants and herbs from the garden.

Speakers include Gary Bachman, MSU Extension horticulturist and host of Southern Gardening, which is produced as radio and television segments, as well as a weekly newspaper series. Bachman will talk about landscape design and maintenance for historic properties. Also, Jim DelPrince, MSU Extension assistant professor of horticulture, will lead participants through a hands-on activity designing floral arrangements.

Brent Fountain, MSU Extension nutritionist, will discuss how to bring Southern farm goods to the table, and Rachel Carter, MSU Extension community planning specialist, will talk about the economics of running tourism businesses involving historic homes.

Warren County Master Gardeners, trained and certified by MSU Extension, are supporting the workshop. These volunteers make a significant impact on their community, and have designed and maintain the Heritage Demonstration Garden at the Vicksburg National Military Park.

The workshop fee of $30 per person includes an evening reception June 12 at Duff Green Mansion and a tour of the Heritage Demonstration Garden. Contact the Warren County Extension office at 601-636-5442 or [email protected] to register.