It seems pretty ironic that in a place like Suffolk — where until late in the 20th century agriculture was the primary economic engine — gardens should be unusual things. Buoyed by the fresh food and locavore movements, gardens are making a comeback in Suffolk. Look, for example, at the broad success the Suffolk Partnership for a Healthy Community is having with its community gardens project, which has planted more than half a dozen plots of land around the city with vegetables and fruit, engaging dozens, if not hundreds, of people in the effort of growing food for themselves and their neighbors.

That organization is one of several that will participate today in a fall gardening event from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the National Guard Armory. The event is sponsored by the Suffolk Master Gardener Association as an opportunity to raise funds for the organization’s work and to provide a chance for the city’s Master Gardeners to teach people who are new to the hobby how to do it more successfully.

The traditional plant sale will be the centerpiece of the event, with perennials, shrubbery, trees, herbs, houseplants and a few annuals on sale. Some of the plants come from nurseries, and some — particularly the iris and Japanese maples — come from the gardens of association members.

Also participating in the event will be a variety of other garden-related societies, including the Butterfly Society, Iris Society, Native Plant Society and Master Naturalists. The Master Gardeners also will have an information table to talk about general gardening topics with guests. There will be demonstrations on the benefits of a rain barrel and other subjects.

The weather forecast is perfect for this type of event, and anybody who wants to know more about gardening — from the most basic information to the most advanced tips — should not miss this opportunity to tap into the collective wisdom of these knowledgeable groups.