Garden Happenings: Farm Science Review (Sept. 17-19)

by | Sep 11, 2013 | Happenings

 

By Teresa Woodard

Gardeners have long enjoyed a close relationship with the farming community, so it’s no surprise to find many gardeners at the upcoming Farm Science Review in Madison County, Ohio, September 17-19.
One of the largest farm shows in the country, the 51st Farm Science Review expects to draw more than 140,000 attendees to its 80-acre exhibition area featuring 600 commercial exhibitors, including farming-favorites like John Deere, and educational programs from ag school powerhouses like The Ohio State University and Purdue University.
Check out these highlights:

  • Gwynne Conservation Area – This 67-acre demonstration and education area features a natural stream, wetland, ponds, windbreak plantings, crop tree plantings, wildlife food plots, soil pit, riparian forests, dry hydrant and much more. Step inside the cabin for one of the workshops on growing giant pumpkins, controlling invasives, creating bluebird habitats or landscaping for wildlife.
  • Utzinger Garden – This display garden is maintained by the Master Gardeners of Clark County’s extension office – home to the first country’s first 4-H club. Stop by the gazebo for talks on microgreens, beekeeping, vegetable gardening and more.
  • Farm fare – Come hungry to enjoy the food vendors along Friday Avenue. Favorites include bean soup from the local Kiwanis club, milkshakes from Buckeye Dairy Club, ribeyes from Ohio Cattlewomen’s Association, plus pulled pork, sausage breakfast sandwiches and thick-cut pork chops.

Garden Happenings: Plant Sales

by | Apr 25, 2013 | Happenings

By Teresa Woodard

The plant-buying frenzy is about to begin, and there’s no better place for one-of-a-kind plants and great gardening advice than a public garden’s plant sale.  Besides, the sales generate significant income for botanic gardens, arboreta and plant societies.  At Ohio State University’s Chadwick Arboretum, for instance, a three-day event staffed by 180 volunteers pulls in more than $40,000.

Like Chadwick’s sale, many sales also feature auctions, pre-sale party nights, workshops and book signings.  To get first dibs on plants, check out the pre-sale events typically offered to members. No doubt, the membership privilege is well worth the $25-$50 annual dues.

Also, come with questions.  Many of the volunteers have first-hand experience growing the plants for sale.  So, don’t be afraid to ask for their favorite tomato plant, native shade tree or miniature varieties.  The only danger is you may end up with a trunk full of wonderful plants.

Garden Happenings: Home and Garden Shows

by | Feb 13, 2013 | Happenings

Need an early dose of spring?

st. garden showBy Teresa Wooodard

Are you out looking for signs of spring?  Perhaps spring bulbs poking through the earth, fuzzy catkins on pussywillow branches or spidery-like blooms on witch hazel shrubs?  Well, step inside a Midwestern expo center’s home and garden show where you’ll find blooming gardens filled with a bounty of ideas for the upcoming growing season. The St. Louis Builders Home & Garden show kicks off the season with its 35th annual show and its returning water-animated “Living Fountain” that transforms into a female statue. The Central Ohio Home & Garden show will spotlight outdoor living with 10 themed gardens.  And, the three of us will be discuss “Midwest Gardening Trends” at 3 p.m. on Sunday, March 3.  At the Chicagoland Flower and Garden Show, look for Pop Art-styled floral designs, artful landscapes and a horticulture photo display set among graffiti murals at this year’s “Art of Gardening” event.  Check out these links for more info:

Garden Happenings: Sustainability Workshops

by | Aug 17, 2012 | Happenings

Gardening Happenings:  Sustainability Workshops

Gardeners are hungry for more information on sustainability.  According to the Garden Writers of America Summer Trends 2012 survey, 79 percent of respondents say they need more information on the topic.  Well, lucky for Midwestern gardeners, here are two upcoming workshops.

  • Ohio Sustainable Landscape Symposium (Sept. 15): Putting principles of eco-friendly, sustainable gardening into practice is the thrust of the Ohio Sustainable Landscape Symposium that includes a sale of books and native plants Sept. 15 at Dawes Arboretum near Newark. Hosted by Dawes and Licking County Master Gardeners, the symposium offers nationally known speakers, such as Prof. Allan Armitage of the University of Georgia, and other experts covering a range of topics from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Registration is $50 through Sept. 1, $60 after Sept. 1. The fee includes lunch and garden tour. Armitage is to speak on Native Plants for North American Garden. Other speakers and topics include: David Brandenburg — Wild Collecting in the 21st Century;  Sandy Frey and Susan Weber — Ten Great Strategies for a Beautiful, Sustainable Back Yard; Don Humphrey — Gardening with Nature; Pablo Jourdan — Genes in the Bank: Investment Opportunities with Our Native Herbaceous Plants; Richard Larson — The Splendid Selectivity of Nature.
  • St. Louis Green Homes Great Health Festival (Sept. 29) — The 11th annual Green Homes and Great Health Festival returns to the grounds of the Missouri Botanical Garden on Saturday, Sept. 29 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The all-ages festival showcases options for sustainable living combined with positive ways to maintain the health of people and the planet. The event is included with regular Garden admission. Bring your home improvement ideas and talk with over 100 green product and service exhibitors. Enjoy local foods and live music, and shopping for handmade crafts in the Green Marketplace. Get a free flu shot and talk with experts about your health questions. Kids will enjoy solar car races, puppet shows, and more! Help paint a Metro bus and explore the alternative vehicles on display. Learn from expert presentations and demos about the many ways that plants, air, water, soil and energy sustain our homes, our health and our living Earth.

Garden Happenings: Garden Tours

by | Jun 16, 2012 | Happenings

German Village Haus and Garten Tour

Here’s a quick way to steal gardening ideas

By Teresa Woodard

This summer, garden gates across the Midwest will open to welcome guests for tours.  In search of inspiration, I attend several tours and walk away with a list of ideas and renewed motivation to spruce up my own garden.  Here are several don’t-miss tours.

What’s your favorite garden tour?

Garden Happenings: Plant Sales

by | Apr 27, 2012 | Happenings

By Teresa Woodard

The plant-buying frenzy is about to begin, and there’s no better place for one-of-a-kind plants and great gardening advice than a public garden’s plant sale.  Besides, the sales generate significant income for botanic gardens, arboreta and plant societies.  At Ohio State University’s Chadwick Arboretum, for instance, a three-day event staffed by 180 volunteers pulls in more than $40,000.

Like Chadwick’s sale, many sales also feature auctions, pre-sale party nights, workshops and book signings.  To get first dibs on plants, check out the pre-sale events typically offered to members. No doubt, the membership privilege is well worth the $25-$50 annual dues.

Also, come with questions.  Many of the volunteers have first-hand experience growing the plants for sale.  So, don’t be afraid to ask for their favorite tomato plant, native shade tree or miniature varieties.  The only danger is you may end up with a trunk full of wonderful plants.