Thursday, Feb. 21, 2008

VFRC plans first county lawn and garden show

by Clarke Davis

The first Jefferson County Lawn and Garden Show will be held at the fairgrounds in Valley Falls Saturday, March 1.

The fair building has enough space for at least 24 booths and other activities will spill outdoors provided the weather cooperates, reports Jeri Clark, president of the Valley Falls Recreation Commission.

The commission is sponsoring the county-wide event to bring information to residents and help promote county businesses.

There will be no admission charge and the booth space is free as well.

The event will last from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Speakers have been lined up to provide programs throughout the day.

David Hallauer, county extension agent, will have information on tree and lawn care; birding enthusiast Terry Sullivan will have a program on bird feeders and backyard birding; Emily Nolting, an extension specialist, will provide a landscaping seminar; Judy Henry from A Time to Plant Greenhouse at Oskaloosa, will discuss children’s gardening and vegetables; and Karen McGrath, a master gardener from Lawrence, will provide a program on roses.

“An invitation is extended to all Jefferson County businesses engaged in the lawn and garden business to have a display,” Clark said.

More than half the inside booth space is still available. To contact Clark, call her cell phone at (785) 224-9811.

The recreation commission will provide a concession stand during the day with breakfast starting at 9 o’clock. It is also selling advertising for a program booklet that will be produced for the event.