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Flora Fest

   Written by on May 5, 2016 at 10:27 am

The Early Bird Gets the Pick of the Crop at 2016 Festival

CHARLOTTE COURT HOUSE – If it’s overcast and drizzling and cool on a Saturday in April, it must be FloraFest day. As usual, however, the weather did little to deter the determined Master Gardeners and the loyal customers who patronize the event every year.

IMG_2301 IMG_2302 IMG_2304 IMG_2309 IMG_2311 IMG_2320 IMG_2321A pre-sale walk around the tables and groups of large plants lined up in front of the Extension Office in Charlotte Court House revealed the dependable selection of everything from seedlings to shrubs. The plants are all from the personal gardens of the Master Gardeners, so you know, first of all, they are plants that do well in this area. Additionally, you know the plants are healthy and pest free. That’s more than you can expect from some commercial nurseries.

Early on, several small groups of would-be buyers were circling, inspecting, asking questions and taking note of potential purchases. And just like at the races, when the starting bell rang at 8:30, boxes and wagons appeared, soon to be filled with selections of Lenten roses, Solomon’s seal, hostas, money plant, forsythia, peonies, and dozens of others.

The Master Gardeners lean heavily toward perennials for their annual sale and this year was no different. One’s garden budget, as everyone knows, is best spent on perennials.

Across the street, the Herb Society’s tables were crowded full with lush herb plants and even some heirloom tomato plants. Sage, bay, tarragon, mint, dill, basil, tansy and marjoram would nicely fill one’s kitchen herb garden. For some height at the edges of the garden, rosemary plants provide a pleasant aroma and tiny little purple blooms. Lemon balm and bee balm attract butterflies; garlic and cayenne peppers add spice.

Included in the offerings from the Herb Society were several heirloom tomato plants. These were all raised from the seeds of tomato varieties that have almost disappeared from modern vegetable gardens. It was good to see that the herb growers included these tomatoes that retain the real flavor of tomatoes that we remember from our childhood.

Annuals Have Their Place, Too

If it was blooming annuals you were hoping for last Saturday morning, Central Middle School was the place to be. The FFA chapter there offered a greenhouse full from side to side and front to back with coleus, vinca, portulaca, salvia, impatiens, wave petunias and hanging baskets. Accosted first by the sweet, spicy fragrance as you entered, your next sensory experience was the sight of a veritable sea of color – all shades of red and pink, with sprinklings of white. Offered for sale as well were products from the Middle School shop classes: wooden gun racks, and bird houses and feeders.

This sale was not advertised very much, posters were being nailed on poles in Charlotte Court House early Saturday morning. But if one was paying attention, it was a good opportunity to fill annual beds in the garden with healthy, vibrant young plants.

The money raised from the sale of the flowers and wood items will all go to help finance a trip for 20 FFA students to attend a convention at Virginia Tech in June.

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