The Morgan County Master Gardeners have a fantastic GardenFest planned for this year! They're returning to Hoosier Harvest Church in Martinsville for this year's GardenFest and Pansy Sale. For anyone who's got the itch to plant something this spring - whether you just want a few pansies for your window box, you need the perfect garden accessory to attract hummingbirds, or you're planning a large-scale vegetable garden, GardenFest has something for you!
The Basics
Here's the scoop on this year's event, which includes educational presentations that are part of the Indiana Master Gardener Program from Purdue University. The event will be held on Saturday, March 25, 2023, from 9 am to 3 pm at Hoosier Harvest Church, which is located just east of Martinsville on State Raod 252 at Leonard Road. (Pro tip: This is just a very short distance from Cedar Creek Winery, Brew Co, Distillery & Eatery, also on Leonard Road, just in case you need to stop and fuel up on locally crafted beverages and great food before heading home. Cedar Creek also typically hosts free live music on Saturdays beginning at 4 pm.) Admission is only $2 per person!
Vendor Booths
There will be more than 35 garden related vendors that include everything from plants and yard art to fairy garden accessories and lots of locally made items. Browse through the vendor booths throughout the day. There will also be informational booths for the Master Gardeners, Morgan County Farmers Market, Morgan County Soil and Water Conservation District, and other organizations, as well as free seeds and tree saplings while supplies last. Bring a soil sample and have it tested so you know the ph of your own personal garden spot, and ask a Master Gardener all your questions. Bring the kids - there will be garden related fun for all ages!
Speaker Sessions
Educational seminars are offered that count toward the Indiana Master Gardeners Program. These speakers are carefully chosen to provide interesting and useful education about gardening for both aspiring Master Gardeners and those with a more casual interest in gardening. This year's event will feature three different topics from knowledgeable speakers, listed below. There will also be container gardening demonstrations this year.
- Soil Heath & Successful Gardening, Lisa MacPhee - 10 am
- Composting, Michelle Jones - 11:30 am
- Spring Ephemerals, David Mow - 1 pm
Pansy Sale
As always, the Morgan County Master Gardeners will have their beautiful pansies for sale, three per pot or six pots per tray. There will also be a food vendor on hand at the venue as well for those who get hungry during the event, or explore nearby dining options in the Martinsville area.
Happy gardening!
