As the first signs of spring are beginning to appear from under the blanket of winter, the Washington County Virginia Master Gardeners are busy planning and designing the 11th annual Garden Faire. If you are dreaming of the perfect garden, breathtaking landscaping, and gracious outdoor living spaces, the Garden Faire is the place to make all of your dreams come true.

 

On April 18, 19, and 20, join the Master Gardeners at the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center, located minutes from I-81 at Exit 14 in historic Abingdon, Virginia. Walk “Along the Garden Path” to find just the right accent to transform your outdoor living space.

Your walk “Along the Garden Path” will begin as soon as you step on the grounds. You will be met with exciting sculptures and unique watering systems designed to enhance your garden. When you enter the marketplace filled with lush gardens, your senses will be inundated with the sights and smells of spring. The path will lead you on a journey of plants and shrubs to turn any yard into an outdoor garden delight. Unique tools, outdoor furniture, whimsical clothes, antique and new garden statues and handmade pottery will charm you along your journey.

“With Mike McGrath from National Public Radio speaking and the addition of exciting new vendors, this year’s Garden Faire will be the biggest and best ever,” said Margie Munsey, Garden Faire chairperson. “Mr. McGrath is the nationally syndicated Public Radio host of ‘You Bet Your Garden’ and the author of numerous articles and books on gardening. He will be speaking on Friday and Saturday, and we expect record crowds. It will be a must to get there early for a seat.”

The Master Gardeners have assembled the best and the unique for the garden show this year. As you walk “Along the Path.” you will experience more than local, regional, and national exhibitors displaying wares from the unique, the beautiful, and the practical fellow enthusiasts who are willing to share their expertise in a myriad of gardening fields. Trained nursery specialists will offer a wide array of trees, shrubs, annuals, perennials, herbs, roses, hostas, heirloom plants, orchids, ground covers, exotic and native plants, and much more. “If you are looking for a specific variety of plant, shrub, or tree, the Garden Faire is the place to be,” added Marie Fitzpatrick, longtime Master Gardener and garden club member.

The Mid-Atlantic Garden Faire provides an affordable opportunity to explore new approaches to gardening or to address those problem areas in the yard or landscape. Throughout each day, garden-related programs will be presented at the Faire this year. Noted experts from throughout the nation will solve gardening problems and delight lecture goers will new ideas.

What: The 11th Annual Mid-Atlantic Garden Faire
Presented by: Washington County Virginia Master Gardeners
When: April 18, 19, & 20, 2008 10:00 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday
Where: Historic Abingdon, Virginia - take I-81- to Exit 14 -to Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center
Ticket Price: $5.00 per day; Run-of-Show $10.00; Children under 12 free
Lectures: Included in price of admission
Workshops: Priced individually