Garden Column for the Salisbury Post

Carole Massey-Master Gardener Volunteer

September 13, 2005

    The Rowan County Fair, in its 54^th year, is set to weave its spell starting Tuesday, September 20 thru Sunday, September 25 at the Rowan County Fairgrounds on Julian Road.

     With the wet beginning to the season, and the cool weather that delayed much planting, gardeners are very interested to see what bounty will be displayed in the Horticultural Divisions. Horticulture Department C, Garden Exhibits and Fruit, provides categories for almost every fruit and vegetable suitable for growing in Rowan County. There are categories for most unusual fruit and most unusual vegetable and any other vegetable. There is a separate Division for Junior Horticulture.           

     Another Horticulture area is Department D: Flowers. Categories offered are: Potted Plants, Cut Flowers, Hanging Baskets and Flower Arrangements. Junior Horticulturists can also enter the Flowers: Junior Division, which has the same categories as the adults.

            If gardens have been productive this growing season, Food Preservation, Department F will be a rainbow of jewel-toned jars. There is also a Junior Department for Food Preservation, with specific categories.           

The Rowan County Fair begins Tuesday, September 20^th. The Rowan County Master Gardener Volunteer Association will have a display booth in the Exhibition Hall exploring the theme “Feed the Senses”. Horticulture Agent Darrell Blackwelder will be in the booth both Tuesday and Thursday nights from 5-7PM to answer any questions you might have regarding gardening, insect problems, turf, or just come on by and say hello.

Come to the Fair. Look and see what the Agricultural community has to offer. Let your senses savor the sights, sounds, smells, tastes and textures of a truly unique County Fair!

Carole Massey is the Master Gardener Coordinator for Rowan County. For archived garden columns or other information, visit the Rowan County Master Gardener web site at www.rowanmastergardener.com , e-mail Darrell_Blackwelder@ncsu.edu