Washington County Fair: Master Gardeners’ ‘Fairest’ Garden

A “Monarch Waystation” will be among the highlights at this year’s “Fairest” garden, an annual Washington County Fair feature from the University of Minnesota Extension Master Gardeners.

The 2013 Washington County Fair will be held July 31 through Aug. 4, and organizers say more than 5,000 people each year visit the demonstration garden, located on the east side of the fairgrounds.

The Monarch Waystation features six varieties of milkweed and several nectar-producing annuals.

Milkweed is the only host plant monarch caterpillars eat, according to a release from the Master Gardeners, and homeowners can help stop the decline of the monarch population by planting milkweed in their gardens and help pollinators (bees, butterflies, moths, hummingbirds) by providing plants high in nectar and pollen.

Master Gardeners will conduct diagnostic clinics from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday and Sunday of the fair. People can bring plant and insect samples and photos for diagnosis by Master Gardeners.

Schedule

Fairgoers can stop by any time to ask questions of a Master Gardener, or attend these events:

Thursday, Aug. 1

Noon to 5 p.m. - Kids’ “touch and see” booth

Friday, Aug. 2

10 a.m. to 2 p.m. – Diagnostic clinic

Noon to 2 p.m. - Pruning

1 p.m. – How to create a Bonsai (a bonsai will be given to someone in the audience)

2-4 p.m. – Lawn care

3 p.m. – How to create a Bonsai (a bonsai will be given to someone in the audience)

Saturday, Aug. 3

11 a.m. to 3 p.m. – Monarch question and answer session

Noon to 5 p.m. – Tree care and touch and see booth

Noon to 5 p.m. – Buckthorn display

2 p.m. – How to create a Bonsai (a bonsai will be given to someone in the audience)

4 p.m. - How to create a Bonsai (a bonsai will be given to someone in the audience)

Sunday, Aug. 4

10 a.m. to 2 p.m. – Diagnostic clinic

Noon to 5 p.m. – Tree care and touch and see booth

Noon to 5 p.m. – Buckthorn display

About

The Minnesota Master Gardener program is part of University of Minnesota Extension. Master Gardeners attend a 48-hour core course taught by U of M horticulture professors and volunteer at least 50 hours in their first year and 25 hours annually thereafter. Many Master Gardeners have advanced training in tree care, home insect control, plant healthcare, home landscape design and shoreland restoration. To learn more about Master Gardeners in Washington County visit the group’s website and find it on Facebook at Master Gardeners in Washington County, U of MN.