By Kelsey Ligon
Warmer weather means Boone County residents are ready to kick off spring with a trip to the 30th annual Gardenfest.
The Boone County Master Gardeners are hosting the free community event from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 9 at the Boone County 4-H Fairgrounds, 1300 E 100 S, Lebanon. The first 400 visitors will receive a free tree or shrub.
This family-friendly event aims to help prepare local gardeners for the upcoming season by giving them some practical ideas and gardening products to take home with them.
Gardenfest will feature multiple educational opportunities, a used tool and garden item sale, free soil testing and children’s activities.
Throughout the day, attendees will have the opportunity to listen to three experts speak about topics to improve gardens.
At 10 a.m., Jane Savage with Indiana Native Plant and Wildlife Society, a statewide organization that promotes preservation and conservation, will speak about native plants that are both attractive and beneficial for wildlife.
At 11:30 a.m., Amy Mullen with Spotts Garden will encourage visitors to think about what garden designs work best for their lifestyles.
Following this, Broch Martindale with Wildflower Farms will spend some time explaining what perennials are new this year and good to plant.
“I like to share my personal gardening experiences with folks as many of the garden writers that promote these new varieties don’t always have experiences from here in central Indiana,” Martindale said.
Between speakers, visitors will be able to shop for used tools, flowers, garden art, herbs and other garden items. Lunch and homemade desserts will be available.
For children, the Master Gardeners have organized a Pansy Patch where kids can decorate clay pots and plant pansies in them.
Another feature for local gardeners is the opportunity to test their soil’s pH level for free at the Master Gardener Answer Booth.
