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Fall Flower & Garden Fest set for Oct. 21-22
CRYSTAL SPRINGS -- The Southeast’s largest home gardening event is about to mark its 33rd anniversary as gardeners from across the region flock to Copiah County for the Oct. 21 and 22 Fall Flower & Garden Fest.
Mississippi State University, through the Extension Service and the Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station, is sponsoring the annual event at the Truck Crops Branch Experiment Station in Crystal Springs. Gates will be open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily, and admission and parking are free.
The theme of this year’s event is “Recycling – Make Mississippi Green.” The garden, grounds, seminars and one of the tour wagons are handicapped accessible.
About 6,000 participants are expected for the two-day event. What draws the crowds are the 3-acre vegetable, flower and herb garden; 15 garden seminars and six guided walking tours each day; trial gardens for bananas, ornamental grasses, specialty crops, shade plants, climbing vegetables and flowers; All-America Selections; Mississippi Medallion winners; and more.
The fest offers a huge plant sale with nurseries and garden centers from several states selling their products, wagon rides and lots of educational exhibits. Information will be available on pond management, beekeeping, hummingbird and butterfly gardens, and backyard habitats. Visitors can examine the composting center, learn about Master Gardener programs, attend family and consumer talks and see the “Corn Meal Man.” A 1-mile “Let’s Go Walkin’ Mississippi” fun walk will be held at 9:30 a.m. Friday around the experiment station grounds.
Returning this year will be the very popular plant swap, allowing visitors to bring a plant or two to exchange with others. Those interested can bring a half-cup sample of their garden or lawn soil for free pH testing.
The Truck Crops Experiment Station is located on Highway 51 south of Crystal Springs, 25 miles south of Jackson. Take exit 68 off Interstate 55 to get there. For more information and a complete schedule of events, call (601) 892-3731 or any county Extension office.