Showing Flowers and Horticulture
Iowa State University Extension
Have you wondered about showing the flowers and vegetables you grow at the Southern Iowa Fair? Wonder no more! Mahaska County Master Gardeners; Eileen Blom and Joy Prothero, Open Floriculture and Horticulture Show judges will give lots of tips and how-tos for potential horticulture show participants on Tuesday, July 13 at 7 pm. This event is informational for children, 4-Hers and adults planning to exhibit flowers or horticulture at the Southern Iowa Fair in 4-H or open class. Most of the information presented can be applicable to other flower and horticulture exhibitions, It will be held at the Mahaska County Extension Office; 212 North I Street Oskaloosa. There is no charge for this event.
All ages of local gardeners are encouraged to exhibit at the Open Floral & Horticulture Show at the Southern Iowa Fair. Entries are received on Tuesday, July 20, 8-10 am. No early entry is necessary. Open Class Fairbooks are available at the Southern Iowa Fair office or the website www.southerniowafair.com. READ THE RULES THROUGHLY.
While entries in all classes are encouraged for adults, junior (ages 5-12) and (ages 13-18) and Special Needs divisions; entries in the artistic classes are specifically encouraged. The artistic classes include:
Gypsy Rose Tea (using roses),
High and Dry (dry materials)
Pot it Up (using pottery)
Green Acres (using all green including container) and
Making Memories One Fair at a Time.
Information for 4-Hers exhibiting horticulture at the Southern Iowa Fair is in the 4-H Fair book or the Mahaska County Extension website. 4-H Horticulture Judging is Tuesday, July 20, 2-4 pm. 4-Hers may sign in beginning at 1:30 pm and must be signed in by 3 pm. 4-Hers should consult publications 4-H 464 Preparing Cut flowers and Houseplants for Exhibition and 4-H 462 Harvesting and Preparing Vegetables for Exhibit. The publications are available at the Mahaska County Extension office or for download at https:store.extension.iastate.edu.
Mahaska County Master Gardeners are celebrating their eighteenth year. The local program organized after the county held their first training. The educational volunteer program, sponsored by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, provides current, research based, home horticulture information and education to the citizens of Iowa through programs and projects. Master Gardeners receive horticulture training, and volunteer to promote a mission of education and service. The program is open to anyone 18 or older with an interest in gardening and a willingness to use their knowledge, experience and enthusiasm to make a positive impact on their local community.
More information about this and other horticulture events can be found at the Mahaska County Extension Office; 212 North I Street; Oskaloosa Phone 641-673-5841; and www.extension.iastate.edu/mahaska/yardgarden.htm.
