Garden Fair 2018 slated Saturday at fairgrounds

The Putnam County Master Gardener Association will again host its annual Garden Fair event, welcoming spring and celebrating gardening.

This year's Garden Fair 2018 will be on Saturday, March 17 from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Community Building on the Putnam County Fairgrounds.

The Garden Fair is free and open to the public. There promises to be something for everyone, whether you're an experienced gardener or you're someone who might just try to raise a tomato plant this year.

Some 35 vendors will be selling garden-related items, from plants and organic soil additives to aquaponics. Visitors will see garden art, lawn furniture, locally harvested honey, locally produced syrups, handmade soaps, garden-themed stationary and photography and lots of unique gift items.

Attendees can listen and talk to experts throughout the day as speakers discuss garden-related topics, including:

* 9 a.m. -- John Chapin, "Dwarf and Unusual Evergreens."

* 10:30 a.m. -- Ann Delchambre, "Herbs -- I Grew 'Em, Now What?"

* 12:30 p.m. -- Vanessa Fox, "Wildflowers in the DePauw Nature Park."

* 2 p.m. -- Theresa McIntyre, "The Wonderful World of Tillandsias" (Tillandsias? They're air plants, the ones that need no pot, no soil.).

Children are welcome. The Children's Corner will have free activities for kids to enjoy, and at another booth youngsters can make a pressed flower arrangement to take home to give to mom or grandma. For a small fee, they can purchase a frame in which to place their artwork.

Meanwhile, 400 tree seedlings are again being given away, thanks to First National Bank's donation. Varieties this year include red oak, pecan, river birch and white pine.

Also, the Garden Shed garage sale will sell all kinds of garden-related bargains, including plants, books, garden art, tools, etc.

Food will be available throughout the event. Back again this year, Hog N It All is serving food all day. Breakfast includes biscuits and gravy and a breakfast bake, and lunch offers pulled pork sandwiches and pulled pork parfaits with macaroni and cheese, baked beans, cole slaw and chips.

Drawings will once again be conducted throughout the day, and there will also be a grand prize awarded in the afternoon.

Four hundred sturdy tote bags will be given away, thanks to generous sponsors who support the local Master Gardeners.

Everyone is invited to attend the annual Garden Fair. It's a chance to get excited about gardening, and learn, shop, visit with gardeners, choose a free tree, eat, and have fun.