The Southside Master Gardener Association (SSMGA) supports the Virginia Cooperative Extension and its mission to “enable people to improve their lives through an educational process that uses scientific knowledge focused on issues and needs”.
Fairy Garden Contest at Halifax Famers Market
By Irene Dunn
The Southside Master Gardener Association will hold a Fairy Garden Contest on Saturday, June 9, 2018 at the Halifax Farmer’s Market starting at 8 a.m. This contest is free to the public and prizes and ribbons will be awarded. A miniature container garden may be submitted by an individual of any age. There is no size limit, but the gardens must be able to be carried to the display tables. Please bring your gardens between 8 and 9:45 a.m.
Fairy Gardening has been around for hundreds of years. It first debuted in the US in 1893 at the Chicago World’s Fair, where the Japanese Pavilion displayed bonsai dish gardens. It has become more popular in recent years. A miniature garden is where you can use your imagination to create a year-round tiny space to tend to and lure fairies where they feel at home and bring luck and happiness. This is a great, fun project for children to get involved in gardening, learn respect for growing things and making memories. Adults and kids alike will love to plan, pick out plants, play in the dirt, construct tiny items and learn how to maintain their fairy garden.
The garden can be placed inside or outside in living spaces or the garden. It is a great advantage that you can build a fairy garden inside regardless of the weather. Any type of container with a drainage hole can be used. It can be inexpensive by collecting things such as pebbles, rocks, moss, twigs, bark, leaves, fabric, string, small toys, popsicle sticks or items made out of clay. These can be used to make fairy houses, paths, arbors, seats, swings, and ponds etc. There are many ideas and inspirations on-line and stores where you can also buy fairies, gnomes and accessories to make your garden magical.
The Fairy Gardens will be judged by two separate panels of independent judges: one for youth 16 and under and one for adults 17 and over. The judging will be based on the Fairy Garden’s overall design, creativity, imaginative use of live plant material (must have at least 2 live plants) and other components used. NO artificial plants or live animals can be used. Judges will determine the first and second place winners for the adult division. Youth division winners will be awarded ribbons. Visitors may vote for one entry for the People’s Choice category between 10 and 11 a.m. Winners will be announced around 11:15 a.m and receive their prizes and ribbons.
During judging you will be able to enjoy all the market has to offer, fresh produce, organic meats and eggs, homemade breads and sweets and lots of arts and crafts. The Halifax Farmer’s Market is located at 209 S Main St, Halifax. Entry forms and rules may be picked up at the Halifax Extension Office, 171 S Main St, Halifax, Monday - Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. or at the market during regular market hours. For more information, visit www.ssmga.org or call the Halifax Extension Office at 434-476-2147 option 0. Please put the Fairy Garden Contest on your list of the most fun things to do this summer.
