In the Dutchess County Spotlight
Show Stopping Garden Display at The Fair
The Hudson Valley's largest horticulture exhibit takes place each year at the annual Dutchess County Fair.
"I believe we may be the largest horticulture show in the state", said Stephanie Radin, Dutchess County Cooperative Extension's' Agriculture and Horticulture Program Leader. "We are really excited about the new landscapers participating this year and although it was a challenging and dry growing season, we look forward to a beautiful show".
The 2012 theme for the Horticulture Buildings is appropriately titled: "Down On the Farm". The building itself is located at the bottom of Livestock Hill and the 167th Dutchess County Fair remains dedicated to preserving and promoting our agricultural heritage.
During the fair's six-day run, the Horticulture Building presents two refreshed and distinct flower shows including design classes on both Tuesday and Thursday. On the lower floor of the building, Professional Landscapers, Florists, Public Gardens & Historic Sites.
Educational displays and the beautiful Christmas tree competitions are all presented in amazing and creative displays. Judging is done in the beginning of the week and the ribbons are proudly displayed for visitors to see.
The popular "People's Choice Award", where visitors can vote for their favorite garden design will be held 5 of the fair's six days and ribbons are awarded each day. On the upper floor, adults and juniors present their thematic displays as well as individual fine examples of marigolds, zinnias, mums, gladiolus, dahlias and, of course, roses. Roses are judged according to substance, stem and foliage, balance and proportion and size of each bloom. All adult design classes must include the "Down on The Farm" theme. Although many categories of display are unknown until opening day, all must not only relate directly to the show's theme but observe restrictions regarding plant materials protected by conservation laws.
Junior design classes include the sub-themes; "Moo To You", "Dig Before Planting", "Blink, Blink, I'm Not What You Think", "Snacks From the Farm", "Farming Gone Modern", "Hay Before Harvest", "Flowers On The Farm", "Bugs Be Gone", "Farm Grown", "Up With The Sun", "From Cows to Christmas Trees" and "The Future of Farming" The junior classes are held Tuesday and Thursday with categories for 5-8 years old, 9-12 year olds and 13-16 year olds.
The Horticulture Show this year promises to be an informative, inspiring and beautiful respite for fairgoers. Exhibitors will be on hand for explanations and advice, as will Master Gardeners from the Dutchess County Cooperative Extension. Additionally, workshops on a variety of home gardening projects are held Friday afternoon starting at 1pm.
The Dutchess County Fair is held August 21 through the August 26. For more information on the Horticulture Show and a full schedule of events for the fair please go to www.dutchessfair.com or call 845-876-4000.
