Master Gardeners of Butler County, Kansas
The Butler County Master Gardeners are excited about hosting the third annual Lawn and Garden Show—”Grow and Bloom in Butler” on April 5th and 6th at the Butler County Community/4H Building, 200 N. Griffith, in El Dorado. Community members are invited to stroll through the vendor booths, listen to informative talks about everything from Wildlife Control in the Garden to Houseplants, and enter to win a variety of door prizes. Hours are 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 5th, and 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 6th. Admission is free.
The Master Gardeners, along with support from the Kansas State Research and Extension Service, organize this annual event to promote horticultural and agricultural businesses and groups from Butler County. Various local businesses and merchants have been very supportive of this effort through sponsorships and vendor participation. Several organizations also donate door prizes to be given away during the show. “Grow and Bloom in Butler started as a way to showcase Butler County horticultural businesses, provide educational opportunities for the residents of the area, and give local organizations a space to showcase what they offer. This show has been a labor of love for the committee and we are so excited to watch it grow every year” says Calla Edwards, K-State Research and Extension Horticulture Agent and Master Gardener Coordinator.
Our speaker schedule for this year is:
Saturday April 5th
· 10:00 AM – Wildlife Control in the Garden by Scott Eckert
· 11:00 AM – Pesticidal Strategies to Manage Insects and Mite Pests by Dr. Raymond Cloyd
· 1:00 PM – Lasagna Vegetable Gardening by Calla Edwards
· 2:00 PM – Houseplants and Their Care by Andy Hansen
· 3:00 PM – Rain Barrels and Irrigation Use in the Home Landscape and Garden by Carl Jarboe
Sunday April 6th
· 11:15 AM – Growing Native Plants by Renata Goossen
· 1:00 PM – Conifers for Kansas by Dr. Jason Griffin
· 2:00 PM – Recommended Plant Varieties for Kansas by Ben Herzog
A variety of lawn and garden merchandise will be available from participating businesses. Do you have flower or vegetable seeds purchased within the last two years that you no longer want or need? Bring them with you and swap them out for seeds you do want at the Master Gardener booth! Do you wonder if your soil is suitable for growing the plants you would like to have in your yard? Bring a soil sample and drop it off at the Master Gardener booth to be sent into K-State for testing. You can choose from two different testing packages—one for $21.50 and a more detailed test for $28.25. The test will help you know how to amend your soil for optimal growing. Payment must be in check only.
Children’s activities will give younger participants an opportunity to create a fun project to take home. Concessions will be available to include sandwiches, chips, drinks, and other snacks. Proceeds from the concession stand will benefit the Shooting Sports 4H group.
The growing season will soon be underway in Butler County and surrounding areas. The Master Gardeners have been planning the Lawn and Garden Show for several months and it promises to be both fun and educational with something for everyone!
