GardenFest slated Sept. 21 at The Botanic Garden at OSU

Thursday, August 29, 2013

For a dozen years now, GardenFest at The Botanic Garden at Oklahoma State University has offered gardening enthusiasts a place to come to learn more and share gardening experiences. This year is no exception.

Slated Sept. 21 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the theme for the 12^th Annual GardenFest is “Art in the Garden” and will feature a variety of ways to combine art with horticulture. In addition, there will be numerous demonstrations and vendors at this year’s event.

Laura Payne, volunteer coordinator at The Botanic Garden at OSU, said the milder-than-normal summer temperatures have been beneficial in making the garden look its best.

“We’re very excited to have the gardening enthusiasts come out for GardenFest and enjoy the demonstrations and vendors,” Payne said. “We’re going to have a bonsai demonstration which should be a lot of fun. And because gardening tools are very important to the success of a garden, we’re also going to feature a garden tool sharpening demonstration. Gardening goes much more smoothly when your tools are in proper working order.”

Specialists from OSU will be on hand to present information about landscape design and pruning basics. This year’s demonstrations will include how to manage water drainage issues in the landscape, as well as glass bead making and water color painting. 

Kim Toscano, host of Oklahoma Gardening, the longest running how-to gardening program in the nation, will be giving ornamental plant tours. Oklahoma Gardening airs on OETA.

“Last year was the first year we really tried to make GardenFest more of a festival by bringing in vendors along with our demonstrations,” Payne said. “This was very successful and our garden patrons enjoyed the new addition to GardenFest. We’re excited Café Bella will be on hand as a food vendor, and Bill Miller will showcase his Pistol Pete art.”

Payne said anyone interested in being a vendor at this year’s GardenFest simply should contact her at 405-744-4531 or email at laura.payne@okstate.edu.
The Botanic Garden at OSU is located at 3300 West 6th Ave. in Stillwater.  Events are free; however donations are encouraged to help support this educational program. For more information visit The Botanic Garden at OSU website at www.botanicgarden.okstate.edu, or contact Stephanie Larimer at 405-744-5404.