August 10, 2009
2009 GOGREEN GARDEN FESTIVAL FEATURES PLANTS, MUSIC, CRAFTS, CHILDRENS’ ACTIVITIES AND GARDENING EDUCATION SEPTEMBER 12
The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) announces the fourth annual GoGreen Garden Festival Saturday, September 12, in the Garner Pavilion at the Science Museum of Virginia. The museum is located at 2500 Broad Street in Richmond. The multifaceted event is sponsored by the Virginia Green Industry Council to promote Virginia’s extensive horticulture industry. The festival runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is free.
Todd Haymore, VDACS Commissioner, is a big fan of Virginia’s gardening industries. “The nursery/horticulture industry became one of Virginia’s top commodities a few years ago and generates around $240 million annually in cash receipts. But the appeal of this festival goes way beyond the economic importance of the industry. It’s fun; it’s educational; it’s free; and you can take the kids. While they’re getting their faces painted, planting seeds, visiting with Smokey Bear, or petting the animals, Mom and Dad can take turns shopping for plants and gardening products, listening to Andre Viette host his radio show ‘In the Garden’ live from 9 to 11 a.m., or touring the Science Museum’s ecology display. The whole family will enjoy the music, crafts, and demonstrations on wool spinning and beekeeping.”
Two new features this year include a seminar on fall lawn care with Dr. Mike Goatley of Virginia Tech and the launch of the Beautiful Gardens Plant Introduction Program. The program introduces plants into Virginia that have not been grown commercially in the state before. It also features Plants of Distinction each year and encourages people to buy plants that are under used in the Virginia landscape.
The GoGreen Festival is geared toward both the experienced and the novice gardener. “The seasoned gardener can learn something new,” says Rick Baker, festival chairman, “and the inexperienced gardener is sure to come away with a head full of ideas and a trunk full of plants and equipment. It’s a great family activity and a delightful way to spend the day outside enjoying the beauty and wonder of our natural environment.”
For more information on the Festival, contact Rick Baker at rick.baker@vdacs.virginia.gov or (301)275.2077; or Sylvia Wright at syhwright@comcast.net or (804)672.6007.
Elaine J. Lidholm
Director, Office of Communication
Va. Dept. of Agriculture & Consumer Services
Oliver W. Hill Building
102 Governor Street
Richmond, VA 23219
(804)786-7686
