Herb/Garden Fair

Poplar Grove Plantation

Herb & Garden Fair

21^st Annual Herb & Garden Fair
March 23, 9am – 4pm
March 24, 10am – 4pm

NEW This Year

A weekend event where everything is coming up Spring!

Join us as we host the area's largest and longest running garden event!

The plantation grounds… will be full of vendors selling annuals, perennials, shrubs, native plants, vegetable starts, herbs, container gardens and other types of plant material. Also shop herbal products, arts & crafts, garden and yard art plus local foods!

Special activities taking place during the event:

· Workarts, chainsaw artist Jeff Lee demonstrating and selling his chainsaw art sculptures.

· Lowe’s Home Improvement Booth:

o Build & Grow Kids’ Clinic – Saturday 10 - 2 & Sunday 12 – 3, children accompanied by a parent may build their own wood toy! (while supplies last).

o Nursery Plant Specialist – helping you with your garden & lawn needs and showing what your neighborhood Lowe’s has to offer.

o MyLowe’s Program – learn how Lowe’s can help you customize and simplify home improvements!

· 4-H, seed germination activity: Learn about our local 4-H groups from Pender and New Hanover counties. 4-H is open to all youth ages 5 – 18 and it is free to join! All about having fun, learning, exploring and discovery, in 4-H young people make new friends, develop skills, become leaders and help shape communities.

· Raffle prizes, register with your email address to win one of the many items donated by our generous vendors and buy tickets to win a grill donated by Lowe’s Home Improvement, Porter’s Neck Store.

· The Pender County Master Gardeners staff the Ask a Master Gardener booth, they will answer your gardening questions, help identify plants or discuss problems you may be having in your garden.

The Pender County Chapter of the NC State Beekeepers Association offers Bee Education at their booth with displays of equipment, tools, a teaching hive and photos.

· At the Cultural Arts Center ‘Barn’ you can take advantage of classes and activities offered by our local experts throughout the two days. You can go on Bird & Nature Hike, learn about landscaping, raising backyard chickens, making herbal salves, growing tomatoes, attracting backyard birds, gardening in containers, home canning and more. Please see below for the complete line up classes available for you to attend.

Herb & Garden Activities & Classes Schedule

All classes will meet in the downstairs of the Cultural Arts Center ‘Barn’. Please plan on arriving a few minutes early. Attendance is included in the admission fee!

Saturday March 23

ANNUAL BIRD & NATURE HIKE
9:00 AM
Andy Wood, director, Coastal Plain Conservation Group

Join Andy for a Bird and Nature Hike through Abbey Nature Preserve, a NC Birding Trail of the Coastal Plain Region. Adjacent to Poplar Grove and part of the original plantation, the 62 acre site that is Abbey Nature Preserve was placed into the NC Coastal Land Trust in 2007, with trails and a bridge over the old mill pond it is a beautiful place to spend your morning. Andy has an unyielding curiosity about the outdoors, as radio commentator, naturalist and environmental educator; he has dedicated his life to sharing with others his enthusiasm for nature. You will enjoy learning from Andy on this casual hike! The hike leaves from the Cultural Arts Center ‘barn’ area. Appropriate dress and shoes are needed, bring your binoculars is desired.

(In the event of inclement weather Andy will hold an open discussion in the Cultural Arts Center ‘Barn’.)

Approximately 1 – 1 ½ hour hike

Well-known local naturalist, Andy Wood, served nearly twelve years as education director for Audubon NC and thirteen years as the curator for the NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher. He is the author of Backyard Carolina, a collection of his weekly commentaries on nature for WHQR Public Radio. Coastal Plain Conservation Group is an organization he founded to support his work with rare and endangered species and their habitats in and around southeastern NC.

HOME CANNING DEMONSTRATION
10:30 AM
Chantel Welker, Family & Consumer Science Extension Agent

See and learn from this live demonstration and discussion of the proper way to can foods at home! Participants will learn canning basics to safely preserve food, including when pressure canning is appropriate versus a boiling water bath. Informational handouts for you to take home included.

Approximately 45 minute class

Chantel loves to cook and has a Master’s Degree in Food Science, Nutrition and Health Promotion. She serves Pender and New Hanover counties as the Family & Consumer Science Extension Agent for North Carolina Cooperative Extension.

TOMATO Q & A: ASK EVERYTHING YOU ALWAYS WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT TOMATOES!
11:30 AM
Charlotte Glen, Horticulture Extension Agent

Do you want to know why your tomato plants wilt and die? What causes the bottoms to rot? Why do fruits fail to set or have good flavor? Answers to these and other common tomato questions will be answered in this class taught by Charlotte. She will also have recommendations on how to avoid or fix common tomato problems.

Approximately 1 ½ hour class

Charlotte’s gardening experience began as a child growing up on a farm in Jones County, NC. She has studied gardening and horticulture in North Carolina, Scotland and New Zealand. Charlotte writes the Master Gardener column for the Star News and the Post-Voice, she is the Horticulture Extension Agent for North Carolina Cooperative Extension, living and gardening near Burgaw.

21^ST CENTURY LANDSCAPING: CONSERVATION, RESTORATION AND HABITAT ENHANCEMENT
1:00 PM
Sandy Wood, owner, Habitats, a garden design and landscape restoration company

This program introduces participants to the art, practice and benefits of low-impact landscaping including soil and water conservation, reduced maintenance costs and the good feeling that comes with enjoying a home with a healthy yard…by people of all ages. Using examples from her local projects, Sandy will walk participants through the fundamentals of landscape restoration with emphasis on plants adapted to our challenging coastal soils, working with the wide spectrum of sunlight conditions in small spaces, and coping with the vagaries of weather, including storm and drought.

Program topics will reinforce Habitats three “R’s” of landscape restoration:
Reject: Invasive plant species
Reduce: Irrigation, chemical and pesticide applications
Reuse: Existing native and non-invasive ornamental plants

Participants will learn basic elements of landscape restoration including plant identification, proper pruning and tips for choosing plants to keep in place, relocate or remove. Attendees will come away with insights to help them: evaluate quality of existing plants, remove known invasive species, taylor remaining plants with selective pruning, relocate plants in yard and select native plants to create year-round interest.

Approximately 45 minute class

Sandy Wood is a soil and plant conservationist with over 20 years’ experience in landscape installation and coaching, and pre-development planning and consulting. Through her company, Habitats, Sandy specializes in garden design and landscape restoration with emphasis on naturalized gardens that benefit birds, bees and butterflies, and connect people to nature in their own yard.

AN INTRODUCTION TO IKEBANA FLORAL DESIGN
2:00 PM
Doris Davis, owner and designer Sea Holly Floral Designs

Ikebana is the Japanese art of flower arrangement. More than simply putting flowers together in a container, it is a disciplined art form. The arrangement is a living thing, bringing nature and humanity together, steeped in the philosophy of developing closeness with nature. A brief history of the evolution of this art form over the last six centuries will be covered. Doris will demonstrate several Ikebana designs for the class and provide a list of plants often used in these designs.

Approximately 45 minute class

Doris is a retired educator; she has always enjoyed making floral arrangements and started Sea Holly Floral Designs to share her talents for weddings, receptions and other events, as well as decorating for historic sites and businesses. She is a member of the local Ikebana International chapter and has been studying two schools of design for the last five years.

HERBS FOR BEES & OTHER POLLINATORS
3:00 PM
Margaret Shelton, owner Shelton Herb Farm

Learn about the herb plants that bees love! Anybody can help keep our bee population strong and healthy by planting herbs that are good for bees and other pollinators. Meg, known for her extensive knowledge of herbs, will teach you which plants to have in your garden and yard to attract bees. You can create a healthy, beautiful herb garden and foster a healthy bee population at the same time! Informational handouts included.

Approximately 45 minute class

Meg has been at the forefront of sustainable agriculture and organic, pesticide-free farming practices on her farm in Brunswick County since 1986. Shelton Herb Farm is a Century Farm and a Birder-Friendly business that is open year-round. Growing many varieties of herbs, bedding, vegetable and landscape plants, as well as cut flowers, herb planters, topiaries, they also propagate heirloom varieties, butterfly and bee plants. Offering fresh-cut herbs, micro greens and edible flowers to local restaurants and caterers; classes & tours of the farm are available. They sell at farmers’ markets, garden shows and special events both locally and across the state.

Sunday March 24

BACKYARD BIRDS: BEHAVIOR & HABITAT
10:00 AM
Jill Peleuses, owner Wild Bird & Garden Store

For all current and want-to-be backyard bird watchers! Jill focuses this class on the bird species that can be found in Southeastern North Carolina and how you can attract them to your yard. You will develop an understanding of the habitat needs and resources required for backyard birds to thrive in our area – making your backyard birding more enjoyable!

Approximately 1 ½ hour class

Jill has been the owner of Wild Bird & Garden Store located in Wilmington for over 6 years. She has a Master’s Degree in Public Administration/Natural Reserve Management. Wild Bird & Garden offers quality bird and nature products to provide environmental education to Wilmington and surrounding areas.

BACKYARD CHICKENS
11:30 AM
Abby Dilley, Livestock and Forage Extension Agent

Backyard Chickens is an introduction class that will help you get started with your very own flock! Abby will cover breeds, housing, feed and management. Best of all she will share her enthusiasm for raising chickens with you! Informational handouts for you to take home included.

Approximately 45 minute class

Abby grew up on a cattle farm in West Virginia, attended West Virginia University and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Animal and Nutritional Science. She is the Livestock and Forage Extension Agent in Pender and Onslow Counties for North Carolina Cooperative Extension.

MAKING HERBAL SALVES
12:30 PM
Allie Leatherwood, founder and alchemist Green Goddess Essentials

Herbal salves are simple, effective and useful medicine! They can easily be slipped into a purse, pocket, or first aid kit. In this workshop you will learn how to infuse oils with herbs and make your own herbal salves. Allie will explain the best oils to use, the plants that can only be used fresh and the plants that can be used either fresh or dry. You will learn how to make medicinal herbal oil from the plants that work best without any heat and which plants have healing properties for your best personal blend. Simple recipes for creating your own herbal salves will be presented and you will receive an instructional guide to take with you. You will also participate in making your own herbal salves during the class.

Approximately 1 ½ hour class

Allie is a certified herbalist, studying essential oils, aromatherapy and artisan distilling. She has been handcrafting natural and organic body care products for over twelve years. Green Goddess Essentials offers simple, pure and nourishing products to individuals looking for a more natural way to care for their body and family. Products are available at local farmers’ markets, special events and at www.greengoddessesntls.etsy.com

GARDENING IN CONTAINERS – SPRING, SUMMER & FALL
2:00 PM
Margaret Shelton, owner Shelton Herb Farm

Local grower extraordinaire, owner of Shelton Herb Farm in Brunswick County, Margaret (Meg) will focus on what plants to grow in containers throughout the seasons. Go from lettuces and greens to tomatoes and peppers to herbal combos to use in the kitchen as the growing season progresses. Meg will cover the plants best to use in container gardens and the plant combinations that work well together. Informational handouts included.

Approximately 45 minute class

Historic Poplar Grove Plantation is a non-profit organization dedicated to education, preservation and service to the community. All funds raised will be used to help ensure that future generations may enjoy Poplar Grove’s beauty, educational programs, special events and community activities.

North Carolina Herb Association
Pender County Cooperative Extension
Cabarrus County Herb & Plant Festival

Admission $5.00
(under 12 is free with an accompanying participant).

Your fee includes admission to any classes/activities (space permitting) and is good for both days. Participants may enter to win free drawings throughout the event (do not have to be present to win).

Admission fees benefit Poplar Grove, a non-profit foundation. We appreciate your support which enables Poplar Grove to continue this and other special events, as well as our daily programs and community activities for future generations.
Thank you!

Food and beverage concessions will be available on site:

Traditional Greek Food: gyros w/lettuce, tomatoes & onions with tztiki sauce and souvalaki grilled pork on a skewer; Greek pastries.

Other foods:

Hot dogs, hamburgers, BBQ, fries, funnel cakes and beverages.

The animal lovers at Poplar Grove request that pets be left at home during the Herb and Garden Fair. This is to protect the pets as well as vendors' merchandise.

Thank you.