On September 11, 2014

Master Gardeners deserve praise for their work at the Fair

Dear Editor,

As the Vermont State Fair comes to a close, once again, the fairground gardens were prominently displayed. The Rutland County Extension Service Master Gardeners planted and maintained the ten gardens around the fairgrounds with dedication. Anyone attending this year’s fair, will tell you that the gardens were absolutely beautiful, despite the fact, that many of them had to be completely replaced, replanted and repaired following the destructive storms earlier in the year.  Patti Westberg extensively watered all the gardens throughout the summer to keep looking their very best.

In addition to the Midway, the fair food, the animals and the entertainment, the fairgoers are always interested in visiting the Bergstrom building, and seeing the plants and vegetables, the gardens and other agricultural aspects — especially on Agriculture Education Day.

It was a record year for flower entries, the giant pumpkin, and the culinary exhibits — all were outstanding. Also, the 4-H population continues to carry on a healthy tradition of encouraging young people to follow domestic and agricultural pursuits.

Ron Hebert, in his composting shed area, again shared his expertise on “all things rotten,” an important part of the agricultural cycle.  

Special thanks go out to Emmitt Perry, who originally started the hillside garden, and Gary Clifford, who constructed the waterfall garden and pond next to the hillside garden. Both gardens are a beautiful respite to anyone walking up the path to the Bergstrom building.

Jan Sherman was also instrumental in planning and designing the gardens. She helped to replant and repair the damaged gardens along with Patti Westberg and others. And then, of course, an appreciative thank you to all the Master Gardeners who give of their time, talent and efforts, to help make the fair enjoyable and successful each year.

Elaine Nordmeyer, Superintendent,Vermont State Fair Floriculture Department, Hubbardton

Do you want to submit feedback to the editor?

Send Us An Email!

Related Posts

Addressing affordability: Why fossil fuels are not the answer

January 29, 2025
Dear Editor, Nearly all Vermonters agree we want living in our state to be more affordable. When it comes to energy, continued dependence on high-cost and price-volatile fossil fuels like gasoline, fuel oil, and propane is not a path to affordability. In 2023, $2.2 billion was spent on fossil fuels for transportation and heating in…

Unaffordable Housing I:Rent-fixing

January 29, 2025
Dear Editor, Back in February 2024, Vermont Sen. Peter Welch (D-Vt.) and Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) introduced a bill, “Preventing Algorithmic Facilitation of Rental Housing Cartels.” What does the bill’s name translate to in plain English? Rent-fixing. In a press release dated Aug. 23, 2024, the U.S. Dept.  of Justice (DOJ) announced it, along with…

Meeting the moment to build more housing

January 29, 2025
By  Lindsay Kurrie Editor’s note: Lindsay Kurrie is the secretary of the Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development. This is a pivotal moment in the history of Vermont that will determine our future. It’s imperative we all realize that housing is the foundation of how we will meet this moment to create the momentum…

The great housing development divide

January 22, 2025
The State of Vermont is one of the biggest housing developers in the state. Seven state departments qualify as housing developers, and the University of Vermont is a housing developer. Seven public housing authorities also qualify as housing developers. Add to the list the seven homeownership organizations that are housing developers, and then there are…