Spring has Sprung and GARDEN FAIRE is Coming to Roswell April 27

From the desk of Donna Whitesel, Co-Chair 2019 Garden Faire

Imagine two North Fulton Master Gardeners sitting on camp chairs, selling a wagon full of perennials on a spring day. This was how Garden Faire got started 20 years ago.

Today, it has grown to a major event in Roswell during the town’s annual Azalea Festival, attracting nearly 2000 people. The last Saturday in April, North Fulton Master Gardeners host this all-day fair in partnership with Bulloch Hall. Mark your calendar for this fun event.

On April 27, 2019, you’ll see that the beautiful circular drive, ancient trees, and graceful plantings of Bulloch Hall, one of the three historical homes in Roswell, provide a perfect setting for Garden Faire.

Bulloch Hall, built in 1839 by slaves owned by Major James S. Bulloch, is a Greek Revival style home with a rich history, including being part of a Southern plantation, the site of a famous wedding and host to a first lady. Theodore Roosevelt, our 26th president, married Mittie Bulloch here; Eleanor Roosevelt visited while Franklin stayed at Warm Springs, GA. You can hear all about it by purchasing a ticket to tour the home during Garden Faire. Tours are available from 10-3 that day.

To make sure you have a wonderful experience, North Fulton Master Gardeners spend all year planning the faire, growing plants in their yards as well as at the greenhouse, recruiting vendors and finalizing event details.

Be sure to arrive early, 9 AM sharp, if you want to join the zealous shoppers and avid gardeners. You’ll see them pulling a garden cart or pushing wheelbarrows to get the best deals on the 2000 plants for sale. Annuals, perennials, hanging ferns, shrubs and planters are some of the finds you’ll see that day until 4 PM.

In addition to the Pass-along Plant sale, plan to visit one of many vendors set up along the circular drive. Purchase a bird bath or new garden tool. Learn about butterflies or gaze at garden arts and crafts. When you get hungry, venture over to the Food vendors who offer a range of goodies from hot dogs, icees and barbecue to salads, sandwiches and healthy fare. Sit under the trees in nearby Orchard Hill to enjoy your meal while you gaze at the pond and woodland beauty.

The NFMG volunteers collect vintage treasures that would be of interest to gardeners. Peruse the Fleatique sale to find that interesting pot, gadget or garden tool. Deals abound here! After your Fleatique purchase, a snack at the bake sale is in order. Cool off with an iced tea accompanied by a home baked cookie or muffin. Master Gardeners are also good cooks! And these baked goods will satisfy any palate.

If you bring little sprouts to the faire, they are lucky this year! A new Children’s Corner will be set up where little ones can pot a tomato plant, make a hat or sit for a painted design on their smiling face. This free activity is available from 10 to 2.

Once the tents are down and the vendors have gone, where does your well spent dollar go? Proceeds from the Garden Faire go to support the North Fulton Master Gardener programs. This UGA sponsored organization provides scholarships and offers horticultural education, service and inspiration to our community in addition to caring for several public gardens in the area.

When you plan your visit to Garden Faire, you have two options for parking: park along the streets adjacent to Bulloch Hall and walk to the grounds or leave your car at the Roswell city hall parking lot and ride the Roswell Trolley to Bulloch. Direct routes to and from the faire will be available that day.

Whatever way you choose, you’ll find that the 20th Anniversary of Garden Faire has blossomed from 2 master gardeners sitting on camp chairs selling a wagon full of perennials to a full day of fun, food, flowers and festivities.

See you at Garden Faire on April 27!

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About the North Fulton Master Gardeners: Our mission is to provide horticultural education, service and inspiration in the North Fulton community. We are pleased to once again partner with historic Bulloch Hall and the 2019 Roswell Azalea Festival in bringing Garden Faire to the community. Join us Saturday, April 27, 2019, 9am to 4pm, for the 20th Anniversary of Garden Faire at Bulloch Hall. Favorite Pass Along plants, fleatique vintage goods, Eco-Corner, garden vendors, garden art, pottery, craft vendors, garden tools, children’s activities, bake sale and food vendors. Rain or shine. Free. Historic Bulloch Hall, 180 Bulloch Ave, Roswell, GA 30075. Proceeds benefit local North Fulton Master Garden projects. Check out Garden Faire on Facebook, Twitter, and the web.

More details - https://patch.com/georgia/roswell/calendar/event/20190427/522356/2019-garden-faire-at-bulloch-hall