As we approach the warm, summer months, we look forward to the beautiful array of flowers and the bounty of spring planting. To commemorate this time of year, the Friends of the Frankfort Public Library invite the public to “Barns and Blooms” on Friday, May 3, as we celebrate the family farm, old barns, and the blooms that brighten our days.
Fair Oaks Farms will kick things off at 4 p.m. with their traveling exhibit. Fair Oaks is known for their famous dairy, swine, and crop adventures. Their dairy exhibit will be located outside, and patrons can tour the enclosed exhibit, while learning about this world-class farming operation.
Please join us inside the library at 5 p.m., to a garden reception, opening of the vendor booths and art exhibit. The exhibition and sale is comprised of photographers Marsha Williamson Mohr and Cherri Flora, and paintings by Rena Brouwer and the adult students from her painting class. Marsha has had several books published, including Indiana Barns and will have an assortment of her books for sale. This is also a fine opportunity to shop from area greenhouses, farms, garden and reclaimed barn wood vendors. We anticipate 20 vendors, and a complete list can be found on our website at www.myfcpl.org/barns-and-blooms. There truly is something for everyone!
We are delighted to have the Hoosier Gardener, Jo Ellen Meyers Sharp, demonstrate planting spring containers. Jo Ellen currently works as a freelance writer, where her work has appeared in several national publications, including the American Gardener and Indiana Gardening. Her weekly Hoosier Gardener column appears in the Indianapolis Star and she blogs at hoosiergardener.com. Jo Ellen co-authored The Indiana Gardener’s Guide and wrote the Visitor’s Guide to American Gardens.
Indianapolis gardener and author, Carol Michel, will present “The Secrets to Happiness in Your Garden.” Carol will captivate the audience as she mixes horticulture and humor in her presentation. She is also the author of two books: Potted and Pruned: Living a Gardening Life and Homegrown and Handpicked: A Year in a Gardening Life. She regularly writes for her award-winning garden blog, www.maydreamsgardens.com.
Photography and gardening books by Mohr, Sharp, and Michel, will be available for sale, and book signings will be throughout the evening.
Special thanks to our generous sponsors: Clinton County Farm Bureau Insurance, Industrial Federal Credit Union, Encompass Credit Union, Frankfort Garden Club, Gangwer Powers Insurance Agency, Patrick’s Office Supply & Furniture, Skiles Electric.