Cancellation update: For the health and safety of everyone involved, and keeping with recent federal, state and local guidance regarding non-essential scheduled group gatherings during the COVID19 pandemic, we have made the necessary decision not to hold Garden Faire 2020 on Saturday, April 25th. Unfortunately, given the uncertainty of the timetable ahead, affecting the many volunteers and individuals from public and private organizations contributing to the success of this event, we will be unable to reschedule in 2020. Please refer to our website at www.nfmg.net as well as our FB page for future updates. Your understanding is appreciated and we wish the best of health to all members of our community. Interested in becoming a North Fulton Master Gardener? Annual applications can be submitted through May 31, 2020. Call the North Fulton UGA Extension Volunteer Office at 404 613-7670 to request an application.
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Barbara Olson and Donna Whitesel, 2019 Garden Faire Co-Chairs
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 21 years ago.
Today, Garden Faire 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 event on the grounds of historical Bulloch Hall. Mark your calendar for this annual day of gardening inspiration.
On April 25, 2020, you’ll see that the beautiful circular drive, ancient trees, and graceful plantings of Bulloch Hall, one of the three historic homes in Roswell, provide a perfect setting for Garden Faire.
Bulloch Hall, built in 1839 by slaves and 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 Bulloch Hall 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 at our faire, North Fulton Master Gardeners spend all year preparing for it by growing plants in their yards as well as at the Teaching Museum Community greenhouse, recruiting vendors and finalizing event details.
How do you get to this fantastic faire? We recommend that you park at Roswell City Hall parking lot, 38 Hill Street, Roswell GA and hop on the free shuttle. Look for the shuttle pick-up point Garden Faire 2020 near Hill Street marked with a canopy, sign, and balloons. A master gardener will be there to answer any questions, and the shuttle runs all day.
The showcase of our faire is the Pass-Along Plant sale. 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. All plants are grown by the master gardeners themselves! They love to answer gardening questions.
In addition to the Pass-Along Plant sale, plan to visit over 30 vendors set up along the circular drive. Purchase a birdbath or a new garden tool. Learn about butterflies or gaze at the garden decor.
When you get hungry, venture over to the food vendors who offer a range of goodies. Sit under the trees in nearby Orchard Hill to enjoy your meal while you gaze at the pond and woodland beauty or join friends to dine under the pavilion.
The NFMG volunteers collect vintage treasures and pass them on to you at our Fleatique market. Peruse the Fleatique sale to find that interesting pot, gadget or garden tool for your home or garden. 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, look for the Children’s Corner sign. Children will want to pot a tomato plant, make a hat, terrarium or sit for a ladybug or spider painted on their smiling faces. 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 Extension sponsored organization provides scholarships and offers horticultural education, service, and inspiration to our communities in addition to caring for several public gardens in the area.
You’ll find that Garden Faire 2020 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 on April 25!
About the North Fulton Master Gardeners:
Our mission is to provide horticultural education, service, and inspiration in the North Fulton community. Master Gardener Extension Volunteers are trained and certified through the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Service Program. For more information about the UGA Extension Service and how to become a North Fulton Master Gardener, click here or call 404-613-7670 to request an application.
Garden Faire 2020 at Bulloch Hall is rain or shine on Saturday, April 25, 2020 from 9 am to 4 pm at historic Bulloch Hall, 180 Bulloch Ave, Roswell, GA 30075 with free admission, parking and shuttle service throughout the day. We are pleased to be part of the 2020 Roswell Azalea Festival. Garden Faire 2020 includes your favorite Pass-Along plants grown by Master Gardners; fleatique vintage goods; 35+ plant, garden art, and craft vendors; children’s activities; bake sale and food vendors. Proceeds benefit local North Fulton Master Garden projects.
Vendors may complete our virtual Garden Faire Vendor Commitment Form at https://forms.gle/ZhBELtboKrA5D2vN7 to apply to participate in the 2020 Garden Faire at Bulloch Hall.
Learn more about the North Fulton Master Gardeners and Garden Faire on our webpage, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Calendar listing
2019 Garden Faire Photos
Video tour of Garden Faire
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