Green thumbs aside, novices can try their hand at garden show

Novices can try their hand at garden show

YOUNGSTOWN — The Men’s Garden Club of Youngstown will have its 44th annual Horticultural Show Aug. 23 and 24 at the D.D. and Velma Davis Education & Visitor Center at Fellows Riverside Gardens in Mill Creek Park.

The event allows local gardeners the opportunity to exhibit their prized plantings, have them judged by their experienced peers, and see what their fellow horticulturists have done this year.

The event is free and open to the public and will feature 14 judging categories, including fruits and vegetables, perennials and potted plants. Spectators also are welcome after the judging is completed.

Ribbons will be awarded, but the main focus of this show is education. Novice or young gardeners can glean valuable advice by interacting with experienced gardeners. There are also special categories for those 16 and under.

The 14 judging categories follow: Section A, vegetables; AA, ornamentals; B, fruits; C, annuals; D, perennials and biennials; E, dahlias; F, bulbs and tubers, etc.; G, roses; H, potted plants; HH, bonsai; I, cacti; J, succulents; K, woody plants; and L ,hanging containers.

Entries to be judged must be received between 7 and 10:30 a.m. Aug. 23. Late entries will be displayed but not judged.

Awards are given in the following categories: Sectional Awards, given to entries from each section of the competition; Best of Show Award, chosen from among all sectional winners; Sweepstakes Award, determined by points; and Mashorda’s County Gardens’ “Heaviest Tomato Award,” $25 for the heaviest edible tomato.

Youth Gardener Awards for those 16 and under include Sectional and Best of Show.

For more information, call Rodney Toth at (330) 759-1993.