Spring Garden Expo features how to grow food

GAINESVILLE - Economy-minded visitors to the Seventh Annual Spring Garden Expo at the Chicopee Ag Center near Gainesville bought more for their vegetable gardens this year.

It was billed as the greatest two-day plant sale in Georgia, hosted by Hall County Master Gardeners and the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Service of Hall County.

Judy Kaczorowski, a master gardener who teaches at Lanier Technical College in Cumming, said people are learning the back yard can be a treasure trove.

“With all the tough times, people are finding out that you don’t just have to go to the super market to get your fruits and vegetables,” she said.

Kaczorowski added that more and more people are planting gardens much like they did during the Second World War, only this time it is because of the Recession and they’re growing food not only for themselves but for neighbors, friends, and for the needy.

The Spring Garden Expo got off to a stormy start on Good Friday as severe weather blew into Hall County.

Event chairperson Kathleen Holdash said the weather was scary but the rain was a blessing for planting this spring.

“After several years of drought, we’re very happy for the rain, and I think there’s something about the electricity in the air that helps everything turn green,” she said.

Holdash added that with the last frost expected April 15th, now is the time to start getting plants, shrubs, trees, flowers, vegetables and fruits into the ground and growing.

The two-day event featured 60 vendors selling and educating visitors about plants, garden art, and garden products.

Annuals, perennials, daylilies, specialty trees and ornamental shrubs, hanging baskets, potted plants, herbs, ferns, hostas, hellebores, vegetables and more were available to buyers.