Whether you're a seasoned gardener or someone just beginning to discover the joys of growing flowers, vegetables, and native plants, an upcoming event in Morehead promises a day full of inspiration, education, and community involvement.
The Painted Hills Garden Club will host its 4th Annual Heart & Soil Garden Fest on Saturday, June 6, at the Morehead Conference Center, located at 111 East First Street. The event will run from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. and will feature educational presentations, local vendors, gardening resources, live music, plants for sale, door prizes, and more.
According to Garden Club President Dee Biebighauser, the organization has experienced significant growth over the past year, nearly doubling its membership while strengthening partnerships with local volunteers and community groups.
One of those partnerships includes working with Morehead State University's Evergreen student organization, whose members recently assisted with cleanup and beautification efforts at Fountain Park. Volunteers helped remove debris, maintain flower beds, and tackle invasive plant species that can threaten native ecosystems.
The club has also been working alongside the City of Morehead and the Parks and Recreation Department on projects involving tree maintenance, underbrush removal, and landscaping improvements throughout the community.
Among the organization's most visible projects is the Monarch Waystation located near the Main Street entrance of Fountain Park. The area serves as a habitat for butterflies and pollinators and features native plants, milkweed species, flowering shrubs, and nectar-producing flowers. Club members continue to work on maintaining the site while removing invasive species that compete with native plant life.
Visitors attending Saturday's festival will have the opportunity to hear from several guest speakers covering a variety of gardening and environmental topics.
Angie Clayton, owner of Angie's Buds and Blooms, will offer tips on creating eye-catching container gardens and decorative planters. Terry Stamper returns by popular demand to discuss the importance and benefits of trees. Chef Jerry Hart will demonstrate ways herbs can be incorporated into everyday cooking, while Rowan County Extension Agent Amanda Potter will present information on gardening techniques designed to discourage deer damage.
Another featured presentation will be given by Charlie Charles, who will discuss beekeeping and highlight educational programs involving beekeeping within the Rowan County School System.
In addition to the educational sessions, attendees can browse a variety of vendor booths featuring handmade crafts, jewelry, baked goods, soaps, gardening tools, artwork, and other locally produced items. A silent auction, plant sales, and prize giveaways will also be held throughout the day.
New this year, the festival will feature live musical performances by local musician Liz Bowman, adding another element of entertainment to the event.
Organizers say the festival is designed to be both educational and enjoyable for gardeners of all experience levels while celebrating the important role that plants, pollinators, and community beautification play in Rowan County.
Admission is free, and the public is encouraged to attend.
Those interested in becoming a vendor or learning more about the event may contact Dee Biebighauser at 606-356-6445. Organizers are also seeking additional food truck vendors for the festival.