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Gardens Bloom and Grow at Bethlehem Fair
Bethlehem Fair Society volunteers have planted vegetables, herbs and flowers in various locations around the Bethlehem Fairgrounds.
An octagonal, raised bed vegetable garden was planted using intensive and companion planting techniques. It features almost three dozen different vegetable varieties, and is modeled after a similar garden visited at the Dutchess County (NY) Fair by Bethlehem Fair president Elaine Brodeur and vice president Larry Ganung. Volunteer and Master Gardener Marjorie Gavitt assisted with the design and planting.
In intensive planting (sometimes referred to as French intensive method), the plants are set very close to each other in the bed, to conserve space and to help prevent weed growth between plants. Companion planting consists of locating certain plants next to each other to enhance the growth of each. Plants "help" each other by retaining nutrients or moisture in the soil, or by repelling pests that typically bother the "companion" plant. The plants are all being fed with organic fertilizers, and no chemical pesticides have been used.
To facilitate viewing of the garden, soil was mounded to a height of approximately four feet within the raised beds. A conservative watering system was also installed. The garden is located just south of the Main Exhibit Building. Signs identify vegetables in the garden, and explain the techniques used. "We would like to encourage parents to view the garden with your children," says Ms. Brodeur. "See how many vegetables you can identify as they grow!"
Container gardens in barrels and long, wooden planters are situated at the entrances to the Fair's exhibit buildings. These are brimming with beautiful arrangements of annual and perennial flowering plants. Volunteer and Master Gardener Ann Bowden has planted and maintained the container gardens throughout the seasons.
A raised bed herb garden was planted three years ago on the north side of the Fair office by Marjorie Gavitt. Perennial herbs have endured, and annual varieties are added each spring. It has weathered high winds, cold and drought, and is a testament to the hardiness of herbs in our USDA Zone 5 climate. Volunteers also maintain perennial flowers and shrubs in the gardens in front of the Fair offices, which were planned and planted with the assistance of Ms. Gavitt.
According to Elaine Brodeur, "These plantings provide an opportunity for new ideas for home gardens, whether you garden on a porch or several acres. Everyone, from eight months to eighty years old, enjoys seeing the vegetables, herbs and flowers growing here."
The Bethlehem Fair opens on Friday, September 6 at 5 p.m. and runs through Sunday, September 8. It is located on Route 61 one mile north of Bethlehem center.
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