Over the Garden Fence: Kickin' it up for company
There's some really sweet news coming at everyone who supports "Company's Coming" on the Crawford County Fairgrounds. The fair board is extending a kindness. For each plot that is groomed and maintained before, during and after the county fair, there will be a recognition.
Earlier this month all individuals, clubs and teams who have planted shrubs and flowers to beautify buildings and monuments will be given a $20 bonus to keep the plot in tip-top shape. Notification of the incentive came from Rebecca Miller, secretary/manager of the Crawford County Fair Board, and Barbara Koschnick, director.
There is a reason. According to Rebecca, the fairgrounds is hosting more and more events which are scheduled all through the year. This increase in "company" brings a consideration; the fair board would like the grounds to look cared for not just during our county fair but for many months.
that took on the responsibility of landscaping or just planting flowers. Today there are more than 20 clubs, organizations and individuals who continue to add warmth and beauty to their respective buildings. As more groups became involved, the board applied prize money in small, medium and large plot categories. And this year they are stepping up with bonuses because they like the efforts being made. Even more, they like the comments made by visitors who come here for events. When the thistles are not knee high, the plantings are ready to extend a welcome.
"We're very appreciative of the combined energy and workmanship," stated Rebecca. "We just cannot do the work ourselves nor can we afford the cost."
She has noticed that the response of getting plantings under control early has had a good response.
On July 11 at 6 p.m. judges will be walking the grounds to evaluate the efforts leading into the fair week. Miller and Koschnick are monitoring the before and after follow-through for the bonus. It is a winning attitude, a pride. Pruning, deadheading and mulching bring health and a neatness suggesting quality workmanship.
If you have not ever stepped up to the challenges on the fair grounds, there are a couple of ways you can still be supportive. As far as the "Company's Coming" contest, Rebecca commented that there are a few spaces which might welcome a planting maintenance team. The youth building and the four corners of the park and gazebo area were mentioned.
Please remember there is still a continuing effort to plant trees replacing the eight to 10 that had to be removed last year. County Commissioner Doug Weisenauer will accept donations as planting continues.
My response is thank you, fair board, for your thoughtful surprise at a time when a new building complex is underway, bringing its own excitement.
Mary Lee Minor is a member of the Earth, Wind and Flowers Garden Club, an accredited master gardener, a flower show judge for the Ohio Association of Garden Clubs and a former sixth grade teacher.
This article originally appeared on Bucyrus Telegraph-Forum: Volunteers spruce up the Crawford County Fairgrounds
