To: Former 4-H Mini-Garden and Pumpkin Patch Participants

From: Master Gardeners Kate Raevuori-Wilson, Pat Newcomer,
Judy McLemore, and4-H AgentDenise Sherrill

March, 2012

Announcing..... a new year of4-H Creative Gardening!

Who? Former participants in 4-H Mini-Gardening or other experienced gardeners, age 9 - 18

(An experienced gardener is someone who has planted and maintained a garden for the whole summer.)

What? Come to a meeting with other gardeners to learn about Garden Design. Please bring the attached Concept Approval Form to the meeting. Choose at least four different vegetables and/or fruits.

  • Include an annual or perennial flower for decoration, and/or pest control, that’s culturally consistent with your theme.
  • Maximum size will be 250 square feet
  • Think about: Where will you put your garden? What shape will it be? What about mulch, a border, or decorations?

Where? Our meetings will be at the NC Cooperative Extension, Henderson County Center, across from the ball fields in Jackson Park. You will grow your garden at home or another place easily accessible for you. You will need to visit the garden at least 3 - 4 times each week for watering, weeding, and garden care.

When? Thursday,April 19, at 7:00 pm - Learn about Garden Design and submit your theme for approval

Early June and mid-July (dates TBD) - Visits by Garden Volunteers

Friday, August 3 - Garden Records Due to Denise Sherrill

Tuesday, August 14at 6:00 - Garden Supper and Awards Ceremony

Why? This is your opportunity to design your own garden with the help of experienced gardeners, learn more about gardening, and have the chance to win some great prizes. (Our garden volunteers secretly hope you will "catch" the love of gardening, enjoy growing food for your family, and continue this fun hobby for years to come. This may be the beginning of a future career.)

Wait! Don’t buy anything yet!

  • Return the registration form to the NC Cooperative Extension, Henderson County Center by April 18.
  • Get a soil sample box from the Cooperative Extension office as soon as possible, and send it off so you will know what your soil needs.
  • Bring your Concept Approval Form to the meeting on Thursday, April 19.
  • Once they’ve approved your garden ideas, then you can purchase your seeds or plants. You will be responsible for all gardening expenses.

Do I have to write a journal? No. A garden record is required, using the form we provide. Judges will visit your gardens twice. Prepare five minute garden talks for the judges. These will be short presentations.

Topics for your garden talks:

Early June: Why you chose the plants, site, mulch, size, shape, decorations, etc.

Mid-July: How you made and maintained your garden

What do I win? The top awards will be a choice of cash or gardening tools.

REGISTRATION FORM

Name of Child ______4-H Age (as of January 1, 2012) ______

School Grade in School ______

Parent/Guardian Name ______

Mailing Address ______

City______State ______Zip Code ______

E-Mail Address ______

Home Phone Number ______Work Phone Number ______

Emergency Number ______Contact ______

My son/daughter has permission to participate in the 4-H activities checked below. In case of a medical emergency, I understand that every effort will be made to contact me. In the event I cannot be reached, I hereby give permission to the physician selected by Extension personnel to hospitalize, secure proper treatment for, and to order injection, anesthesia, or surgery for my child as named above.

Is your child allergic to any food or medicines? If yes, please describe.______
______

Does your child have any special needs the staff should be aware of? If yes, please describe. ______

______

I authorize Cooperative Extension to use my child's image in newspaper articles, brochures, newsletters, web sites, and any other marketing efforts to promote the 4-H Youth Development Program:

Parent/Guardian Signature ______Date ______

Registration for 4-H Creative Gardening

WorkshopAgesRegistrationWorkshop Dates Fee Fee

DeadlineEnclosed

______

____ Creative

Gardening9-18April 18April 19 0 XXXXX

(Orientation Session)

Twenty (20) spaces are offered for the Creative Gardening Project and will fill on a first-come, first-served basis. If you want to participate, please submit a completed registration form as soon as possible. No phone reservations will be accepted. Forms may be emailed to or faxed to (828)697-4581.

Return completed form to:Henderson County 4-H

100 Jackson Park Road

Hendersonville, NC 28792

North Carolina State University and North Carolina A&T University commit themselves to positive action to secure equal opportunity regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, religion, sex, age, veteran status or disability. In addition, the two Universities welcome all persons without regard to sexual orientation. North Carolina State University, North Carolina A&T University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local governments cooperating.