Flower Fest sows seeds of knowledge
Despite the heat, Alameda Park buzzed with activity Saturday as Butler County residents learned about and bought plants at the Flower and Food Fest.
The Butler County Parks and Recreation event raised funds for Penn State Master Gardeners of Butler County and sought to equip attendees with knowledge about their native plants.
The park’s Odd Fellow Circle was packed with craft and food vendors, artists, a farmers’ market and booths selling outdoor furniture, gardening tools and more.
Justine Brown, a co-chairperson for the event, said the day is driven by the Master Gardeners’ plant sale.
“People come looking for the plants, that’s why they come,” she said. “We try to get their name out there to Butler residents.”
According to Diane Dallos, master gardener, the Penn State Master Gardeners trains volunteers in sustainable gardening and pollinator protection.
“This is helping to raise funds for our youth and adult education programs across the county,” she said. “Today we’re educating (people) on what they’re buying, how to plant them, how to attract pollinators and what plants are good for the area.”
Aloe vera plants, echinacea sunseeker flowers and even trees were available for purchase from various vendors.
Lauren and David Pesci along with their daughters Talia, 4, and Zelda, 1 1/2, attended the Flower and Food Fest with the intention of buying plants for their garden.
“I got a flowering perennial, which is a native plant that’s supposed to grow better here than anywhere else,” Lauren said. “It’s going in Talia’s garden.”
“There’s a diverse range and selection here,” David said.
Lauren added that it was great to be back outside and among fellow flower-lovers.
“Butler is a cool place,” she said. “Everyone here is really knowledgeable and happy to answer questions.”
Along with the master gardeners, local landscaping businesses Hill’s Tree Care and Nursery in Sarver sold plants and helped shoppers find what they needed.
Owner David Hill and his wife, Marianne, said they attended Flower and Food Fest in the past because it’s good exposure for their tree removal, plantings and landscaping business. They were happy to see all the smiling faces.
“It’s already been a good day,” Marianne said. “Good weather, God’s blessed us. People already have bought, asked questions, taken business cards.”
Dallos said she hopes people walk away from the festival with an understanding of how they can contribute to their local ecosystem.
“Every one can take little steps to improve their community and their environment,” she said.
