2009 FlowerFest at Toms River branch

Several hundred people attended FlowerFest Saturday (April 18) and everyone we spoke with said they enjoyed it a lot!
Members of the Toms River Garden Club demonstrated ways to create miniature floral arrangements and preserve flowers. Lisa Stubenrauch shared the tips that help her create stunning floral photographs. Tina Bulwin of Flowers by Addalia demonstrated how one can create centerpieces using Jersey Fresh fruit and flowers. Michael Mandracchia told how to draw birds into your yard by skillfully employing different flowers and plants. And Mike McGrath, our key speaker, gave two great seminars that were both entertaining and informative.

Thanks to Reynolds Garden Center, Calgo Gardens and Lowes of Toms River for beautifying our entry way.
Photos from Flowerfest can be viewed at
http://www.flickr.com/photos/22036136@N07/sets/72157617006171213/

OCL to host 2nd annual Flowerfest

Mike McGrath, host of the syndicated National Public Radio show “You Bet Your Garden” will speak at the Ocean County Library’s annual Flower Festival Saturday, April 18.

The radio show, described by McGrath as “an hour of chemical-free horticultural hijinks” airs locally every Saturday morning at 11:00 on WHYY-FM (90.9) in Philadelphia and reaches an average 50,000 listeners throughout Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware every week. It also airs on Sirius satellite radio’s NPR Talk channel (#135) Saturday and Sunday mornings.

McGrath has also written several books about gardening including “Mike McGrath’s Book of Compost,” “Kitchen Guide A to Z,” and “You Bet Your Tomatoes!” Quirk Publishers will soon release a special seed-saving boxed card set “The Kitchen Garden Box: Save & Sow Seeds of Your Favorite Vegetables” that was written by McGrath

The second annual festival will be held at the Toms River branch, 101 Washington Street. The show will feature other authors, floral and art exhibits, crafts for children and adults, seminars and demonstrations. It is the only springtime flower festival held in Ocean County.

Last year’s festival drew in several hundred visitors from Ocean, Monmouth and Burlington counties.

Remember to save the date.