Family fun grows at Napa County Master Gardener Fall Faire
The kids are back at school, leaves are changing color, and the last of the summer crops are harvested. The end of summer does not mean the end of family-friendly fun. Join the Napa County Master Gardeners for the Fall Faire on Saturday, Sept. 26, from 1 to 4 p.m. at 1710 Soscol Ave. in Napa, where hands-on activities, demonstrations and community connections will sow the seeds of gardening knowledge.
The Napa County Master Gardener Fall Faire has been an annual tradition since 2017, when it began as a venue to bring the science of gardening to home gardeners in one fun-filled learning experience. This year’s Faire is made possible by collaborating with our community partners, including Napa RCD, Napa Water Conservation, California Native Plant Society, Napa County Beekeepers Association, Napa Valley Bonsai Club, Our Water Our World, Napa Park Rangers, Friends of Napa Library, Napa Valley Orchid Society, City of Napa Recycling, Napa Sanitation District, Napa River Ecology Center, Napa Climate NOW and Napa Seed Library. Be sure to visit their booths at the Fall Faire, too.
When you arrive, stop by the information desk for general questions, a site map and a children’s event passport. Children can have their passports stamped at each booth to earn a reward at the end of their knowledge-seeking journey. Enjoy bluegrass music from The Big Ranch Rounders and grab a bite at Amy’s Lunchbox Food Truck.
The Fall Faire offers family activities for children and adults, including face painting and a children’s play area. Kids can explore gardening through hands-on activities such as growing a rainbow of vegetables and tasting some along the way. Also visit the Zinnia Garland Station to have a garland made and learn how zinnias grow.
Booths will provide information and inspiration for gardeners of all ages and experience levels.
At the soil booth, learn how healthy soil retains water, reduces runoff and erosion and combats climate change by storing carbon. Then stop by the composting booth to learn about different methods of composting.
Bring your rose questions to the booth showcasing the Fuller Park Rose Garden and learn more about growing roses. Stop by the Master Gardeners’ Las Flores Learning Garden booth for advice about growing succulents and grab a free clipping.
Did you know bulbs are drought tolerant? At the Faire, you can learn more about growing bulbs and sign up for the bulb and rhizome giveaway. Do you love lavender? Head for the lavender booth where you’ll find information about growing this aromatic perennial.
Visit the pollinator booth and learn which plants attract these essential garden helpers. Also stop by the Backyard Birds Booth and learn more about the winged visitors in your garden.
At the propagation booth, support the Master Gardeners’ educational programs by purchasing Master Gardener-grown pollinator plants, including salvias, coyote mint, penstemon and heart-leaf geranium. The plant sale also includes many ornamentals plants and cool-weather vegetable seedlings, with care instructions included. A more comprehensive plant list is available at napamg.ucanr.edu.
Test your knowledge at the Good Bugs Versus Bad Bugs booth. Learn how to recognize invasive plant species and then visit the California Native Plant Society booth to learn about the plants that are best adapted to our area. At the Botany booth, use a microscope to see how plants grow and reproduce.
At the Dehydrating Summer’s Bounty booth, learn to preserve summer vegetables, then test your seed knowledge by sorting warm- and cool-weather crop packets into their categories.
If your garden tools are rusty and you want to revitalize them, visit the Sheer Delight booth for a repair and sharpening demonstration. Then stop by the Firewise and Resilient Landscaping booth to get ideas for landscaping in our fire-prone region.
Whatever piques your curiosity, the Master Gardener Fall Faire has a booth for you. Before you leave, take a look at the Master Gardener-made scarecrows and vote for your favorite.
Audrey, the talking Venus Flytrap, will also be present and it’s always worth hearing what she has to say. Audrey may even be seeking donations to help purchase organic compost and soil for her growing pot. At the Carnivorous Plants booth, get care and feeding tips.
The Fall Faire is where carnival meets science, a place for families to learn, explore and enjoy the natural world. Don’t miss out!
Fall Faire: Join UC Master Gardeners of Napa County on Saturday, Sept. 26, from 1 to 4 p.m. for the annual Fall Faire, an engaging afternoon featuring fun and informational booths staffed by Master Gardeners and community partners. Hands-on demonstrations and talks range from improving your soil health to designing a pollinator-friendly garden, along with plenty of friendly gardening advice. Shop for ornamental plants and winter vegetables, with proceeds supporting Master Gardener programs. Enjoy food from Annie’s Lunch Box food truck and live music from the Big Ranch Rounders. The event is free and no registration is necessary.
Help Desk: The Master Gardener Help Desk is available to answer your garden questions. Use our online Plant Problem Help Form or email us at [email protected]. Include your name, address, phone number and a brief description of the problem. You can also visit us in person on Mondays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the UC Cooperative Extension Office, 1710 Soscol Ave., Suite 4, Napa.
