Home and Garden Calendar
Thursday, June 2
On Thursday, June 2, Kentucky Native Cafe hosts “Thinking outside the box…..wood?” This discussion with John Michler on the making of garden spaces will begin at 7 pm.
“The Michler family created an urban oasis when they opened Kentucky Native Cafe in their 115 year old Florist, Greenhouse, and Landscape design business in the historic Aylesford district of downtown Lexington. Arrive early or stay late and enjoy wine, local craft brews, and seasonal foods in the acclaimed beer garden. John Michler will discuss the issues involved with creating this garden in the city which has a tranquil and “wild” feeling, yet accommodates the practical aspects of the outdoor cafe. Topics will include the use of natural stones, path layout, manipulating the topography, preservation of existing plants, and allowing for the spontaneous growth of naturally occurring native plants. Bicycle and car parking is easily accessed from 446 E High St.”
FRIDAY, JUNE 3
The biennial Lexington in Bloom contest is now accepting nominations recognizing distinctive and outstanding gardens and plantings in Fayette County. The goal of the contest is to instill a spirit of community, to increase civic pride, and to improve the visual appeal of the area through the imaginative use of flowers, plants, and trees. The 2016 Lexington in Bloom contest is the 11th since its inception in 1992.
Winners, which must be visible from the street, will be selected in five categories: (1) Residence, front yard, amateur gardener; (2) Residence, front yard, professionally landscaped; (3) Business, large garden or planting; (4) Business, small garden or planting; (5) Miscellaneous: community gardens, container gardens, window boxes, municipal plantings, neighborhood entrances, schools, churches, nonprofits, butterfly/rain gardens/native plantings, vegetable gardens.
Gardens/displays must be in Fayette County and must be visible to the public from the street. Deadline for entries is June 3.
Two rounds of judging are conducted. The judging teams for the final round are made up of garden club members, master gardeners, first-place winners from 2014, and professional designers. Criteria for evaluating nominated gardens include curb appeal, use of color and texture, upkeep, plant selection, garden design, and creativity.
A reception to recognize the winners and participants will be held on Sunday, June 26 from 2-3:30 p.m. at The Arboretum’s Dorotha Smith Oatts Visitor Center, 500 Alumni Dr.
For more information, contact contest chair Liz Pattengill at 859-223-4362 or email lexingtoninbloom@gmail.com.
Friday, June 10
Kentucky Education Television invites guests to enjoy an evening of garden-party glamour at the 28th annual Summer Celebration. This year’s event, with its theme of “Rhythm & Blooms,” will be led by honorary chair Jon Carloftis, a Kentucky native and award-winning garden designer and author. The event will be held Friday, June 10 from 7 pm to midnight at Donamire Farm in Lexington, home of hosts Don and Mira Ball.
“Summer Celebration is a wonderful way that our generous sponsors, volunteers and friends can have a fun evening while supporting KET’s programs and services,” said Shae Hopkins, KET’s executive director and CEO.
New this year, guests can use the HANDBID app or go online to KET.org/summercelebration to preview and bid on the event’s 300 auction items, beginning June 6. Silent auction items up for grabs include UK basketball lower arena season tickets; tickets to Keeneland and Churchill Downs; vacation packages to the Caribbean; an African safari; art, dining and entertainment, and much more.
Live music will be provided by The Jimmy Church Band.
SATURDAY, JUNE 24
Wilson’s Nursery will be hosting the sixth annual Bluegrass EGGfest on June 24. The event will spotlight the versatility of the Big Green Egg. Sample from dozens of savory and sweet grilled appetizers, meats, veggies, and desserts cooked up by egg enthusiasts on the Big Green Egg. Food will be coming off the Eggs all day long by local and invited grilling eggsperts so come hungry and pace yourself.
The event will be open all day long on June 24 and 25. For more information, go to http://wilsonnurseriesky.com/events/
