WEDNESDAY, JULY 6
Tthe Bluegrass Trust for Historic Preservation’s “DeTours” program will travel for the first time to Jessamine County to explore the Chaumiere des Prairies located at 1439 Catnip Hill Road in Nicholasville. Colonel David Meade acquired the 330 acres of land in the early 19th century, and the house was built around 1840 by the subsequent owner. Although Colonel Meade’s gardens (said to have rivaled those of Versailles) are long gone, their site, the Chaumiere des Prairies was a part of what made Lexington the “Athens of the West.”
TUESDAY, JULY 12
Explore new and exciting sedums as part of a Fayette County Extension Service workshop Tuesday, July 12, at 3 p.m. There are a myriad of sedums available to gardeners and they are some of the most reliable perennials. Their drought and pest resistance have made them garden staples. In recent years, many new and improved varieties have been introduced. This workshop will cover their culture and provide rooted cuttings of several types for you to try. The cost is $20. For more information, got to www.fayette.ca.uky.edu/horticulture
WEDNESDAY, JULY 13
The 2016 Lexington Arboretum Birdhouse Display opens Wednesday, July 13 and will continue through Sunday, July 31. The birdhouses will be on display throughout the gardens. The organization will have a reception and auction of the birdhouses on Sunday, July 31 at the visitor center from 2 until 4 p.m. Birdhouses may be delivered to the visitor center on Saturday, July 9, from 9 a.m. until noon and July 11-12, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Silent auction bid sheets will be in the visitor center. All birdhouses will be on display outdoors. Bid sheets available weekdays 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in the visitor center.
FRIDAy, JULY 15
The Arboretum, the state botanical garden of Kentucky, will host a morning bird walk on Friday, July 15, starting at 8 a.m.
Early risers can join Carey Tichenor, retired Kentucky state naturalist, to look at birdhouse sites and bird activity throughout The Arboretum. The walk is limited to 30 guest and the cost is $1.
SATURDAY, JULY 16
The 2016 Bluegrass Fair Flower and Vegetable Show will be July 16-17. The annual show is an opportunity for gardeners of all ages in Fayette and surrounding counties to learn, compete, see what others are growing successfully in this area, as well as to see how their gardening efforts rate in the competition. The annual show, now gearing up for its seventh year, is a crowd pleaser. Blue ribbons are awarded in categories for youth, horticulture and design. There are no fees for entering the show, but there are lots of rewards. In addition to the coveted blue ribbons, there are always free items, some cash prizes, related exhibits and lots of gardening experts. Information may be seen at www.bgflowershow.com or by calling Fayette County Extension Office (859) 257-5582.
THURSDAY, JULY 21
Find out secrets of the winter vegetable garden as part of a Fayette County Extension Service workshop Thursday, July 21, 6:30 p. m. Most seasoned gardeners regularly plant fall vegetable crops. With some planning, season extending techniques and proper storage it is possible to eat from your garden well into winter. The extension service representative will discuss best varieties for storage, which crops can be mulched in ground and which things are actually hardy enough to make it with no care. The public can enjoy fresh produce through December and often later. The extension service will furnish seeds and\or transplants for your home garden. The cost is $15. For more information, got to www.fayette.ca.uky.edu/horticulture
July 22, 23, 24
and July 29, 30, 31
The Home Builders Association of Lexington presents the 2016 scattered site Grand Tour of Homes, July 22, 23, 24, and July 29, 30, and 31. The tour will be open Friday from 5 until 8 p.m., Saturday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from noon until 6 p.m. This is an opportunity to view 39 beautiful new homes built by local leading professional builders. For details, go to www.hbalexington.com. There is no charge to attend.
