Lewiston GardenFest accepting applications for garden participants, vendors

by Connie Oswald Stofko

Applications are now being accepted for open garden participants and vendors for the 9th annual Lewiston GardenFest, which will be held Saturday and Sunday, June 21 and 22  in Lewiston.

Lewiston residents interested in showcasing their garden must apply by May 1. Residents don’t have to showcase their entire yard; they can choose a section they wish to highlight.

The public will be able to view participating gardens only when the “Open Garden” sign is in place between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. during the festival weekend. Homeowners will want to be present during the open garden hours to answer any questions. Get more information or download an application.

The Lewiston GardenFest includes vendors along Center Street featuring flowers, plants, garden art and more. Vendor applications are due by May 1. The application fee varies from $125 – $225 based on the size of the vendor display.

There will be speakers on both days, and I’m excited to be one of the speakers this year. I am preparing a new presentation, “Get Crafty in Your Garden,” in which I’ll give you ideas for items you can make for your garden as well as from your garden. Topics include how to make plant tags from items you might ordinarily throw away, how transparent tape can help you arrange flowers, how to make your own seed-starting pots, the simple way to create a topsy-turvy look with stacked pots, how to make clever decorations for your garden and more. I’ll give you more details on all the speakers as the GardenFest nears.

Master Gardeners and representatives from floral societies will be available to answer gardening questions throughout the weekend.

The entire event is free to the public and all proceeds from Lewiston GardenFest are given back to the local community or civic beautification and scholarships. The event is run by the Lewiston Garden Club.