“Ladybug, Ladybug, fly away…” So goes the children’s nursery rhyme, and so goes the release of thousands of ladybugs at the Brownwood Area Community Garden’s third annual Spring Festival this Saturday.
Kids (of all ages) are invited to come help release this iconic “good” garden bug at 12 noon Saturday, just one of many activities scheduled for the festival. Thousands of ladybug beetles will be released into the garden for a summer of insect control and pollination. Children attending the festival can participate in the flyaway free of charge.
Farmers market, music, art and ladybugs will be the mix April 20th during the third annual Spring Festival at the Brownwood Area Community Garden. The event is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and admission is free.
Brown County Farmers Market will kick off its 2013 season at the Spring Festival this year, offering fresh, naturally grown produce, as well as plants, crafts and other offerings. Beginning April 27th, the Market will open each Saturday at 9 a.m. on the Brown County courthouse square, corner of Fisk and South Broadway.A Garden Store will offer a unique mix of indoor and outdoor items, and garden-themed door prizes will be given to festival goers at 10:30, 11:30 and 12:30.
Also on the slate of activities for the Community Garden ’s Spring Festival is a rain barrel program at 10:30 a.m., sponsored by Brown County Master Gardeners Association. Fifty-five gallon barrels plumbed and ready for installation will be for sale to those who attend the program for $50 each.
This year’s Festival will also feature the work of various artists from the Brownwood Art Association. The Garden had a bumper crop of gourds last year and area artists are turning them into works of art that will be offered to festival-goers.
Live music will be provided by the local group Sun Duo and others. Brisket sandwiches, tacos, baked goods and drinks will also be available at family-friendly prices.
Admission to the Brownwood Area Community Garden’s Spring Festival is free, and parking is available at the Salvation Army building at 403 Lakeview Drive, between Commerce Street and Belle Plain Avenue. Handicapped parking only is available behind the Central Texas Opportunities office at 1500 Dublin Street.
Brownwood Area Community Garden was established in 2009 for the purpose of providing fresh, naturally grown produce to area food pantries to feed the hungry. The Garden’s secondary purpose is to provide space for residents who wish to garden according to natural methods; to provide a venue for education on sustainable gardening practices; and to provide employment and on-the-job training opportunities for low-income workers.
For further information, call Mary Green Engle 325-784-8453, or Daniel Graham 325-641-9029.
Pictured at top: Festival-goer Durham Brown helps release thousands of ladybug beetles into the Brownwood Area Community Garden at the 2012 Spring Festival, helping to establish a summer of insect control and pollination. Children attending this year’s Festival this Saturday can participate in the Flyaway free of charge at 12 noon.
Pictured above: Visitors to the Spring Festival at the Brownwood Area Community Garden are thrilled at the number of “good” bugs to be found, including butterflies that love the many blooming plants.
