We had the Herb Fest in Greene yesterday and it went very well.  Always lots of work to move plants and stuff, but Larry and Collin were great help.  They set up 2 tent awnings so we were in the shade all the time along with some of the plants. BUT had a gardener ask me about a yellow mounded planted with daisy shape flowers and it started with a "P".  I was stumped because the only one I could think of was Melampodium.   When I said that she said yes that is what it is.  For you to think about for yet this year, or maybe next year it is great plant for sun, butterflies, easy and no deadheading.  I do believe we have some here yet and I will save them back for someone that wants to add some yellow color to their gardens.  Here is the information about them.  AND you can see it doesn't start with a "P".
 
  Melampodium Plant Care – Tips On Growing Melampodium Flowers
By Bonnie L. Grant
 
Melampodium is a genus of flowers whose sunny yellow flowers bring a smile to the most confirmed curmudgeon’s face. What is Melampodium? The genus supports over 40 varieties of North American and Mexican annuals and perennials. Two of the most common are Butter and Blackfoot daisy, which form bushy plants. Many specimens in the genus have honey scented flowers lasting from spring until the first cold temperatures of winter. Growing Melampodium flowers provides durable lovely color combined with ease of care.
 
What is Melampodium?
Most of the plants in the species are native to tropical to sub-tropical regions from the Caribbean to South America, and in parts of Central America to the southwestern United States. They are not fussy plants and produce prolific blooms all season long.

The majority of the species grow as bushes or small shrubs with thick almost twiggy stems. A few are lower and herbaceous, more suited as ground covers or in pots. Melampodium plants are perennials but grow as annuals in USDA zones below 8. They readily re-seed themselves so that even annuals present like perennials, coming back each season to brighten the flower garden.
 
The plants range from dwarf species just a few inches tall to the larger varieties that grow up to 1 foot in height and 10 inches wide. The taller species tend to get floppy unless they have support, but if you plant them in masses , they help hold each other up.
 
The plants attract butterflies  and add interest and color to borders, containers, and perennial gardens. The plants are related to asters and naturalize well in sunny garden beds. The bright green, oblong leaves and purplish stems add to the attractive nature of this plant.
 
Growing Melampodium Flowers
 
These plants are extremely tolerant of a range of conditions but they prefer full sun  and well drained soil. Melampodium plants thrive in USDA zones 5 to 10 but are killed by freezing temperatures.
 
How to Care for Melampodium
Melampodium plant care is very similar to most sun loving perennials( for us it is an annual) . They are very drought tolerant, although some stems may flop over in overly dry soils. They thrive in any type of soil except perhaps heavy clay. The flowers do not have any serious pests or disease problems.  You may also grow these sunny plants inside in a southern or western window. Provide them with average water but allow the soil in the container to dry out between water periods.
 
There is no need to deadhead as part of Melampodium plant care, but you will find little seedlings everywhere if you don’t. For a wonderful sea of golden color, let the little guys go and you will be amazed by their consistent sun colored blooms.
Taken from https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/melampodium/growing-melampodium-flowers.htm
Till next time, this is Becky Litterer, Becky's Greenhouse, Dougherty Iowa

     We had a lovely day yesterday with lower humidity, not too hot, sun shining and a little breeze.  We are to have that again today so just enjoy your outside gardens and all the work you have done this spring.  Here are some hints of things to do for the summer in your flowers. 
Summer care of your flower gardens
By  Jamie McIntosh
 
Spring is a busy time for flower gardeners, and it can be a relief to take a break in the hottest months to enjoy the fruits of your labor. However, industrious gardeners know that a few carefully planned chores may give you more bang for your buck in the flower garden. Continue caring for your annuals and perennials in the summer months to ensure a continuous succession of blooms until first frost.
 
Deadhead Flowers
 
Cutting a summer bouquet serves as more than just a way to beautify your living room or kitchen. Most annuals benefit from regular cutting, whether you’re removing spent blooms or whether you’re taking the freshest blossoms for the vase. Cutting annuals produces bushy, vigorous growth, and it spurs the plant to produce more flowers in an attempt to fulfill its mission to produce seeds. Don’t get caught up in trying to save the last two or three spindly blooms on your verbena or sweet alyssum. Shear the entire plant back by a third, and watch for new buds to appear soon.
 
Concerning perennial flowers, deadheading can control the undesirable spread of plants. Some perennials, such as coneflowers, are notorious for taking over a garden patch with the seeds they drop. Gardeners must weigh their desire for tidiness against the benefits of leaving spent flowers to provide winter interest or food for wildlife.
 
 
 
Stay on Top of Watering
 
Although established plants don't need the same frequency of watering as your new transplants did at the beginning of spring, don't let drought steal your garden's thunder. An inch of water is necessary for most flowering plants, unless you are tending a xeriscape. Consider using soaker hoses to deliver water right where it's needed to the root system.
 
Keep Weeds in Check
 
The little dandelion and thistle sprouts that made a tentative appearance six weeks ago have established deep tap roots by now. Get out your two dollar dandelion digger, and plunge it into the soil at the base of the plant to remove as much of the root system as possible. Mature weeds are most likely to relinquish their purchase after a soaking rain. If the weeds are too tough or plentiful to dig out, use a broadleaf herbicide, and protect the neighboring foliage of garden flowers from overspray with a piece of cardboard.
 
Control Diseases
 
By late June, the warm humid nights of summer may have encouraged the growth of foliar diseases like mildew and black spot in susceptible plants. Water your plants in the morning, to give foliage an opportunity to dry quickly when the sun comes out. Avoid wetting leaves unnecessarily by using soaker hoses.
 
Use sulfur or copper based organic fungicides on plants minimally affected by disease, but destroy any annual plants that show evidence of disease on more than 50% of their leaves. Apply fungicides in the evening to prevent leaf burn. Keep diseased plants out of your compost bin. Discard diseased foliage in your brush pile or bury it so that it can decompose naturally.
 
Replenish Mulch
 
The thick layer of mulch that seemed to obscure emerging plants in the spring may be surprisingly thin now. Heat and moisture cause organic mulches to break down rapidly, so add enough mulch to maintain a 3-inch layer around flowering plants, including those growing in containers. The exception is alpine plants like dianthus, which may experience root rot if mulch is applied too close to the plant’s crown. If you’re overwhelmed with green matter in your compost bin, you can use excess grass clippings as mulch in the flower garden.
 
Apply Flower Fertilizer
 
In the middle of summer, your annuals and roses may need a fertilizer boost to keep up their performance until the first frost. Your focus should be on adding sources of potassium to boost blossom development rather than nitrogen, which promotes leafy growth.
 
Liquid seaweed products provide a quick potassium boost, and a top dressing of rock potash provides a long-lasting source of potassium. Put a reminder in your garden journal to reapply liquid fertilizers every two weeks for heavy feeders like dahlias and cannas to keep them productive.
 
Start Seeds for Fall Flowers
 
Save some compost to use as a seed-starting medium for fall flowering plants, like pansies, nasturtiums, and calendula. Start these seeds in an area of the garden sheltered from the direct summer sun. If the entire garden plot is sunny, use shade cloth to protect these cool weather lovers until temperatures become moderate. Start your fall flower garden seeds at least two months before first frost, and you’ll reduce the wait between the last blossom of this season and the first blossom of the next.
Taken from https://www.thespruce.com/summer-flower-garden-1315854
Till next time, this is Becky Litterer from Becky's Greenhouse, Dougherty Iowa

           I was asked by the organizers to post this on the blog.  Sunday, this Sunday July 30 the Herb Fest will be going on at Greene Iowa.  It hasn't been for a few years and they are bringing it back.  I will be there with 2 racks of plants plus other greenhouses and other vendors all with garden related items.  It is from 10-4.  The location is in the park by the river so lots of shade and trees so will be very comfortable. 
     Sun 10am to 4pm. Seminar on making garden art at 11am ,wine tasting at 12 noon- 2, 2 Jewels & a Gem performing from 1-3.  It is a nice event with fun vendors and of course there will be food there so make a trip to Greene, Iowa and stop in and say HI.  Till next time this is Becky Litterer from Becky's Greenhouse, Dougherty Iowa

     With being at the Franklin Co fair all last week, this is a fun article to share instead of having all that fair food.  I never thought about using basil flowers in cooking and garnish.  Always something to learn that is for sure.  Picture is one from the of the favorite fair food, the homemade ice cream.  This year we planted the 14" moss wire baskets and they really looked great on the Ice Cream Parlor. 
 
By  Molly Watson
Edible flowers make salads beautiful and add color to any plate when used as a garnish. Larger edible flowers - squash blossoms and daylilies - can even be used as vegetables and sauteed or stuffed. Nasturtiums and Johnny-Jump-Ups are sometimes available at fancy grocery stores; for the others keep your eyes peeled at farmers markets or, if push comes to shove, grow your own edible flowers.
 
Note: Always make sure to buy spray-free flowers grown for human consumption and use them as soon as possible after they've been picked.
 
Bachelor Buttons (a.k.a. Cornflowers)
 
Bachelor Buttons, also known as cornflowers, aren't sharp when you bite them - but they sure look pointy! Their spiky look is their main appeal since their flavor is very mild - almost like a non-crunchy cucumber. Look for Bachelor's Buttons in blue, pink, purple, or white. In the wild, they tend to enjoy the company of poppies and will pop up to add a ​hint of blue or purple to fields of red flowers.
 
Basil Flowers
 
The flowers from basil plants make easy, lovely additions to salads, great garnishes for dishes that have basil in them, and delightful additions to decorate a platter of grilled meats or vegetables. They are usually a soft green but can have white or purple tones. Basil flowers taste like... you guessed it: Basil. Taste basil flowers before using them, since they can be bitter.
 
Borage has brilliant blue flowers that look fabulous in salads or as a garnish. Like Bachelor's Buttons, they have a vaguely cucumber-like taste.
Calendulas
 
Calendulas, also known as marsh marigolds or field marigolds, have a bit of tang (although they're not at all peppery like nasturtiums). Their petals look like daisies and they come in orange or yellow.
 
Carnations
 
Be extra sure to buy carnations that have been raised to be eaten and not sprayed with pesticides. Carnation petals are a bit sweet, a bit spicy and come in a range of soft colors - white and pink look particularly pretty in salads. Taste each flower before using carnations, since they can turn bitter.
 
Chive Blossoms
 
Chive flowers are spiky little white to pink to purple balls that add a decidedly onion-like flavor to dishes.
 
Day Lilies
 
Yes, day lilies are edible. Use them like squash blossoms - stuffed and fried or chopped and added to dishes - rather than adding them to salads or as a garnish like most other edible flowers.
 
Nasturtiums
 
Nasturtiums are probably the best known and most widely available edible flower. Nasturtiums have a real peppery kick (as do the leaves from the plant, which make lovely salads all on their own). Most are yellow or orange, although red nasturtiums are often available as well.
 
Violas (Pansies and Johnny-Jump-Ups)
 
The whole family of Violas can be eaten - from large Pansies to tiny Johnny-Jump-Ups. They have a velvety feel and extremely mild taste that can best be described as a bit like Iceberg lettuce without the crunch. Sometimes pansies have a slightly minty taste, so, as with all flowers, taste them before you use them.
 
 
Zucchini Blossoms / Squash Blossoms
 
Zucchini blossoms can be chopped and sauteed or added to soups, or, in classic Italian style, fried or stuffed with a bit of cheese and then fried.
Taken from https://www.thespruce.com/edible-flowers-
Till next time, this is Becky Litterer from Becky's Greenhouse Dougherty Iowa
 

             The picture is from the church on Pleasant Hill at the Franklin Co Fair.  We filled up the whole space to make it look like a planted garden.  LOOKS awesome.  Now here is the article about attracting hummingbirds in your garden
 
Top 10 Hummingbird Flowers and Plants
 
We have a great plant recommendation in every color. Take a look at these nectar-rich hummingbird flowers and plants in a rainbow of gorgeous colors.
By Stacy Tornio
 
If you know anything about hummingbirds, it’s probably the fact that they can’t resist red. After all, there’s a reason hummer fans fill their gardens with crimson blooms and hang sugar-water feeders splashed with scarlet. But red isn’t the only hue that attracts them. Take a look at these nectar-rich hummingbird flowers in a rainbow of gorgeous colors (including one outstanding red choice). You might just find a new favorite!
 
Green - Flowering tobacco Nicotiana spp.,

annual
Often flying under the radar, this might be one of the best-kept secrets among hummingbird plants. Yes, it is an annual, but once gardeners discover the power of this flower, they eagerly plant it again and again. You can find it in a whole spectrum of colors, including pink, white, red, lavender and the Lime Green cultivar pictured here.
Bonus tip: While it varies by cultivar, this plant is also known for its fragrance. If you like sweet-smelling blooms in the evening, make sure you pick a variety like the white-flowering Fragrant Cloud.
 
Orange - Red hot poker Kniphofia,

Zones 5 to 9
 It’s one of the most dramatic and visually appealing flowers in the garden, pale yellow at the base and bold orange on top. Some varieties, like the First Sunrise cultivar pictured here, have an extra jolt of orange. The plants grow up to 4 feet high and are among the earlier summer bloomers.
Bonus tip: You really want to plant these in well-draining soil. They’re prone to rot in boggy or even moist soil.
 
Yellow - Trumpet honeysuckle Lonicera sempervirens,

Zones 4 to 9
We don’t always recommend honeysuckle—many types are invasive—but this one is an exception worth considering, especially this yellow John Clayton cultivar. It’s native to many areas, and hummingbirds will visit all summer for its nectar. The vine climbs up to 12 feet tall and thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Bonus tip: Make sure you’re buying the right kind of honeysuckle. There are several types; look for Lonicera sempervirens.
 
Blue - Delphinium Delphinium,

Zones 3 to 7
This towering treasure makes a statement at the back of a mixed border, as a vertical accent or in a container. With dozens of blooms on each stem, it gives hummingbirds plenty of nectar sources to share with butterflies and other bugs, too.
Bonus tip: Some varieties, like the Summer Blues pictured here, are a lot bluer than others. For heat tolerance, try the Blue Mirror cultivar.
 
Coral - Trumpet vine  Campsis radicans,

Zones 4 to 9
We see dozens of photos each year of hummingbirds at trumpet vine, and there’s a good reason. They love this sweet beauty! A perennial favorite of both butterflies and hummingbirds, it grows up to 40 feet tall.
Bonus tip: When you plant this stunner, it pays to invest in a good trellis, or put it next to a tree, telephone pole or sturdy fence. If you can provide this vine with good support, it will last for years.
 
Red - Bee balm Monarda,

Zones 3 to 9
How do you choose just one red plant to recommend for hummingbirds? It was a tough decision, but bee balm came out on top. This beauty grows up to 4 feet tall in full sun and starts flowering in midsummer. You can even find several varieties on the market that are resistant to mildew.
Bonus tip: Cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis) came in a close second. It also grows well in Zones 3 to 9 and is about the same height as bee balm. Plant the two in your garden for a greater chance of success.
 
Black - Petunia
If you love petunias but are on the lookout for something a little different, Black Velvet is perfect for you. Petunias have long been used in hanging baskets to attract hummingbirds, and this one will do that with a dash of drama.
Bonus tip: Pair black and red for instant flair. When you add red petunias to your Black Velvets, you’ll have a showstopper that’s also a hummingbird hot spot.
 
purple - Salvia
Salvia spp.,

Zones 4 to 9
 
Annual salvia is a garden favorite, but don’t forget the power of the perennial variety. The blooms can reach 1 to 5 feet tall, flowering in bright shades of purple, indigo, maroon and even red. Grow in full sun, and you’ll probably want to add a few extra for the butterflies, too.
Bonus tip: Many gardeners grow it because it’s a good drought-tolerant option in summer. Don’t forget to grow it in well-draining soil for best results.
 
Heuchera,

Zones 3 to 9
Don’t overlook the power of pink, a color available in many species that we normally think of as having red flowers. Coral bells are also valued for their foliage and shade tolerance. In late spring, the plant sends up attractive, long-lasting wands of tiny flowers that invite hummingbirds all summer long.
Bonus tip: Spend time getting to know the different cultivars, which have some of the garden’s most diverse and beautiful foliage options. It won’t be long until you have your own favorites.
 
White - Viburnum
Every good plant list needs a shrub on it, and these are some of the most versatile, resilient and wildlife-friendly ones available. They have flowers in spring and summer, great foliage in fall and berries from fall to winter.
Bonus tip: Look around to find the right type of viburnum for you. Autumn Jazz is pictured here (Viburnum dentatum ‘Ralph Senior’).
Taken from http://birdsandblooms.com/gardening/plants-and-flowers-to-attract-hummingbirds/top-10-hummingbird-flowers-plants/?2
till next time this is Becky Litterer, Becky's Greenhouse Dougherty Iowa
 

     Pictures from our display at the fair.  Had a good time, enjoy the fair when we are there but now we are back home everything is back, and we are back to work.  Which is ok...we spend our vacation working the Franklin Co Fair but that is good. 
 
  I have been having a little more trouble with allergies this week, then found this article and surprised at some of them that are the Worst Flowers for People with Allergies.
By  Marie Iannotti
           
Flowers are a mixed blessing, for allergy sufferers. They may be beautiful to behold, but many come with irritating pollen that can trigger itchy eyes, runny noses, and general miserableness. Fortunately not all flowers trigger allergies. It seems the more hybridized the plant, the less likely it will have a high level of pollen and the less irritating it will be. But there are still plenty of old-fashioned, high pollen flowers being grown. Thank goodness, or bees and other pollinators would be going hungry.
 
It is not usually the showiest flowers that cause allergies, although some do. Large, brightly colored flowers tend to be magnets for bees and other pollinators and their pollen is often too heavy to float in the air, causing allergic reactions. The plants to really look out for are those whose pollen is light and dusty enough to be transferred by the wind. However that is not a rule, as you will see from the list of allergy plants, below. Also, when any flowers are brought into the confinement of indoors, they can be even more irritating.
 
Here is a list of some common garden plants that people with pollen allergies should try to avoid.
At the top of the list of allergy plants would be most of the plants in the Aster, or Daisy, family (Asteraceae). Even though most are not wind pollinated, many people with allergies are very sensitive to their pollen  Although hay fever symptoms can seem worse in the spring, with the emergence of new plants, it won't end there. Even late season bloomers, like Asters, can be irritants.
 
Baby's Breath  (Gypsophila) is popular in cottage gardens and shows up in many florist bouquets. Although the flowers are small, they can pack a big punch of pollen. It may seem counter intuitive, but the double flowered variety is a better choice than the single flowered types. The double flowers are hybrids that have a low level of pollen. It also  helps that all those petals prevent the pollen from flying off.
 
Dahlia flowers are showy enough to attract many insect pollinators, but these flowers are members of the Aster family and, as such, have pollen that can cause an outbreak of hay fever symptoms throughout summer.
 
If the Aster family includes some of your favorite flowers, take heart. There are some exceptions. The hybrids classified as "formal doubles" have virtually no pollen. These are the fluffy flowers with lots of petals and stamens that have evolve into pollen-less staminoids.
 
Also in the Aster family, daisies may look pristine and tame, but they are very high pollen producers and you will probably see many bees visiting these plants. Although the pollen is not wind transferred, people with allergies should avoid getting too close.
 
 Gerber Daisies          
One of the flashiest members of the Aster family is the Gerber Daisy (Gerbera jamesonii). For all its bling and beauty, it still posses a pollen that can set off sneezing and sniffling. Take care before your bring a bouquet of these into the house.
 
Yet another Aster family member, chamomile can cause double trouble. The plants themselves are producers of irritating pollen, and the flowers are often used to make tea, which can still harbor some irritants.
 
The Aster family resemblance is strong in chrysanthemums, as is the allergy inducing pollen. Mums help stretch the allergy season well into the fall.
 
Ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia) is not considered a garden flower, but it is included here because it is so often confused with goldenrod (Solidago), which is a lovely garden plant that has gotten a bum rap. Goldenrod is not wind pollinated and does not irritate allergies. Ragweed with its weedy, inconspicuous flowers, is pollinated by the wind. Since ragweed tends to grow alongside roads and in vacant lots, the problem is all the more exacerbated. Ragweed is in the Aster family.
 
The sheer size of sunflowers' center disk tells us they have a large amount of pollen and this pollen is dispersed by the wind. Because sunflowers are not fragrant, they often get overlooked as allergy plants.
 
There are some pollen-free sunflower varieties, like 'Apricot Twist' and 'Joker', that are listed as hypoallergenic, because their pollen is too heavy to be wind borne.Since most spring flowering bulbs are not the culprits causing allergy symptoms early in the season, take a look at your trees. Many trees are monoecious, meaning they have separate male and female flowers. For the pollen to get from the male flower to the female flower, it has to travel and wind is often the easiest way to disburse it.It is not the showy, spring flowering trees that are triggering your allergies. Most of those have heavy pollen and their flowers attract insects for pollination. The major culprits to watch for are:
■ Arizona cypress
■ Ash
■ Aspen
■ Beech
■ Birch
■ Box elder
■ Cedar
■ Cottonwood
■ Elm
■ Hickory
■ Mountain cedar
■ Mountain elder
■ Mulberry
■ Oak
■ Pecan
■ Willow
take from https://www.thespruce.com/worst-plants-for-allergies-
Till next time, this is Becky Litterer from Becky's Greenhouse, Dougherty Iowa  

    All intentions to post each day of the fair, but you see that didn't work.  We left at 6 in the morning to water plants, and get ready for the day.  Larry was busy at Grandpa's Farm.  Then got home at ten.  Didn't feel like posting SORRY....but tomorrow I will get back to it again.  The fair went well, it was hot and humid, it rained and then it turned out awesome, perfect weather.  NOW putting everything away and back to work tomorrow for me.  Wed for Larry.  Till next time this is Becky Litterer from Becky's Greenhouse  Dougherty Iowa

       Today moving down all the things to set up the booth area.  2 tent awnings, chairs, tables, coolers, table coverings, signs, miniature garden stuff, junket stuff, air plants.  This morning is a tractor ride which I will help with.  Then I will wait till 4 and we will be in the Franklin Co Fair parade.  Larry pushed me on one of the wagon racks backwards, and has one following him on the tractor.  It is 1 1/2 mile parade.  He always gets comments about that feat.  After the parade we will start setting up the booth area.  It will be a good day but a long day as we need to water the pots, baskets, shrubs that we decorate the fair grounds.  Larry has a tank on the pickup with a generator, and pump with 50 feet of hose to do the watering. We need to be there at 6:30 AM to get this done and then Larry can go to work on the fair grounds for that day's activity. He is on the committee for Grandpa's Farm which is a actual demonstration and working of the old farm equipment.  MORE to come about that this week.
 
Yesterday went well.  Loading and unloading all the plants to sell onto the two wagon racks.  I had taken them down Monday morning, so that was good.  Took 5 of us with traveling time 4 1/2 hours to do this.  But the wagon racks look good.  HOPE good enough for people to buy. 
 
Larry and the committee has been bundling wheat for the last 2 days.  They wanted to get it done before it starts to rain and storm.  That is it dry and going well to do, but it is hard work and being it is so warm will be harder today then yesterday.  The bundles of wheat will be going thru threshing machines during the demonstrations at the fair.  There will be pictures. So come and see what this fair is all about.  LOTS going on, and many people do attend.  Till tomorrow this is Becky Litterer, from Becky's Greenhouse, Dougherty Iowa

      Today we take down the flats of perennials, herbs, succulents, to sell as we have 2 racks of plants at the fair for selling.  Also have several things for the miniature gardens( fairy gardens).  Plus we have planted junket planters so they will be on sale.  Pam Gessford from the Journey's Past will have some things there from her store which are fun to look at and purchase.  Air plants will be there.  Plus new this year are God's Garden Pots.
 
We need to load all of it in a livestock trailer and we double deck the pickup to get all of it in one trip.  I will be pulling the 2 wagon racks this morning empty, then we have them there to unload.  How many years have you been doing this?  I would say 17 years so should know the how to do it by now.  We have had many people help us load and unload and so thankful for that. 
 
Larry will be taking down another tractor and a hayrake for Grandpa's Farm.  They are bundling wheat today.  Yesterday they did 5 large loads of wheat for threshing later this week.  Where they harvest the wheat is the parking lot for the fair so they need to get it done before it rains. 
 
Speaking of weather humid again but hopefully not all week, and hopefully not too many storms.  But this is something we can't change so will do what we can with the weather.  Today the fair grounds will be buzzing with all the committees working on their part of the fair.  I will take pictures and post later.  Enjoy our report of the Franklin Co Fair which is our vacation from Larry's Garage, Becky's Greenhouse. 
Till tomorrow, this is Becky Litterer, Becky's Greenhouse, Dougherty, Iowa

       So this week I am going to be telling you about what I am doing to get ready for the Franklin Co Fair, as it will open up Wed July 19th.  This afternoon, 3 of us will load up all the pots, baskets, trees and shrubs to decorate the fair ground.  I have been known to take 300 down to decorate.  We will decorate the fair grounds with these beautiful pots and containers.  The picture you see is what they look like before we load them all up.  They have to be loaded on a livestock trailer and then placed around.  Our help and I  have worked hard to have these ready for the fair. 
 
West Fork Winners 4-H club did come one evening and planted around 80 of the containers so that helped.  They will be pleasantly surprised how nice they look.
 
What do I do with them after the fair?  They become my garden and I will decorate around the house and the greenhouse with them to enjoy as my garden.  I will enjoy them till it is time to unplant or clean them up.  THEN I wonder why I do so many????  I am asked to sell them, but the size of the containers I would have and expense to replace them so just decide to keep them for our garden and use them next year.  My Independent garden center site understands what I would have to charge to sell them so it is just better to enjoy them at the fair and here at Becky's Greenhouse.  The fun begins and Larry and I are very proud to be part of this fair as it is a great County Fair.  For all of you that have attended it you realize what we have in Franklin Co Iowa for a local fair.  Till next time, this is Becky Litterer, Becky's Greenhouse, Dougherty Iowa