July 31, 2009
NEWS RELEASE
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Extension Notes
Donna Fryman
Fleming County Extension Office |
Quilt Block Gardens are Agritourism Adventures
Take a driving tour to see all our Ohio River Valley has to offer. There are over 100 barn quilts showcased on our beautiful barns. A new project designed to enhance the Barn quilts is the Quilt Block Garden project. Groups and Businesses in three counties have signed on to this program. The Cooperative Extension Service offices in the Ohio River Valley Region initiated this project. Gardens depicting quilt block patterns with the use of flowers is a new way to use plants to beautify the landscape in the region.
Let’s start the journey. Take a drive out Elizaville Road in Fleming County and view the first quilt block garden located at the Fleming County Extension Office. The Simons Middle School CYFAR students designed and planted a 12 foot square quilt block garden that showcases the 100th anniversary celebration of 4-H in KY. The 4-H youth graphed out a design of a traditional quilt block that resembles four H’s. With the help of several adult leaders a frame was made for the raised bed garden. Additional donations of labor and delivery of soil were provided by Par-a-dox Farms. Adults and youth planted the 424 plants to form the quilt block design. Most of the plants are considered herbs and feature parsley and marigolds.
Travel to the river city of Vanceburg to see another quilt block garden. This eight foot square quilt block garden is located on the lawn of the Lewis County Courthouse. It was crafted by the Workforce Improvement class of the Lewis County High School. Dees Greenhouse donated flowers for this project and the Lewis County Fiscal Court donated land for the garden. The quilt pattern is called Puritan Star.
Three other quilt block gardens are located in Bracken County where many agritourism destinations can be found. The Lavender Hills of Kentucky Farm on Conrad Ridge Rd in the southeastern part of Bracken County created a quilt block garden. The mother-daughter team of Judy Brothers and Denise Scaringi choose the quilt pattern called Fair and Square. They planted their eight foot square with salvia and impatiens. While there, visit their gift shop featuring many lavender items.
Travel to the river town of Augusta. There you will find a quilt block garden at the Parkview Inn Restaurant. Phil and Jenny Rice planted their Grandmother’s Flower Garden design with 208 impatiens plants. This garden has brought a lot of attention to this area of town. While visiting the garden at 103 West Second Street in Augusta, stop in for a delicious meal or tasty dessert and coffee.
While in Bracken County also visit Hillside Orchard and Country Store owned and operated by Ron and Jodi Nadicksbernd. Their farm is located off the AA highway in Northern Bracken County. You can’t miss the signs. Ron and Jodi chose the quilt block pattern called Churn Dash. They planted their eight foot square with marigold, vinca, petunias and dusty miller. While touring plan to visit their country store for gifts of food, crafts or enjoy an ice cream sundae or soda and then take a walk through their orchard.
If you would like more information on the quilt block garden project and the agritourism destinations, contact your local Extension office or visit KY Farms are Fun Website at www.kentuckyfarmsarefun.com
Fleming County Extension Office
