More than 270 garden enthusiasts traveled from all around Michigan and a few surrounding states to attend the 19th annual Garden Day on Friday, organized by the MSU Horticulture Gardens.
Garden Day attendees could listen to two keynote speakers, eat lunch, visit two of the 12 workshops and purchase items from vendors, such as plants, garden accessories, jewelry and handcrafted pottery.
Dr. Art Cameron, director of the MSU Horticulture Gardens, said he has been involved in Garden Day since it started. Cameron ran the Cultivating Creativity in the Garden workshop, where he taught both new and advanced gardeners some artistic additions for their gardens.
“What I really like is the excitement of the group,” Cameron said. “New and old attendees (sharing) the importance of plants in everyday life.”
More than 25 staff members, volunteers and student workers helped run Garden Day.
Among them was Christine Mangiavellano, a horticulture senior and student worker in the MSU Horticulture Gardens, who said she enjoys the workshops at Garden Day because of their detail.
Garden Day participation cost $75 for MSU Horticulture Garden members, $85 for nonmembers and $95 for all registrations after July 22.
Cameron said the event raises funds to keep the gardens alive, but Garden Day’s purpose is to be an enjoyable event for everyone.
“(Making revenue is) not the only reason we do it,” Cameron said. “We would probably do it even if we (didn’t) make any money.”
After about a year of planning and preparation, MSU Department of Horticulture garden program coordinator Jennifer Sweet said it was nice to see Garden Day in action.
“It’s such a popular program because it’s been in the community for years,” Sweet said. “(My favorite part is) to see it all come together and seeing the attendees enjoying it.”
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