South Carolina Smiles and Places 2008 Official Vacation Guide - (Page 60) LET’S GO TOA GARDEN PARTY! I By Joquita Burka t’s almost a primal urge. The weather changes from blistering heat to soothingly cool. One of the most entertaining ways to enjoy the benefits of all those who sow—and reap—beautiful plants and abundant flowers is at one of our state’s many festivals. There’s music, food, usually a Miss Something-or-other, and loads of plants and flowers. Festivals are so much fun that just about every town has one. Here are just a few that will inspire, entertain and thrill you even if you don’t know a spade from trowel. In the spring, the Farmers’ Markets come alive with plants, flowers, garden décor and equipment, plus arts and crafts. Some of the more delicious concessions include homemade breads, candies, jams and jellies. It is the perfect way to shake off the winter doldrums. Timed for the ideal fall planting season—roughly six weeks before the first hard frost—the autumn festivals are a sure place for fall vegetable plants, loads of mums, snapdragons, pansies and ornamental cabbages. Local farmers bring in the honey, apples and sweet potatoes grown nearby. And the children spend long, thoughtful moments choosing just the perfect pumpkin. Or, conversely, after months of bitter chill the FESTIVALS AT THE STATE FARMERS’ MARKET COLUMBIA STATE FARMERS’ MARKET 1001 Bluff Rd. Columbia, SC 29201 803-737-4664 sun suddenly begins to warm your face. And it hits you— the urge to dig in the earth. It’s planting time. Spring or fall it happens. We feel the need to pull on our old jeans, drag out the gardening equipment and plant something. Fortunately, many people in our state share that urge and can either supply the plants you need or let you enjoy the fruits of their considerable labor without lifting a shovel. MIDLANDS PLANT & FLOWER FESTIVAL April 17-20, 2008 GREENVILLE STATE FARMERS’ MARKET 1354 Rutherford Rd. Greenville, SC 29609 864-244-4023 PIEDMONT PLANT & FLOWER FESTIVAL May 1-4, 2008 AUTUMNFEST AT THE MARKET Sept. 26-28, 2008 PEE DEE STATE FARMERS’ MARKET 2513 W. Lucas St. Florence, SC 29501 843-665-5154 SOUTHERN PLANT & FLOWER FESTIVAL April 10-13, 2008 PEE DEE FALL PLANT & FLOWER FESTIVAL Oct. 3-5, 2008 60 South Carolina Smiles 2008
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