Submitted by UC Mariposa Master Gardener – Lorri MacDonald
The Mariposa Library, in cooperation with UC Mariposa Master Gardeners, held a free Fairy Woodland Workshop on Sunday, August 4th. Enchanting and creative fairy habitats were created with a spirit of play and wonder by children and adults alike. Abby Miller, a library assistant, provided a plethora of materials from paint to pinecones for the participants to create their unique vision of a fairy garden. There were also several library books on fairy garden crafting available for reference. After some initial instruction and a rundown of the supplies available, workshop participants dove in with playful abandon.
Mariposa Master Gardeners: Lorri MacDonald; Jeanne-Ann Pine; Kris Rogers and Vivian White, provided support and made sure the glue guns were always filled. This is the second year of this well-attended workshop. Several of last year’s gardens were on display to provide inspiration.
As Abby Miller noted, “This was a wonderful opportunity for multiple generations of participants to work together to create their own magical scenes where any fairy would surely be delighted to find themselves.”
Last year, the Fairy gardens created during the workshop were displayed in the Horticulture building during the 2023 Mariposa County Fair. As a result of the popularity of last year’s Fairy Garden displays, fair officials have, for the first time, introduced several Fairy Garden categories for winning ribbons, including both a live and dried plant material.
Entry is open to the public and the deadline for entering a fairy garden is Friday, August 23rd. Completed entries will be received on Thursday, August 29th from 1-7 pm at the Horticulture building. Entry forms can be obtained from the Fairgrounds office, 5007 Fairgrounds Road. Mariposa, CA 95338. (209) 966-2432, or entrants can register online, https://www.mariposafair.com/fair, for a $2 entry fee. The 2024 Mariposa County Fair runs from August 30-September 2.
UC Master Gardeners of Mariposa County are located in Mariposa at 5009 Fairgrounds Rd. Visit our website and Facebook page (UC Master Gardeners of Mariposa County) for more gardening information and events. UC Master Gardeners staff a Helpline serving Mariposa County, including Greely Hill, Coulterville, and Lake Don Pedro (209)-966-7078 or mgmariposa@ucdavis.edu). Listen to us on the radio at KRYZ 98.5 Mariposa on Wednesdays at 2:00 and Saturdays at 5:00.
NEW category for entry in the Mariposa County Fair