Tent Talks and A Purposeful Wander of Wonder Activity Series NEW at the Cape May County 4-H Fair

CAPE MAY COURT HOUSE – “Tent Talks” are a new addition to the annual Cape May County 4-H Fair. The “Tent Talks,” part of the Backyard Farmer Educational Series, are short, hands-on lectures that connect the general public to local experts in a variety of agricultural topics. They will take place on Saturday, July 22 during the 4-H Fair, starting at 11 a.m.
The 4-H Fair is on July 20, 21 and 22 at the 4-H Fairgrounds, 355 Court House – South Dennis Rd., Cape May Court House.
The following 30 minute talks and demonstrations are scheduled to take place next to “Irma’s Herb Garden”:
11 a.m. – “Medicinal Herbs” with Norma Lindbloom Cruz. Norma is an experienced herbalist and wild plant forager with a wealth of knowledge on their practical use.
12 Noon – “Beach Plums: The Official Fruit of Cape May County” with Joe Alvarez, Recording Secretary, Cape May County Beach Plum Association. Joe will provide an introduction to this native, delicious fruit and give tips on growing your own.
1 p.m. – “Backyard Chicken Husbandry” with Jennifer Sawyer, Rutgers Cooperative Extension Master Gardener Coordinator for Cape May County. A short talk on the basics of keeping a small number of hens for eggs. Discussing breed choice; housing and feeding requirements; basic husbandry.
2 p.m. – “Three Sisters Native American Gardening” with Nancy Hart, Rutgers Master Gardener since 2013. A Native American traditional planting of three vegetable seeds – corn, beans and squash, which represent the most important native crops. When planted together, the three sisters work together to help one another thrive and survive.
3 p.m. – “Vermicomposting: Compost with Worms!” with Linda Conover, Rutgers Master Gardener since 2008. Don’t throw away those vegetable scraps! Vermicomposting is a great way to reduce organic waste in landfills and recycle useful resources. Composting worms convert food scraps and other waste into worm castings. Adding castings to soil builds structure, retains moisture and helps diversify soil microbes which make plants happy! Learn the benefits of having a composting worm bin, what to feed, things they need and ways to use the castings.
4 p.m. – “Basic Beekeeping” with Jennifer Sawyer, a local beekeeper and member of Jersey Cape Beekeepers Association. She will discuss the basics of a honeybee colony and how to get started beekeeping.
Also new this year, the Rutgers Master Gardeners of Cape May County will be hosting “A Purposeful Wander of Wonder” activity series at Irma’s Garden during the 4-H Fair.
Irma’s Garden, an established perennial herb garden on the 4-H grounds, is five years in the making. The garden is a lasting memorial to Irma McVey, a long time Rutgers Master Gardener, who is remembered for her love of educating children and growing herbs in her home garden. The Rutgers Master Gardeners designed and maintain the garden and utilize it as a teaching area.
Rutgers Master Gardeners Brenda Church and Barbara Douglass will conduct tours of the herb garden and discuss four topics during the tours and hands-on activities: “Meet Charlie the Caterpillar” about the lifecycle of butterflies; “Butterfly Facts & Fables;” and “Interactive Garden Tours” – utilizing your senses to explore the garden. Additionally, participants will be able to make their own herbal bath salts and herbed vinegars. All ages are welcome! From children to the young at heart.
The activities and tours last about 30 minutes and will take place each day of the fair at 3:30, 4:30, 6:30 and 7:30 p.m. Don’t forget to stop at the garden Hospitality Table and enjoy some herbal refreshments from cooling herbal waters to lavender cookies.
Please call (609) 465-5115 ext. 3605 for more information. Learn more about the Cape May County 4-H Youth Development Program and the 4-H Fair at cmc4h.com.