Last year I posted on the growing phenomenon of tree trunk fairy gardens that were popping up on the West Side. Now the Botanical Gardens is hosting a day dedicated to the little pixies and their gnome friends. The event is comprised of a number of facets.
First, there is a Fairy and Gnome House Contest, where community members are invited to construct magical dwellings for their flitting friends. The fairy garden home should be a place that is a natural setting, made of elements that one might find in the woods. Designers are also encouraged to utilize recycled materials. Finished projects must be submitted by April 15, and dropped off at the Botanical Gardens by April 29*. All of the projects will be on display at the Fairy and Gnome Festival on April 30. Schools, individuals, garden clubs and fans of fantasy are welcome to partake. Awards and prizes will be handed out, based on the public’s favorite submissions.
The day of the festival, visitors are invited to roam the garden’s ‘enchanted forest’. Families can participate in a scavenger hunt, visit with feathered friends, take in story time, get faces painting, and explore nature walks. There will also be opportunities to make hand crafted beaded garden stakes and magic wands. Bring your prince and princess to the affair, and let them be part of a magical outing that will have them reminiscing for weeks.
The Fairy and Gnome Festival will take place at the Botanical Gardens on April 30 from 10am-5pm.
The festival is included with Garden admission; $9 for adults, $8 for seniors (55+) and students (13+), $5 for kids 3-12, Garden members and kids two and under are free. Attendees that wear a fairy or gnome costume will receive $1 off admission.
The Fairy Garden Make-It Take-It Workshop is offered at 9am and 3pm on April 30. Kids ages 5-12.
The workshop is $15 for Garden members and $20 for the general public and pre-registration is required as space is limited. Containers, soil and plants are included in the registration fee and participants may purchase pre-made twig furniture for $5 per two pieces before or at the workshop.
*Winners will be chosen at the Festival and various prizes will be awarded. Prizes will include Garden memberships, an hour-long education program at the Gardens for a group and more. The entry fee is $5 for Garden members and $8 for the general public. Go to www.buffalogardens.com or call 827.1584 ext. 292 for more information.
For more information, visit www.buffalogardens.com.