RALEIGH, N.C. — The North Carolina State Fair officially kicks off Thursday, but gardeners have been working on-site in Raleigh since May for the Flower and Garden Show.
All of the blue ribbon winners will be awarded by the time the gates to the fair open Thursday.
What You Need To Know
- Gardeners are choosing their own theme this year for the Flower and Garden Show
- Many have been working on their plot since May
- The winners will be chosen prior to the opening of the fair on Thursday
One gardener we spoke with, Mary Rowland, says they are ready for the public to view all of their hard work.
“Because it is a process, each step along the way has its own satisfaction, so that makes me happy," Rowland said.
The theatre instructor says she has spent 5 or 6 hours a day tending to her garden in preparation for the opening of the crowds. She looks forward to the crowds seeing all of their hard work.
“That’s my goal, is to charm the people who get to see the garden because I want them to think about how happy plants can make you," said Rowland, who has participated in the competition for several years.
The show will be located near the Village of Yesteryear and Heritage Circle.
It will be open daily beginning at 9:45 a.m.