Tom Stebbins Extension Agent University of Tennessee Hamilton County Chattanooga, TN 37416

1. Abstract Master Gardeners of Hamilton County designed and built “Gardening Green”, a large (40’ X 80’) outdoor educational exhibit. The exhibit was divided into 7 theme areas; composting, water conservation, green roofs, xeriscaping, native plants, raised beds and wildlife. Each area had an interactive demonstration. For instance, children could touch and smell warm compost and see the thermometer rise. Another display had water running off a green roof planted in sedum into a rain barrel and then used for trickle irrigation for a raised vegetable bed. The exhibit was displayed at the Hamilton County Fair in September, 2008. Ten thousand people visited the exhibit during the fair. A new theme is created annually. Over 60 Master Gardeners worked on the exhibit as individual committees designed and built each area. Master Gardeners built, displayed and sold 100 birdhouses in the exhibit area as a donation to the Chattanooga Area Food Bank Garden Project. An information tent adjacent to the exhibits had corresponding posters with expanded information. Handouts were kept to a minimum by posting the information at www.MGHC.org. This yearly project serves to train new Master Gardener interns as well as educate the general public. “ Green Roof” and “Rain Barrel” display at the Hamilton County Fair Master Gardeners built a wide variety of wildlife boxes Tom Stebbins Extension Agent University of Tennessee Hamilton County Chattanooga, TN 37416 Master Gardeners demonstrate raised bed vegetable gardening Composting exhibit and demonstration area Master Gardeners answer hundreds of gardening questions at the Hamilton County Fair booth. Master Gardeners teach children how potatoes are grown Impact Approximately 5000 people walked through the exhibits and talked with Master Gardeners. Ongoing rain barrel and compost workshops (5) have continued through the summer. Over 100 people have installed rain barrels or compost bins. Many people commented that “I can do that on my house” and “I didn’t realize that I can save so much money and energy by starting some of these practices.” Demonstration of xeriscaping using drought tolerant plants A novel “periodic chart of green gardening practices” was developed by the Master Gardeners for the Hamilton County Fair.