Garden Fair

Garden Fair 

March 21, 2026 
9:00 am - 3:00 pm 
Putnam County Fairgrounds 
Greencastle, IN 

ABOUT THE GARDEN FAIR
The Garden Fair is free because we want as many people as possible to attend. Helping gardeners and community members learn and grow is one of our primary missions. The money raised through booth rentals, donations, and food sales, all fund the Putnam County Master Gardener Association educational events throughout the year.   

THEME FOR 2026 

The theme of the event for 2026 is Trees & Bees. 

SHOP
Browse our local vendors displaying garden related products, services, and crafts. They are passionate about plants and landscapes just like you!

DEVOUR
Savor delicious savory lunch options and tempting homemade desserts at our food vendor.

LEARN
Stop by the Putnam County Master Gardener booth to ask questions about your garden, landscape, or houseplants, and grab a free tree!  Also, visit the Purdue Extension booth to discover how you can become a Master Gardener or learn more about the valuable impact Purdue Extension has on our community. Stop by and check out one of the fantastic speakers listed below.

2026 Speaker Line Up!

We will have three speakers throughout the day offering educational presentations. New this year is two hands-on demonstrations!

Presentations

Native Bees
Presented by Mike Seib, Seib Hoosier Honey
9:30 AM 

 

Tree Pruning 
Presented by Ryan Lough, Arborist/Horticulturist with Saveatree 
10:30 AM 
 
Soil importance
Presented by Pete Stuart, Cultuvate HC
11:30 AM 

 

Demonstrations 

TRee Grafting 
Presented by Matt Chandler, Chandler's Orchard
1:00 PM 
 
Mason House Building - Make & Take Home!*
Presented by Putnam County Master Gardener Association Members 
2:00 PM 

 

Free Trees Available!

The Putnam County Master Gardener Association is excited to continue their traditional of handing out free trees at Garden Fair.  This is possible thanks to the generous financial contribution of First National Bank, Neier, Inc., and Buzzi Unicem. 

Below you will find information about the free trees that will be available. 

The black gum (Nyssa sylvatica) is a medium-sized tree recognized for its glossy green leaves, nearly horizontal branches, and bark resembling alligator hide. It produces dark-blue fruits in late September that attract birds and displays striking red to maroon foliage in the fall. Although it prefers moist, well‑drained soils, it can also grow in dry upland areas and is native to Indiana.

 

White pine (Pinus strobus) is a towering conifer native to the eastern United States, known for its height, often reaching 65 to 100 feet. This tree is distinguished by its five-needle clusters made from blue-green needles that can grow 2 to 4 inches long and remain on the tree for two to three years. Its bark starts smooth and dark in young trees, developing into deeply furrowed ridges as it matures. The cones of the white pine are often coated with white sap. Preferring moist, acidic, and well-drained soils, it is the only five-needled pine found in Indiana.

The flowering dogwood (Cornus Florida) is a small Indiana native tree known for its showy white spring blossoms and striking red to maroon fall foliage. It features opposite, simple leaves with veins that curve along the edges toward the tip. Its bark has a rough, light‑ to medium‑gray alligator‑like texture. This is a smaller tree with ranges in height from 15 to 30 feet tall.  It prefers well-drained, moist, slightly acidic soils. 

Gray dogwood (Cornus racemosa) is a small Indiana native tree known for its small, white flower clusters, white fruits, and persisting red fruit pedicels.  It will tolerate poor, wet soils, drought, full sun, and full shade.  It ranges in height from 6 to 15 feet. 

New in 2026! Photography Contest

Calling all Gardening and Photographers! Let’s showcase the Garden and Nature through still photography! More information can be found at the link below.

Photography Contest Rules

Questions?

Please contact Jenna Nees at Purdue Extension for more information about this event.  Jenna can be reached at 765-653-8411 or smith535@purdue.edu. 

 

 

If you are in need of accommodations to attend this program, please contact Jenna at 765-653-8411 or smith535@purdue.edu by March 1st.  If you need an interpreter or translator, please contact Jenna at 765-653-8411 or smith535@purdue.edu by March 1st. 

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