Matthews Living History Farm Museum will open the 2005 season Sunday, April 10th from 2:00 to 6:00 pm.
The Master Gardeners of the Blue Ridge have agreed to plant and care for a 40' X 50' demonstration kitchen garden at the Matthews Farm throughout this year. On the 10th of April they will be presenting Spring garden preparation demonstrations, weather permitting, and will identify 3 areas where the Kitchen Garden, the Dye Garden, and the Herb Garden will be planted. MGBR will be planting typical heritage seeds that were planted in our area at the turn of the century. Members have interviewed friends and neighbors who remember their parents' gardening practices in the early 1900's, which the Master Gardeners intend to demonstrate throughout the season.
Matthews Farm and the Master Gardeners would like to encourage local folks with an interest in gardening who remember gardening tricks and techniques used by their parents & grandparents to come out to the farm and share their knowledge. Topics could include strategies for insect disease and weed control as well as companion planting and fertilization techniques. There will be members available who will document their remembrances along with family names and places where they gardened. If anyone has heritage seeds to share with Matthews Farm they would be greatly appreciated as we want to make the garden as authentic to 1900 as possible.
In addition to early garden preparation, fiber artists will be demonstrating their skills, and some of the men folk may be busying themselves with mending fencing , cleaning and preparing tools, cleaning out fence rows and other farm chores
Bill Rhudy, of Matthews Farm, will be on hand to demonstrate the proper tree pruning. Joining us in the afternoon will be Ellie and Roald Kirby, of Troutdale, entertaining us with Traditional Bluegrass Music. They'll put a smile on your face and a tap in your foot.
Come bring the family and watch the garden's progress throughout the year and see what "tricks" the old timers used to get the best produce for their larders, and enjoy some great music.
To reach Matthews Farm, travel U.S. 58 to Delhart Road, turn left onto Nexus Road, and left onto White Pine Road. Matthews Farm is located at 476 White Pine Road, Galax. Admission to the farm and events is free.
Drinks and snacks will be available for a small fee.
For more information, call (276) 773-3711.