Stop by the Home and Garden Pavilion
By Carol Stender
cstender@agrinews.com
Date Modified: 08/09/2010 3:32 PM
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GILFILLAN, Minn. —Landscaping, flower arranging and container gardens can make some people steer away from annuals and perennials. But its honestly not that difficult, says Mo Therkilsen of Comfrey.
Therkilsen and her sister, Liz Olson, will discuss gardening and garden plans at the Craft, Toy, Home and Garden Pavilion during Farmfest Aug. 3-5.
The two will discuss plants and landscaping each day. Therkilsen, owner of Sunrise Gardening located on the family farm, will focus on container planting and landscaping while Olson, a nine year employee of Marc's on Main in Dawson, will talk about floral arrangements.
Therkilsen has worked with Farmfest since 2006. She provides display plants to vendors during the annual farm show. A year ago, Therkilsen discussed hosting seminars for gardeners helping them with the plant concerns. The topics were chosen because of their popularity amongst gardeners, she said.
Her own love for plants started on her family's dairy farm. Her enthusiasm for plants was peaked by her father's interest in gardening and her sister's talents with plants.
When Therkilsen considered starting her own business, gardening and plant sales seemed a natural.
In March of 2005, her husband told Therkilsen it was a great time to get a start on her business. She started with a 20-foot by 20-foot green house tent and old school bus to raise the plants and transport them to Jeffers to sell.
The business proved popular and a 32-foot by 80-foot greenhouse was built. They now have five green houses.
"It's just one of those things that took off," Therkilsen said.
Olson is also excited about plants and has a talent for floral and plant arrangements. They combine their efforts for Farmfest, Therkilsen said.
The gardening programs include container planting, landscaping with perennials and basic gardening tips. The tips involve planting, composting and designing annual and vegetable gardens.
Also on the program is Esther Duncan with the Farm Woman's Apron Project.
The Craft, Toy, Home and Garden Pavilion also features a number of vendors. The tent is located between gates 2 and 3. It is a one-stop shop featuring a multitude of products and services related to entertaining, decorating and home improvement.