The Brucemore mansion can be seen from the estate's formal garden during a past Garden and Art Show in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. (photo/Cindy Hadish)

The Brucemore mansion can be seen from the estate’s formal garden during a past Garden and Art Show in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. (photo/Cindy Hadish)

CEDAR RAPIDS – You can’t walk away from the Brucemore Garden and Art Show without learning something new, and often, buying something new, as well.

Gardening experts offer tips on raised beds, insect identification, heirloom vegetables and much more, while vendors sell garden art, pottery, jewelry and other artwork.

Marketing and program director, Tara Richards, notes that the “Chew on This” area will return and feature composting and worm demonstrations, local food educational and interactive displays, local food sales and sampling, and free compost from the Cedar Rapids Linn County Solid Waste Agency.

Scheduled activities in the “Chew on This” area include:

  • 10:00 – 12:00: Old Fashioned Lawn Games
  • 1:00 – 2:00: Watermelon Seed Spit-Off (Three $25 Hy-Vee gift certificates will be given to winners of categories—women, men, and children 12 and under.)
  • 2:00 – 3:00: Hy-Vee Dietitians Food Demonstration/Sampling

Here is more about Saturday’s event, from Brucemore:

The annual Brucemore Garden & Art Show will return Saturday, August 24 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. amidst the historic charm of the Brucemore gardens and landscape, 2160 Linden Dr. SE.

More than 60 artists and garden vendors from across the Midwest will share their expertise by showcasing unique products, vivid presentations, and pertinent information, including ceramics, plantings, jewelry, sculpture, glass, textiles, and more.

Educational opportunities will captivate attendees, whether it’s engaging in a one-on-one conversation, participating in an interactive display, or listening to a featured lecture.

The Linn County Master Gardeners, Ceramics Center, and Hy-Vee will lead relevant presentations on the festival’s main stage.  The Linn County Master Gardeners will showcase several displays and demonstrations in the Formal Garden, including raised-bed garden creation, insect identification, and heirloom vegetable care.

Plant vendors and horticultural organizations will share unusual and standard specimens, and artists will eagerly discuss their original paintings, pottery, and more.

The 2013 show will continue its rich tradition of incorporating hands-on activities for families.  Children can decorate flower pots with mosaic pieces, fire raku, and participate in a clay activity with the Ceramics Center.

For the fourth year, the special section “Chew on This” will highlight organic and locally grown food with interactive displays, heirloom tomato tasting, frozen custard tasting, old fashioned lawn games, watermelon seed spitting contests, an insect petting zoo, and more.

Cedar Rapids Linn County Solid Waste Agency will provide free compost to all interested attendees.

Tickets are sold at the gate the day of the event or online at www.brucemore.org.  Admission is $6.00 per person. Children 10 and under are free when accompanied by an adult. Parking is off-site.

Shuttle service is available from Washington High School throughout the day. Handicap parking is available on-site by entering the First Avenue gate only. No pets, coolers, outside food, or weapons allowed during the event. Food and beverage vendors will be available on-site.

The Brucemore Garden and Art Show is sponsored by Cedar Rapids Linn County Solid Waste Agency and Penford Products.  For further information on the Brucemore Garden and Art Show, please call (319) 362-7375 or visit www.brucemore.org.