Flora Fest is a good way to welcome and celebrate springtime.  The annual festival sponsored by the Charlotte County Master Gardeners, will be held on Saturday, April 30th from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Charlotte County Extension Office at 133 LeGrande Avenue in Charlotte C.H.  Activities throughout the day include the Spring Plant Sale, lavender products from Evergreen Lavender Farm, lectures, Herb Sale and Herbal lunch.

     The day's lectures feature Bonnie Swanson, Evergreen Lavender Farm at 9 a.m. who will share her knowledge of lavender including culinary, health, beauty and decorative aspects of this wonderful plant.  At 10 a.m. Katie Martin, District Wildlife Biologist, will be speaking about the American Black Bear.  She will discuss the habitat and habits of the black bear as it relates to Southside Virginia.

     A partner in the day's events is the Southside Virginia Herb Society.  Their herb plant sale will be held across the street from the Extension Office at Village Presbyterian Church.  The Herb Plant Sale will feature all types of herbs including ones you don't often find locally.  A handmade throw rug will be raffled off at $1 per ticket.  Booklets featuring Easy Herbal Crafts, Culinary Herbs and Herbs and Spices of the Holy Bible will be offered for sale.

     An eat in or take out herb lunch will be served from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the church Fellowship Hall.  The $5 lunch will consist of a sandwich, a snack and homemade cookies.  Bottled water and tea will also be for sale along with extra cookies.

     The Southside Virginia Herb Society is a group of area residents interested in learning about herbs, promoting herb use and sharing herbal knowledge with others.  A major goal of the Society's work is to sponsor a scholarship program for students interested in agriculture or horticulture.  Proceeds from this event fund the scholarship program.  So please join the fun to help out a local college bound student.