The dirt flies as landscapers compete

The sixth annual State Fair Fall Garden Exhibition will showcase landscape design, front and center, for everyone to enjoy. North Texas professionals come together in a friendly competition that turns ordinary planting beds into extraordinary, living spaces. Designs are on view throughout Fair Park during the State Fair of Texas, Sept. 28 – Oct.21. Winners will be announced in an Opening Day ceremony on Sept. 28.

In a contest that's all about growing, it's only fitting that the competitors have followed suit. Starting with eight landscaping companies in 2002, the rivalry has expanded to more than 50. Participants must plant and maintain beds for the 24-day run of the Fair. Each landscaper's design is clearly marked and company literature is available to guests. From 2 - 4 p.m. each Sunday, representatives at each plot answer questions. It's the perfect chance to ask an expert, and it offers a free look at how professionals meet plant challenges, including light availability, hardiness, adaptability, color, texture, shape and size. Local family-owned-and-operated Absolutely Bushed picked up Best of Show in 2006.

Art is part of the mix – elements made of wire, metal or stone will provide a counterpoint to the greenery. David Hickman, Texas State Three-Dimensional Artist of 2004, will present a commissioned sculpture of colorful steel and aluminum butterflies near Big Tex. The renovation of Tex's green space will be tackled by the combined efforts of Texas Pure Products, Professional Difference, and Hines Horticulture.

The Bosque Lacebark Elm, "official tree" of the 2007 State Fair of Texas, is easy to spot. When the tree's trunk reaches a diameter of three inches or more, its shedding bark exposes a rich display of gray, orange and green. Trees are numbered and placed throughout the grounds. Fairgoers interested in purchasing one of the lacebarks can visit the Preservation Tree sales booth on East Park Plaza. Delivery and installation are available.

Contact: Public Relations, 214-421-8715 or pr@bigtex.com.