THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, July 22, 1994 TAG: 9407200113
SECTION: CHESAPEAKE CLIPPER PAGE: 04 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY ERIC FEBER, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Medium: 74 lines
IT'S JULY in Chesapeake, and that means sweltering days in the 90s with lots of humidity.
Like tourists vacationing at a beach, Hampton Roads' ubiquitous crepe myrtle trees love this summer weather. They thrive in it.
And since it's been so hot and humid this July, crepe myrtles are now in full bloom all over the area. You've seen 'em everywhere: small, twisting trees usually planted by the curb with easy-to-peel, brittle bark and those lovely soft buds of pink, lavender or white flowers.
To celebrate this tree, the McDonald Garden Centers in Western Branch and in Virginia Beach, Hampton and Newport News are all staging annual Crepe Myrtle Festivals this weekend.
The folks at the McDonald Garden Centers call the crepe myrtle ``The Tree of 100 Days.''
``The crepe myrtle is such a great tree for this area,'' said Pat Overton, director of marketing and advertising for McDonald Garden Centers. ``When it gets hot and humid, the crepe puts on a show. This summer, they're really blooming.''
The crepe myrtles begin to bloom in late June and are in full bloom after the Fourth of July, lasting through August and sometimes into September, Overton said.
The festival will be a learn-about-crepe-myrtle event, but also will include some fun for the family.
``We put an emphasis on plants and plant knowledge,'' Overton said.
Overton said experts will be on hand to talk about this hardy summer tree, which is a good choice for your yard or stoop. She said the trees range from a small mounding growth to ones more than 20 feet tall with colors ranging from white and pink to lavender and deep cedar red.
``The crepe myrtle is also water wise and a tough plant,'' she said. ``And tourists who come to our area love the trees. They always want to take one home.''
Chesapeake's Crepe Myrtle Festival will feature the Portsmouth-Chesapeake-Suffolk Iris Society as well as a bake sale by the Portsmouth Mothers of Twins Club.
The Virginia Beach location at 1144 Independence Blvd., will feature participation by the Master Tree Stewards, the Tidewater Rose Society, Cape Henry Audubon Society, Tidewater Day Lily Society and the Tidewater Iris Society.
Overton said the festival will include a Name-Game Contest where participants can win in-store coupons.
And if you're an avid gardener, bring in your huge tomato or pepper or the one in the shape of the Washington Monument for the Top Tomato/Top Pepper Contest. All entries must be in by noon Saturday.
While mom and dad ooh and aah over the crepe myrtles and other plants and flowers, the kids will have fun at Aunt Myrte's Garden, where they will receive free balloons and other surprises. In addition, all the centers will feature an appearance by a friendly purple dinosaur.
Each location will hand out free official Crepe Myrtle Festival programs, containing a brief history of the Crepe Fest, facts about the tree and its growth habits, horticulture facts and tips, a calendar of garden events, store maps and coupons.
Hungry at the festival? No need to eat bark or look for edible plants. Vendors will offer hot dogs, barbecue, snacks and cold drinks. Pink Crepe Myrtle Festival T-shirts also will be on sale. MEMO: FEST FACTS
What: The Annual Crepe Myrtle Festival.
When: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday.
Where: McDonald Garden Center, 3925 Portsmouth Blvd., Western Branch.
Also at the McDonald Garden Center, 1144 Independence Blvd., Virginia
Beach.
Cost: Free. Call 465-1110 for more information. by CNB