The show runs through 5 p.m. today and will also be held on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
At the mall’s center court, Matthew Stevens, a Halifax County extension agent, discussed composting and other ecological approaches to gardening.
“Composting improves the soil,” Stevens explained. “They hold water and nutrients.”
A compost pile is easy to make and simply includes things like eggshells, orange peels and newspapers. “Everybody’s got things like this,” he said of a display with some of the common composting items.
He also discussed rain barrels, which are used to collect rainwater from downspouts and roofs to prepare for dry spells.
Stevens said the barrels come with a hose attachment and are perfect for watering gardens.
The Roanoke Valley Farmers Market, which opens next Saturday, will have them for sale for $40.
The latest in kitchen furnishings is islands, said Matthew Angle of Lake Country Kitchens & Baths on Roanoke Avenue.
“Islands are happening,” he said. “Why not have one in the middle of the kitchen?”
Islands vary in colors and there are even ones with 3 inch butcher block tops, Angle said. “Cabinetry is a good investment.”
The Roanoke Rapids Sanitary District had its own display.
“Everybody has water from our district,” said Billing Clerk Lisa Lynch.
Lynch said the district explains ways to avoid pouring grease down drains such as pouring it in jars and throwing it in the trash.
For people who have gardens, the district has an irrigation meter, Lynch said. The water provider also explains proper watering methods such as not over watering and advising people not to water in the heat of the day.
The district was also letting people know online bill pay is available at www.rrsd.org and that bank drafts are available.
Justin Blackmon, a utility engineer for the district, said the organization will also have a kiosk to accept credit and debit card payments.
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