Cathy Robeson is checking her flower beds once or twice, trying to determine which ones are better than nice to enter at the 2007 Central States Fair on Aug. 16.

A large planter pot of zinnias, ornamental millet, Lotus bertheloti and some small flowers called gold 'n' pearl decorate Robeson's front lawn.

While looking fresh and vibrant, the neighboring pots display heat stress.

"My garden isn't looking too good," she said as she cast a critical eye on her flower beds and planters pots on her front steps.

With triple-digit heat and hot winds this summer, Robeson's garden flowers have struggled to thrive. But the Rapid City Garden Club member with more than a decade of experience has faith that the eventual cooler temperatures will bring new vitality to her struggling plants and flowers.

In two weeks, Robeson's flowers that have the most color, uniform petals and overall vigor will find their way into the Alfalfa Palace at Central States Fairgrounds.

"I never know what I'm going to do until almost that morning when I enter them," Robeson said.

Horticulture superintendents NanCee Maynard, Tamara and Mel Glover of the 2007 Central States Fair understand.

Opening the doors for open class entries from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 16, and from 9 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Friday, Aug. 17, at the Alfalfa Palace, they are amazed at the variety of flowers and garden produce that arrive annually for the fair.

"Judging begins promptly at 1 o'clock," Tamara Glover said of this year's event.

In their first year as superintendents, the Glovers of Rapid City are familiar faces at the historical palace. Competitors in bygone days, the Glovers are looking forward to seeing what this year's entries bring - in spite of the heat.

"My husband I got hooked on it so many years ago. We get a big kick out of it," she said. "It just takes us back to all those summers ago."

And all those summer gardens.

More often than not, the Glovers have had their share of successes. They also have had failures, too. "My husband takes great pride in growing good onions. Last year, we didn't get any good onions, but that's just the way it goes," she said.

She says that she knows this year will be a tough one for people wanting to bring their lush garden flowers and plants to the fair because the weather has been difficult.

They should enter anyway, but with a discerning eye. Any signs of weather damage, insect damage or pesticide residue will lead to immediate disqualification.

"Hard-core gardeners are going to try their favorite species no matter what. In the horticulture area, plants are going toward drought-hardy herbs and perennials. If we want to survive as gardeners, we have to change and learn to be more water wise," Glover said.

Public viewing of the horticulture exhibits begins at noon Aug. 18, and concludes at 7 p.m. Aug. 22.

Entries include vegetables, fruits, annual and perennial flowers, bulbs and tubers, wildflowers, three categories of houseplants, cactus, succulent plants, flowering or non-flowering outdoor plants, adult and children's flower arrangements, wreaths and orchids.

Although drought-resistant plants, besides cactus, have yet to become a sub-division at fair, Glover is expecting a decent turn out in all other areas, as is Robeson.

Gardeners bring their entries to fair because it's fun, she said. "It's got to be for the pure love of gardening," Robeson said.