WESTPORT — Jo Ann and John “Jigs” Gardner are spearheading are a committee looking to restore Floral Hall to its intended purpose.

The building at the Essex County Fairgrounds was meant to be a tribute to the fair by Essex County gardeners.

It’s the Essex County Fair’s 160th year at the Westport site. Floral Hall was constructed in 1885 and renovated several years ago.

“It’s a shame it’s not fully used,” Jo Ann said. “It’s a beautiful fairground with a great history.

“We want to highlight the Floral Hall at the fair,” she said.

“This building was neglected, as far as agriculture, and going downhill,” John said. “We really want to hit the people when they come in.”

Though there are always entries in gardening and arts and crafts, in recent years, Floral Hall has, to a great extent, been occupied by vendors. While some are booths display agency public information, others promote candidates or sell services, sometimes imported merchandise.

The Floral Hall display that’s being planned for this year’s five-day fair would occupy one wing of the building and have an actual flower garden, as well as flower pots loaned by residents from throughout Essex County.

Plans call for two areas, 12 and 19 feet in length, delineated by picket fences.

Among the plants requested are bedding verbena, drought-tolerant perennials or herbs, geraniums, marigolds, petunias, snapdragons, sweet alyssum and zinnias. However, any flowering plant is welcome, the Gardners said.

The names of contributors will be listed. The potted plants may be picked up at the end of the fair or donated to a silent auction, with the proceeds to benefit the Floral Hall. A demonstration table is planned for presentations on a variety of topics, including flower arranging.

The committee also hopes to create a display of old fair photos.

The Gardners “lived in the wilds for 30 years” on a farm located on Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia. They have written numerous magazine articles and several books, including “Gardens of Use and Delight,” which was published in 2002.

Since coming to Westport, they have worked on the creation of the flower garden in Ballard Park, as well as helping to beautify Horace Nye Nursing Home in Elizabethtown.

“We want to do the best we can with the resources we have,” Jo Ann concluded.