Look for 2010 dates coming soon

The MGA Plant Sale will run from March 26 through March 31, 2009. With 30% more plants, more varieties in virtually every area, and many new items, this year's sale will be the most exciting ever. The Arboretum has seen many improvements since last year making the visit even more enjoyable. The layout is similar to last year, as we continue to refine routing and systems to make the shopping experience easier. Mark your calendar and don't miss this sale!

The teams for each for the respective plant areas has been at work for nearly a year to come up with the best selection of plants ever. As usual, all are locally grown making them ready for the adjustment from garden pot to your landscape. Varieties are selected to maximize drought tolerance, disease resistance, deer and slug resistance, etc. PLUS, Master Gardeners will be on hand to provide expert advice on selecting the right plant for the right place in your yard.

There are over 250 different plant offerings this year including more than 30 interesting new items in the annuals and perennials section. Keep in mind that quantities are limited so shop early for the best selection.

All but 9 of the annuals and perennials qualify as drought tolerant by the definition that they can go for a minimum of one week without watering.

• Some of the new ones are variegated ajuga called 'Zebrina', and an insect and disease free Amsonia.
• Also new is the Serena series of Angelonia which is shorter than and not as floppy as regular Angelonia, a couple of new Coreopsis ('Sunray" and "Sunshine Superman'), and 3 varieties of hard to find Echinacea.
• In addition there will be non-blooming hibiscus with gorgeous brilliant pink and orange foliage, Hyacinth Bean Vine with wonderful flowers and very attractive bright purple beans, and both Mexican Hat Plant and Mexican Bird of Paradise.
• Three new salvias are added as well as 'Cut and come Again' zinnias, larkspur, very hard to find 'Polygonum' (also known as false Solomon's Seal), Pulmonaria with flowers containing pink and blue on the same blossom, 'Zephyranthes' more easily called rain lilies because they tend to bloom after a rain.
• And this year, we finally have Cross Vine which has been sought for years. We are offering a seedless morning glory that has deep blue flowers in the morning which turn purple in the afternoon, and we have 2 new spectacular Begonias (available only in hanging baskets).
  
  
• There are about 50 different varieties of ornamental shrubs with Cordyline, Daphne Odora, Fringe Tree, and climbing roses being newcomers to the list of traditional favorites.
  
  
• We will have brand new to the market yellow Knock Out roses added to our regular selection. We will also have Quince which we have never carried before and is an often asked for selection.
  
  
• There will be 18 varieties of spring blooming azaleas and an additional 6 varieties of Encores.
  
  
• We have increased to nearly 30 distinct herbs and spices, not including 9 different scented geraniums, 8 varieties of basil, 7 varieties of mint (including Kentucky Colonel and Mint Julep), 6 different sages, and a shopping 13 variations of thyme. First time offerings include Chamomile, Germander, Joe Pye Weed, Lambs Ear, St. John's Wort, and Stevia.
  
  
• Also, we will offer the same 3 disease resistant tomatoes as last year and have added two varieties of sweet peppers and one variety of hot peppers.
  
  
• The Japanese Maples will be of the same high quality and variety as has come to be expected.
  
  
• And, of course, there will be the usual or perhaps unusual array of garden crafts made by the volunteer carpentry crew at the Arboretum.
  
  
• NEW THIS YEAR -- An exciting offering will be rain barrels. There will be a limited number available so early arrival is important to take advantage of this earth friendly way to use nature's best water.

Since the sale is bigger with more to offer this year, we obviously will need lots of volunteers.

Want to help? You can volunteer for any aspect of the sale from set up, delivery, all aspects of the sale itself, and take down. All volunteers will receive a 10% discount coupon good for any single shopping trip. Coupons will be a one time use only and a new coupon will be issued for each volunteer session worked. Sign up to be part of the Master Gardener's biggest event of the year. We are making an effort to find volunteers with a particular talent or interest in one specific area who are willing to work multiple sessions as volunteer in their area of expertise or enjoyment. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer dedicated to a specific area, contact CC Hensley at the Arboretum for more information. Phone Number and e-mail are (910-798-7665), cchensley@nhcgov.com.

DON'T FORGET - Gift certificates are available in the reception area at the Arboretum. This is a nice way to take care of friends and occasions and make an ideal gift!

Proceeds from the sale are used solely for the benefit of the Arboretum. Many improvements are already visible and more are on the way. All these improvements help to make the Arboretum more enjoyable, more user friendly, more accessible, more functional, and more beautiful than ever.

CLICK HERE FOR 2009 PLANT LIST