MASTER GARDENER PLANT SALE
Thank you to everyone who supported our 2008 sale.
Check back for information on our 2009 Master Gardener Plant Sale.
This year’s plant sale will run March 27 through April 1, 2008, one day shorter than past years, butfilled with many changed features that will make the event more exciting than ever. Some major improvements to the grounds at the Arboretum are scheduled for completion prior to the sale and changes in the routing of the sale itself will provide enhanced enjoyment of the Arboretum. Systems changes in the check out area should improve flow during the sale. Systems changes minimizing the “stick” system of pricing should greatly improve plant delivery, set up, and check out. Over 10,000 “pricing sticks” to be put in plants on delivery and pulled at checkout have been eliminated! Couple these improvements with the expertise of a team of section chairs who have come up with a fantastic selection of plants, and you are in for a unique shopping experience. Additionally, all plants are locally grown and varieties are selected with an eye toward meeting the requirements of our peculiar environment including drought tolerance, disease resistance, slug and deer resistance, etc.. Master Gardeners are on hand to provide expert advice helping you choose the right plant for the right place, a key to success. Overall there will be nearly 300 different plants from which to choose. Many new varieties, particularly annuals and perennials where we have more than 20 never offered before selections, will be limited in quantity so early shopping is recommended. There are 31 varieties of azaleas including 8 colors of Encores. The array of herbs is fantastic featuring more than 24 different herbs including 7 varieties of basil, 11 varieties of thyme, and a welcomed new addition of 3 disease resistant varieties of tomatoes this year—2 regular and 1 cherry. Some new offers grouped in the more than 80 ornamentals and shrubs category are more compact elaeagnus and loropetalum varieties and a heat and sun tolerant gardenia. Knockout roses are featured in 4 colors.
Similar to last year, entrance and exit to the gardens and sale will be separated to reduce congestion. Relocation of the check out area away from buildings hopefully will further improve bottlenecks. Though the sale is 1 day shorter than previous years, more volunteers than ever will be needed to facilitate changes made to improve performance. Thank you in advance for volunteering for any aspect of set-up, delivery, all activities of the sale itself, and tear down. Come be a part of the Master Gardener’s biggest event of the year. Plant sale
volunteers only will receive a 10% discount coupon good for any single shopping trip. Coupons will be one time use only and a new coupon will be issued for each volunteer session worked.
Proceeds from the sale are used solely for the benefit of the Arboretum grounds. Some improvements should be visible by sale time and more are forthcoming. All will serve to make the Arboretum more visible, more accessible, more functional, and more beautiful than ever. Gift certificates are available in the Potting Shed Gift Shop. What a nice way to take care of those people and occasions that deserve remembrance and you don’t know what to buy.
CLICK HERE FOR 2008 PLANT LIST