Published: April 19, 2007 08:39 am      

Master Gardeners annual plant sale Saturday

Special to the Democrat

The Parker County Master Gardeners will hold their Annual Plant Sale from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 21, at the Parker County Agricultural Services Center building, 604 N. Main in Weatherford. This year the sale will be held entirely outside, in the parking lot and on the lawn of the building, and will be held rain or shine. Those who wish to buy in quantity are asked to bring their own wagons to shop with.

A great variety of plants will be offered including perennials, annuals, herbs, shrubs and vegetables. Most of the plants are native, adaptive or proven winners for growing success in our area. There are five demonstration gardens in bloom at the extension office, and a new one being constructed this year. The Master Gardeners encourage you to visit these gardens before you shop to actually see the plants that grow well in Parker County. Specific growing information will be available for every plant sold.

Master Gardeners will be present in force and available throughout the event, eager to answer your questions regarding gardening in Parker County. They can offer information on lawn care, pest and weed management, water conservation and much more. Free soil testing kits can be obtained at the plant sale, as well as instructions for use. Residents can send samples to Texas A&M University for analysis for a small fee.

Parker County Master Gardeners, under the direction of Texas Cooperative Extension, volunteer their time to provide free education in the field of horticulture to county residents in order to promote preservation of our natural resources through research-based information. Their focus is on helping your garden thrive by maximizing the use of native and adapted plants that look great and grow well in our soils using minimum amount of water and care.

The Annual Plant Sale is the major fund raising event for the Master Gardeners. Proceeds from this event will be used to support ongoing community projects, to provide a $2,000 college scholarship for a college student pursuing a horticulture degree, and to maintain the demonstration gardens and rainwater harvesting system.

The Parker County Master Gardeners help design and maintain gardens throughout the community. Their current projects include the demonstration gardens and other beds at the Parker County Agricultural Services Building, Chandor Gardens, Clark Gardens, Aledo Community Center, Willow Park City Hall, Legends Museum in Springtown, Weatherford Library Literary Gardens and the National Vietnam War Museum Meditation Garden. Their book, “The Real Dirt: A Gardening Handbook for Parker County”, will also be for sale at the Plant Sale.

Master Gardeners are available every Monday and Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the extension office to answer your questions concerning horticulture in Parker County. They may be reached at (817) 598-6168.

Tell your friends and family about our sale. Help support your Master Gardeners and their educational efforts by purchasing great plants at good prices.