Event scheduled for October 15 on the expansion lands
As fall is underway, that time of year is once again approaching at the Sampson County Cooperative Extension as the 2022 Annual Fall Plant Sale looms on the horizon.
“Fall is the best time to plant trees, woody ornamental shrubs and even perennials,” said Special Events Committee Co-Chair Sue Williams. “Cooler weather and adequate rainfall promote vigorous root growth. This gives the plant a good start before being challenged by the heat of the following summer. Pests and disease pests are generally less of a problem in the fall than in the spring and summer. Plant during the beautiful fall weather and you will enjoy the result next spring.
The fall plant sale will be offered on Saturday, October 15 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Clinton Extension Office, located at 55 Agriculture Place. To find it, look for the display of plant samples in front of their greenhouse.
Sampson County Master Gardeners will also be on hand to offer advice and help make selections. For those unable to attend the day of the sale, call the Co-op Extension Office at 910-592-7161 and request a sale appointment with a Master Gardener.
“We have an exceptional variety of plants for our 2022 fall sale,” Williams said. “All were propagated by our master gardeners in Sampson County, so they are suited to our local climate. These plants are healthy, attractive, and ready to spruce up your landscape.
Williams also noted that there will be holiday plant specials and that they have some exciting new educational stuff to share that day.
“When visiting the Fall Plant Sale, be sure to see our newly planted informal pollinator garden,” she said. “Although still a work in progress, this demonstration garden features native trees, plants and flowers that attract pollinating insects.”
“Sampson Master Gardeners will also be offering a Christmas plant sale including poinsettias, Christmas cacti and amaryllis. All are pre-ordered and pre-paid, with delivery expected the first week of December. Watch for order details coming soon.
Education has always been a big part of what master gardeners advocate with all of their many activities. For the other co-chair of the special events committee, Marcia Edgerton, providing that and increasing interest in young people is something she hopes to improve.
“A concern of master gardeners across the state is the lack of interest in planting and gardening with our young population,” she said. “I encourage parents to bring their children to the park so they can get a taste of what a pollinator garden looks like. We have a formal garden and a newly planted informal area which is not yet complete. »
“Children need to be exposed to the wonders of nature from an early age,” Edgerton said. “Educating them about the importance of bees, butterflies and other beneficial insects is one way to spark their interest. We would like to show these young people some of our plants that we have grown from cuttings. Our Master Gardening volunteers work tirelessly to promote, educate and encourage others in our MG concept of planting, propagation and pollination.
“Digging in the dirt is fun, don’t forget to bring your kids with you to our one-day plant sale.”
Williams shared similar sentiments while offering her gratitude to anyone considering supporting the fall plant sale.
“We are grateful to all of our plant sales customers, old and new,” she said. “We love talking about plants with them. Their continued support helps us with our projects, including school gardens, demonstration gardens, downtown beautification and community education events.“
Contact Michael B. Hardison at 910-249-4231. Follow us on Twitter at @SamsponInd, like us on Facebook and check out our Instagram at @thesampsonindependent.