April 22, 2022
Master Gardener plant sales offer choice picks for garden aficionados
By Tracy Courage
U of A System Division of Agriculture
Fast Facts
- 30 Master Gardener plant sales set for April, May
- Find a sale at www.uaex.uada.edu/plant-sales
- Plant sales support local beautification projects, scholarships
(640 words)
LITTLE ROCK — If it’s plants you need for your flower beds and gardens, look no further
than your local Master Gardeners plant sale.
More than 30 plant sales are taking place across Arkansas this month and throughout May. The proceeds go back into Master Gardener beautification projects and educational outreach; some clubs also provide scholarships to students pursuing plant-related studies.
To find a plant sale near you, visit www.uaex.uada.edu/plant-sales.
Some upcoming dates include:
April 30: Arkansas County, 10 a.m.-12 p.m., Fairgrounds, DeWitt
April 30: Baxter County, 9-11 a.m., Baxter County Fairgrounds
April 30: Cleburne County, 8 a.m.-1 p.m., 725 S. 4th St., Heber Springs
April 30: Craighead County, 8 a.m., Farmer’s Market, 3360 Aggie Road, Jonesboro
April 30: Madison County, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Extension office, 202 N. Gaskill, Huntsville
April 30: Independence County, 8 a.m.-1 p.m., 450 South 11th St., Batesville
April 30: Prairie County, 9 a.m.-12 p.m., Hazen City Park
April 30: Sharpe County, 9 a.m.p-1 p.m., Kozey’s Country Market, 175 Highway 64 N., Hardy
May 6-7: Crittenden County, 8 a.m., 12401 70W, Proctor
May 6-7: Logan County, 5-6:30 p.m. Friday, 8 a.m.-noon Saturday, 11 East Main St., Paris
May 7: Madison County, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Kingston Library
May 7: Drew County, 8 a.m., Drew County Courthouse
May 7: Union County, 8 a.m.-Noon, 105 E. Locust St., El Dorado
May 7: Van Buren County, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Ed Leamon Park, Fairfield Bay
May 13-14: Benton County Garden Expo and Plant Sale, 12-6 p.m. Friday and 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, 201 NW Second St., Bentonville
May 14: Faulkner County, 8 a.m.-2 p.m., Conway Expo Center
At most sales, Master Gardeners will offer a mix of annuals, perennials, vegetables, herbs, ground covers, flowering shrubs, rhizomes and bulbs, butterfly garden favorites, house plants and even some hanging baskets.
“You can find some real gems at these sales, along with expert advice for caring for your plants,” said Berni Kurz said, extension educator for consumer horticulture for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, which oversees the Master Gardeners program. “Many of the plants come from the gardeners’ yards, so you’re getting some of their pride and joy.”
Plant sales are also a main source of revenue for many of the clubs.
“When you buy from Master Gardens, you’re not only getting healthy plants that you know will work in our Arkansas climate, but you’re also supporting the work they do in your community,” Kurz said.
Hot Spring County Success
The Hot Spring County Master Gardeners raised $9,000 at their April sale — their best
yet. Last year, the sale raised $6,000, which funded three $1,000 scholarships for
Hot Spring County students and three beautification grants.
Volunteers in Hot Spring County maintain six projects — at the Malvern Mayor's Office, the Hot Spring County Courthouse Annex, Centennial Park, Hot Spring County 4-H Center, Morrison Park, Malvern Street Department and Friendship Park.
“I could not be prouder of Hot Spring County Master Gardeners and the growth of this event,” Hot Spring County Extension Agent Rachel Bearden said. “Not only in the last six years has the sale grown exponentially, but the quality of the plants, the educational component of the sale, the public outreach, and the generosity of this group is incredible. They work hard all year long to provide this event to the community and give so much back.”
Humble Roots
The Master Gardener program started with 40 members in four counties — Garland, Jefferson,
Pulaski and Saline. Today, more than 3,200 members volunteer in 67 of the state’s
counties.
Master Gardeners are involved in hundreds of projects throughout the Natural State. Some are high-profile projects, including sites at the Arkansas Governor’s Mansion, the Old Statehouse in downtown Little Rock and the Old Mill in North Little Rock. They also maintain gardens and projects around numerous schools, libraries, parks, and city and county government buildings.
To learn about Arkansas Master Gardeners, visit or www.uaex.uada.edu/Master-Gardeners or contact your local Cooperative Extension Service agent or visit www.uaex.uada.edu. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram at @AR_Extension.
About the Division of Agriculture
The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture’s mission is to strengthen agriculture, communities, and families by connecting trusted research to the adoption of best practices. Through the Agricultural Experiment Station and the Cooperative Extension Service, the Division of Agriculture conducts research and extension work within the nation’s historic land grant education system.
The Division of Agriculture is one of 20 entities within the University of Arkansas System. It has offices in all 75 counties in Arkansas and faculty on five system campuses.
The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers all its Extension and Research programs to all eligible persons without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.
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Media Contact:
Tracy Courage
Department of Communications
Cooperative Extension Service
tcourage@uada.edu
501-658-2044