Plant sale features the best of fall garden offerings

Many gardeners spend winter gazing out of their windows at bare flower gardens. However, just below the surface new life awaits those who are patient.

“Many people just give up on their perennials too soon,” said Wiregrass Master Gardener Ralph Byrum. “If it looks dead, they go ahead and pull it up and toss it, but good things come to those who wait. The three things most any plant needs is water, mulch and patience.”

Gardeners looking to prepare their yard for spring or simply add some fall color can find a wide variety of choices at the master gardeners’ annual fall plant sale on Oct. 11. Fall is also a good time for planting trees because roots can flourish during winter months when the above-ground foliage is bare, said Byrum, who is co-chairman of the sale.

“Root growth really takes off in the winter, and a good root system is important to trees and shrubs,” he said.

During the fall sale customers can choose from 27 types of shrubs, 20 types of trees, 45 varieties of perennials and 20 different kinds of bulbs.

Wiregrass Master Gardeners is a non-profit group under the auspices of the Alabama Cooperative Extension System, and more than 30 of the group’s volunteers will be on hand to answer questions or assist with plant choices.

Popular shrubs available will include the Rose of Sharon, gardenia, sweetshrub, durante and confederate rose. Another shrub that grows well in the sun or shade in this area is the native oak leaf hydrangea, Byrum said.

Bald cypress, red bud, crepe myrtle, black walnut and even banana trees can be purchased.

“One of my favorite trees is the cassia,” Byrum said. “It has a beautiful yellow bloom and is in full bloom right now.”

The sale will feature vines that are a feast for the nose. Confederate jasmine is a real treat for the senses, but winter honeysuckle is gaining popularity. It blooms from late December to February. Tropical plants, winter vegetables and herbs will also be available during the sale.

Money raised will go toward the Wiregrass Master Gardeners’ projects, including greenhouse programs and a demonstration garden at the Dothan Area Botanical Gardens. The demonstration garden produces 2,000 pounds of fresh vegetables each year for the Wiregrass Area United Way Food Bank.

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If you go ...
What: Wiregrass Master Gardeners annual fall tree and shrub sale
When: Saturday, Oct. 11, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Houston County Farm Center parking lot.
Info: For information on becoming at master gardener, call 794-4108.