A Master Gardener Tradition

BY RENAE LEMON

With the arrival of spring, the University of Georgia Master Gardener Extension volunteers are ready to share their passion and knowledge about all things horticulture.

The Master Gardener Volunteers of Cobb County (MGVOCC) is hosting its 23rd annual Plant Sale and Expo from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 21-22 at Jim R. Miller Park, 2245 Callaway Road, Marietta. Entry and parking are free.

An added bonus: The event will be in the equestrian arena, protected from the weather, so if it is raining, no worries! Spend a few hours browsing, shopping and visiting with the expo vendors and Master Gardeners. Free face painting will be available for the kids, too!

Speaking of the expo, more than 75 vendors, including plant nurseries, crafters and artisans, will be participating in the event this year. You can visit our website (www.cobbmastergardeners.com) to see a list of the vendors, who will be offering specialty plants, native azaleas, yard art, honey, outdoor furniture, jewelry, pottery, embroidered towels, compost, birdhouses, woodworking, baked goods, macrame candies, home decor, home care, hardscaping and much more. Hint: It is a good time to buy those Mother’s Day gifts.

The Master Gardener plant sale area will have lots of Georgia native plants, perennials, shrubs, small flowering trees and native azaleas. Organically grown tomatoes and herbs will be offered, as well. We are estimating that we will have more than 1,500 plants, grown by the Cobb Master Gardeners, to sell at the event. Since the plants are coming from local gardens, they are acclimated to the Georgia climate and growing conditions. Many of the selections are difficult to find in retail stores, and the prices are much more affordable. Whether you have full sun, partial sun, a sloped area or dense shade, we will have plants that will be perfect for you. Additionally, this will be the third year for the yard sale in the arena. It’s like a thrift resale store for gardeners. MGVOCC members have donated gently used garden-related items, such as ceramic and clay pots, garden art, tools, garden books, cookbooks, chicken wire, architectural picket fences, fence posts, rain barrels and more. There also will be new, but deeply discounted, seed-starting supplies to help you with your summer vegetable or pollinator gardens. Do you have horticulture questions? There will be plenty of Cobb Master Gardeners on hand to answer your gardening questions. There even will be a booth specifically designated for asking a Master Gardener questions. And save the date! The 20th Annual MGVOCC Garden Tour is coming up May 20, and tickets will be on sale at the expo.

The Master Gardener Volunteers of Cobb County supports the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Service and strives to improve the quality of life in our community by delivering research-based horticultural information, educational programs and projects.