Master Gardeners schedule annual plant sale

MADISON – Master Gardeners of North Alabama will host its fourth annual Plant Sale and Garden Rummage Sale on May 12.

Sale hours will be 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Madison County Farmer’s Market, 1022 Cook Ave. in Huntsville. “Customers will find a wide variety of locally grown and curated perennials, annuals, vegetables, herbs, shade plants, small trees, shrubs and much more — all at very reasonable prices,” Sue Khoury said.

Khoury and Alice Brigman are serving as plant sale chairwomen. For the sale, the master gardeners are working with Alabama Cooperative Extension System.

Master Gardeners will attend the event and answer questions, recommend ideas for lawn projects and assist customers with their plant selections.  

“We have added a wide array of activities to our plant sale, including free testing of soil pH (please bring about a cup of dry soil), ‘Ask a Master Gardener’ booth, rain barrel demonstration and compost bin demo,” Khoury said. “We’ll sell rain barrels, hand tools, gloves, welded-wire tomato cages, bee houses and more.”

Other new features are a “Plants for Pollinators” table and a “Native Plants” table, staffed with a member of Native Plants of North Alabama Society. 

A garden-themed rummage sale will include many books and several raffles. “The first 25 paying customers will receive a free raffle ticket,” Khoury said. “Purchase a hot dog, chips and drink for a special low price. Sit and chat with us to enjoy your lunch.”

For the sale, local master gardeners and interns have grown all plants, along with some hard-to-find specimens from local nurseries. “Planning and growing for the sale has been ongoing for more than eight months by a dedicated group of volunteers,” Khoury said. “All proceeds will help fund a variety of community service projects throughout Madison County.”

Master gardeners share their skills with schools, civic organizations, senior centers, CASA, beautification and tree boards and Huntsville Botanical Garden. Members also participate in Herb Society, Daylily Society, Native Plant Society and Environmental Educators. 

Master Gardeners of North Alabama offer gardening training to schools, churches or other non-profit organizations. For more information, call 256-508-2636, email suekhoury@knology.net or visit mginfo.org.