The 12th annual plant sale will be held at the Monmouth County agricultural building, 4000 Kozloski Road, Freehold Township, May 16-17. The plant sale is the annual fundraiser for the Rutgers Master Gardeners of Monmouth County.
Funds raised help the Master Gardeners provide gardening, pest and horticultural education to the public. A helpline service can be reached at 732-303-7614 from April through September. Speakers are available free for clubs or organizations and there are more than 30 presentations to choose from.
Last year, more than 3,300 pounds of produce was provided to local food banks, grown by the current year’s new members, according to a press release.
At the plant sale, many colorful annuals are available for pots and baskets, giving guests a chance to make their own creations. For those who prefer “ready made,” there will be hanging baskets and large containers brimming with colorful arrangements.
Annuals in bloom by May 16 will be the main feature, along with annuals that provide a pleasant fragrance.
There will be about 15 varieties of tomato plants, heirloom, hybrid and patio — all waiting to delight the home gardener. There will be cucumbers, hot and sweet peppers, and other vegetables available, too. Experienced growers will be happy to offer suggestions for successful results.
Perennials will offer a large variety of plants, with a special presentation of the perennial plant of the year.
A local nursery has grown these plants specifically for the sale, according to the press release. The plant of the year started in 1990, giving the Master Gardeners 24 perennials chosen for their reliability. In addition to the special 24 perennials, there will be more than 70 varieties of plants.
Master Gardeners love to divide their plants and will have a special booth where plants grown by members are offered for sale, according to the press release.
There will be presentations throughout the day about many different aspects of gardening — including beekeeping, vegetable gardening, lawn care and more.
Guests can take a walk through the building to the back where the Master Gardeners have their display gardens. There is a rain, herb, Junior Master Gardener (JMG) and PAR (plant a row for the hungry) garden.
The JMG garden is where children between the ages of 9 and 11 learn how to plant, care for and harvest their own vegetables and flowers. The PAR is the project of each new class of Master Gardeners, with the produce being donated to local food banks.
The plant sale will be held May 16 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and May 17 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., rain or shine.