What comes to mind when you think of spring? Many people gravitate to outdoor activities that promote exercise and an enjoyment of nature's splashes of color.
Refreshing flower beds, trimming foliage and planting vegetable gardens are excellent ways to exercise and get back to nature. But, where do you begin? The Victoria County Master Gardeners' greenhouse and shade garden are filled with plants especially grown for the public to purchase and enjoy throughout the coming year.
Largest plant selection in history of sale
The Master Gardeners' annual plant sale is scheduled for April 23 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Victoria Educational Gardens Pavilion located at Victoria Regional Airport. More than 2,000 plant specimens, strategically located for the buyers' convenience in air-conditioned comfort will greet you as you enter the building. Whether you are looking for a specific plant or browsing the tables, Master Gardeners will be on hand to assist you when choosing the right plants and their care.
Members spent the last year planting seeds, propagating cuttings, and transplanting bulbs to provide the largest plant selection in their plant sale history. Tom Akins, a greenhouse specialist, nurtured from seed many beautiful desert roses that are sure to become a favorite.
Choosing plants wisely
Understanding the types of plants available is important when selecting and purchasing plants for a particular area of the landscape. Sun, shade, wet or dry areas are considerations before planting annuals, perennials, shrubs, trees and Texas Superstars. Master Gardeners will help the buyer choose wisely.
Annual plants complete their life cycle from seed to flower then die and must be replanted each year.
Perennials will die back or lay dormant in winter and reappear in spring. Others are evergreens and stay unchanged throughout the year. Some perennials produce a seed pod that can be replanted.
Trees are perennials with a long trunk and branches that sprout leaves. Some trees produce flowers, nuts or fruits. They can drop their leaves in the fall unless they are evergreens.
Shrubs have a short wood stem that produces branches and leaves. They can produce berries, flowers or colorful leaves. They can be groomed to make shapes or grown as barriers along walkways or boundaries. Evergreen shrubs remain green throughout the year.
According to Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center, Texas Superstar plants have been research-tested to adapt to Texas climate with minimal water needs in an urban landscape, and EarthKind Roses are tested for well-drained soils and insect and disease tolerance. Texas Superstar plants are hardy to heat, insect- and disease-tolerant with minimal care and chemical pest control. Visit texassuperstar.com to find Texas SmartScape ideas for landscape design and information for more than 200 plants.
Featured plants
Featured sale plants include those that attract butterflies, such as tropical butterfly weed and tropical milkweed, hummingbird favorites, such as Mexican hummingbird and other pollinators that will ensure your landscape will be buzzing with interesting birds and butterflies throughout the season.
The Master Gardener plant sale is an opportunity to experiment with different types of foliage that will spice up neglected areas. The Dutchman's pipe vine is a hardy plant that grows quickly to cover a chain link fence with variegated, maroon pipe-like blooms. It grows in full sun or partial shade and provides shade to a sunny porch. Healthy pruning will maintain its beauty, and it is a great host plant for butterfly eggs.
The Mary Helen Geranium, named for Victoria County Master Gardener Helen Boatman, is a bright red variety that thrives in this area. Tolerant to heat and well-drained soil, this plant is sure to brighten a front porch or patio for years to come.
New additions for this year's sale
A new addition to the sale will include beautifully potted plants ready to enjoy for those not-so-green thumb enthusiasts.
There will also be inexpensive potted salad bowls. Leafy items in these bowls can be harvested for added flavor and color to an ordinary salad.
Victoria County Master Gardeners invite everyone to come out and support the annual plant sale April 23. Purchase plants at reasonable prices and talk to our experts who love to share their passion for plants. Proceeds help support Victoria Educational Gardens.
Where do you begin?
Soil + plant + water + sunshine =
splashes of color.
The Gardeners' Dirt is written by members of the Victoria County Master Gardener Association, an educational outreach of Texas A&M AgriLife Extension - Victoria County. Mail your questions in care of the Advocate, P.O. Box 1518, Victoria, TX 77901; or vcmga@vicad.com.
Victoria County Master Gardener Association
