Wood County Arboretum planning fall plant sale fundraiser
Celebrate the arrival of autumn this month with a visit to the fall plant sale at the Wood County Arboretum and Botanical Gardens.
The popular fundraising event is set Oct. 14 and 15 on the grounds of the arboretum, 175 Governor Hogg Pkwy. in Quitman, which is also home to the historic 1869 Stinson House.
Expect an eye-popping array of Texas-tough plants and seasonal favorites at this year’s sale, said Lin Grado, garden manager.
“Fall is the perfect time for planting,” she said. “Some of the plants offered at our sale have been star performers in the garden this summer, such as the white pillar rose of Sharon, which has been blooming non-stop.”
Plants that have the benefit of going into the ground during the fall have an opportunity to establish strong root systems before the next hot, dry summer kicks in, according to Grado.
Buying opportunities kick off with a members-only presale planned for 4-6 p.m. Oct. 14, followed by the actual sale, set for 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. the following day.
Stock will be replenished ahead of the Saturday sale, Grado said, noting the presale is intended as a gesture of appreciation to members for supporting the arboretum.
Annual memberships start at $25 and include discounts on plant purchases. Visitors can join via the arboretum’s website, www.woodcountyarbo.org, in advance of the sale, or on Friday evening to take advantage of pre-sale buying opportunities.
Proceeds support the care and upkeep of the arboretum, such as needed repairs to the perimeter and skirting of the Stinson House, as well as structural upgrades to the walking trail bridge.
“Memberships are a critical source of funding for the arboretum,” said Deanna Caldwell, president of Friends of the Arboretum, the governing non-profit. “This income covers organizational costs, such as utilities, website expenses, supplies, garden tools, signage…the list goes on and on.”
The annual fall plant sale is only one of many projects offered throughout the year at the arboretum, a 23-acre garden venue that also features a walking trail, theme gardens, tribute plantings and Monarch way station.
For more information on how to help out, visit the website, call 430-235-5461 or email, woodcountyarbo@gmail.com.
- by Jacque Hilburn-Simmons
