The Master Gardener's Association in town had their plant sale today. When I read about it in the paper the other day, my first thoughts were "kinda early and hope they have greenhouses". I've tossed the idea back and forth of joining the association just to make local gardening friends. I don't have the desire to become a master gardener. I just can't see spending the money and sitting through classes and pot luck dinners when I could be home at actually gardening. But I did want to talk to them and see what was what. I found out, you can join the club as an associate and don't have to take the classes to become a master. That's good to know. Now... onto the plant sale. I arrive early. I'm always early. But since the sale was on Main Street, I wanted to make sure to get a good parking spot on the side street. I just knew I'd be making a couple of trips to my truck with arm-loads of plants. Surprise! They had TWO tables of plants (and one had six-packs of tomatoes that looked like they came from Walmart). The other table... little plants/starts. Pieces of Wandering Jew...itty bitty Canna... sprigs of Aloe... pieces of Kalanchoes. Spiderwort. Really? They grow wild around here. And the prices! But oh well. I was there and I wasn't going to come home empty handed. I bought a pot of Bromeliad (made sure to get one that had muliple plants) and two mini Agapanthus (didn't know there was a mini version). Can you believe I paid $5 each?? ( photo / image / picture from cherylad's Garden ) And just for comparison sake... I got this HUGE pot of full size, multiple Agapanthus for $10 not long ago. $10 for these... that's more like it! ( photo / image / picture from cherylad's Garden ) To say the least... it was very disappointing. And as I worked on cleaning out my flower beds today, and tended to my little seedlings/starts... I came to the conclusion that they can keep their "masters" and potluck dinners and meetings and classes. But, I will make a point of inviting them to the plant auction/sale at the church later on this year.... and let them see how it should be done!
Girl! You crack me up!!! At one time I thought I wanted to be a Master Gardener too But the thought of studying scared me away. Then I thought, classes smlasses who needs them? I've attended some of their plant sales and was disappointed. Think I need to hop a plane and come to your plant sale! last year the little old lady across the street and I put together a pretty nice "plant section" at her yard sale. I definitely plan to do that again, that was a lot of fun and there was no pressure
Cheryl, I'm sorry you were disappointed with the Master Gardeners' plant sale, and I think you made the right decision to give the group a pass. When we lived in town we taught a class about native plants, attracting wildlife to the garden, and water conservation/collecting to the Master Gardeners group. The class seemed more interested in lunch than what we had to offer. There was no outreach to the community, no volunteer effort, no "hot line" to answer gardening questions. Just two plant sales a year and if a volunteer effort was needed, they referred them to us! I have a very poor opinion of the program, although I am sure there are active, interested, and helpful Master Gardener groups somewhere.
Too bad about the plant sale. The classes I took at the local community college a few years ago that were taught by mastergardeners were really disappointing. I knew more about the plants they were growing then they did, so I figured I would save the $250 and buy more plants.
My goodness, what a disappointment. I got better plants at a plant exchange last fall, and you didn't have to bring anything to get free plants. Please don't forget to invite them to your church plant auction/sale. Obviously they need some education on how to do a plant event. The Master Gardener's 2013 spring sale in the county south of me has a fantastic event. Great buy on plants ( photo / image / picture from Jewell's Garden ) Here is what I got last spring and the prices were from $1 to $3 a pot. Everything from hostas and heuchera to beebalm and tomato and veggie plants, Sad thing was I got there a little late and the crowd had picked things over pretty good.
Those are very small plants, but I probably would have bought a few too. I once considered the Master Gardeners in my area. They had a table set up at the local fair and were giving gardening 'advice'. While I was standing there asking about a tomato plant problem I had, someone else came up to the table and asked a question. The 'Master Gardeners' couldn't answer the question ... but I could! I had the same thoughts as Cherylad ... I could give away hours and hours of free advice or I could be out in my garden. That was when I forgot about becoming a master gardener. I AM the master in my gardens
I donated plants to their sale last year. Woman complained about how far it was from my greenhouse to her car. I had every intention of taking them to her car in the bumble bee truck. But changed my mind real quick.
Deanna... the best way to get me to stop a garage sale is to see plants out there. Or to see it at a house where they have awesome flower beds. The sale at the church will be in early August. Much better than the end of October! So make your plane reservations now. Jane... As I walked up to the parking lot, I thought... maybe I am TOO early and they haven't set everything up yet? The ladies I chatted with seemed very friendly but only one seemed to know about the plants. Toni... that was my thought too. Hmmm... spend money just to socialize and MAYBE learn something... or go plant shopping... a real no-brainer. Jewell... I was expecting to find a carload of stuff like you did! Netty... I like that "Master of MY Garden"... although sometimes I think it may be the other way round. Donna... I'd gladly do some walking for free plants. So... how far is your greenhouse from my house?
Cheryl, You are more generous than me. I would have smiled and said "thank you" and walk on out. That is really sad that that is all they offered for a gardeners group. pffft!
I thought about it Carolyn, but this is a very small town and didn't want to step on any toes. Never know who these people may end up being. And besides i did get a new to me plant.
Well, I don't know what to say Cheryl.I agree with you that it doesn't seem to be value for money at that"masters' Sale" do. I suppose that if you are pleased with your acquisitions then all is well Texas. Good luck with your new plantlets and when the time comes....you show'em gal!
Sjoerd...live and learn. I won't be giving them my money again. But hopefully they'll come to the plant sale at the church and leave a lot of their money behind .
I went to sale last year. Not going this year.They even had -what we call Ditch lily for sale. Be st place was church sale. I took pictures of plants when I brought. And they went high at auction.
Cheryl, as long as you are happy that is what matters. My opinion doesn't matter. You did the right thing especially if you were worried about hurting someones feelings. My town nor the village down the road are small enough for me to worry about that. Now, there is a neighbor who has the coolest plants for sale, but I always seem to miss his big annual sale because of my markets. bummer. Maybe this year I will get to it.
