Dig into Spring with Plant Sale at Penn State Behrend
Support master gardeners who lend a hand across the county
SATURDAY, MAY 10
Flowers and greenery are (finally!) popping up all over – the Erie Zoo, the Erie City school gardens, community gardens. All of those (and more than 25 other long term volunteer projects) just happen to be supported by the Penn State Extension Master Gardeners of Erie County.
So why not show the group some love and stop by their 18th annual plant sale? Held rain or shine on the Behrend campus, the event will have more than 30 master gardeners on site to answer questions and direct patrons to plenty of perennials, native plants, veggie seedlings, and more.
The pros know to arrive early for the best pick of hundreds of plants from these gardeners across the county. All sales are cash or check only, but rates are reasonable (read, good deals for a good cause) and things move quickly. "We will be focusing on native plants this year. We will have educational material about native plants and also info on invasive species to look out for," said Cyndy Beck, chairperson of the sale this year.
"The funds raised through our annual plant sale enable us to provide horticultural education and outreach programs for both children and adults across Erie County. These events also help support our community garden initiatives, fostering green spaces that unite neighborhoods and promote sustainable gardening practices," said Lisa Rand, master gardener coordinator for Erie County.
Thanks to such fundraising efforts, an additional event on May 20 will be offered free of charge to the community. "Restoring Nature, An Evening with Doug Tallamy" will be held in the Reed Union Building at Penn State Behrend. Dr. Tallamy will share insights on ecological landscaping and enhancing biodiversity. Those interested must register online by May 19.
9 a.m. to noon // Wilson Picnic Grove at Penn State Behrend // For more info visit: extension.psu.edu/programs/master-gardener/counties/erie