Penn State Master Gardeners of Berks County will hold their annual fall plant sale on Friday, Sept. 11 from 12 to 7 p.m. and Saturday, Sept. 12, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The sale is held at the Berks County Agricultural Center, County Welfare Road, Bern Township, near the Reading Fairgrounds.
“The difference in our plant sale is personal attention and education,” said Beth Finlay, Master Gardener Coordinator. Master Gardeners will be on hand to offer information on planting techniques, soil preparation, use of native plants in the landscape and plant care. They are skilled at answering gardening and landscape questions, using the resources and expertise of the Penn State College of Agriculture.
Master Gardeners will help shoppers select the most appropriate plants for their needs and locations. They are especially helpful in identifying suitable plants for problem sites and situations, where the most commonly used plants may not do well. They can guide design choices by pointing out compatible plants for pairings and groupings.
The sale will feature a large variety of perennials, native plants and woody ornamentals, including flowering shrubs. A significant portion of the plant offerings are native plants and plants that support honeybees and our native pollinator insects. Information will be available on how to create and certify a home “pollinator-friendly” garden.
Many of the plants for sale are found in the Master Gardener Demonstration Gardens at the entry to the center. Proceeds from the sale benefit more than two dozen Master Gardener volunteer projects throughout Berks County.
Gardening gloves, soil test kits and Penn State gardening publications will also be available.
“Since fall is the perfect time to plant shrubs and perennials, let us assist you in selecting the best plants to fill the gaps in your garden,” said Dee Dee Kerscher, chair of the event. “The other must-have for fall planting is garlic. We’ll supply customers with instructions on planting, care and harvest.”
The Berks County Agricultural Center is handicapped accessible, and all parking is free. Penn State encourages persons with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact Beth Finlay at 610-378-1327 in advance of your participation or visit.
