Fall is for Planting - and for Plant Sales

It’s September and although it’s still hot, I’m thinking ahead to fall. One of the most enjoyable parts of fall is planting new treasures ... because those of us in Georgia just lived through about 4-5 months of not planting anything! Fall is a great time to plant things in Georgia. The cooler temperatures and plentiful winter rains help roots get settled in nicely.

Shrubs like Callicarpa americana do well when planted in the fall

Recognizing that it is a good time for planting, many plant organizations hold plant sales in the fall. These groups often use these plant sales as fund-raising projects so it is nice to support them. In some cases plants are locally sourced. Here are some of the plant sales that I know about in September and October in Georgia (and one in Chattanooga for extreme north Georgia folks):

September 12-14, 2014, Chattanooga, TN – Reflection Riding Arboretum & Nature Center

 

Note: Plants are nursery propagated, some from local seed sources.

September 20, 2014, Stone Mountain, GA - Georgia Native Plant Society

Note: Many plants are locally propagated or rescued. Volunteers will be on hand to help answer questions. I’ll be working this one.

September 20, 2014, Carrollton, GA – Georgia Native Plant Society, West Georgia Chapter

Note: Some plants are locally propagated or rescued; some are purchased from reputable small vendors. Volunteers will be on hand to help answer questions.

September 25 & 26, 2014, Roswell, GA - Chattahoochee Nature Center

Note: Some plants are locally propagated. Staff and volunteers will be on hand to help.

September 26, 2014 (order deadline);  pick up Oct 10/11 Dunwoody, GA - Dunwoody Nature Center

Note: this is a virtual plant sale where you order from a set list online and pick up.

Various dates in September and October; Decatur, GA Georgia Perimeter College Native Plant Botanical Garden

October 1-4, 2014, Athens, GA – State Botanical Garden of Georgia,

Mimsie Lanier Center for Native Plant Studies (sale may continue Oct 8-11, please check)

Note: All plants are locally propagated. Staff and volunteers will be on hand to help.

October 4, 2014, Atlanta, GA – Trees Atlanta

October 11, 2014, Midway, GA – Coastal WildScapes

Many of these are sales  that I have been to in the past (and some of them I helped with). Groups like these are truly dedicated to getting beautiful and useful native plants into the public’s hands. Your support is an important source of funding (and happiness!) to their efforts.

If you're reading this at any other time of year, many of these groups also have spring plant sales in April. Check their websites for more info.