DATE: April 14, 2009
CONTACT:
Claiborne Linvill, 864-656-6205
linvill@clemson.edu
WRITER:
Claiborne Linville, 864-656-6205
linvill@clemson.edu
S.C. Botanical Garden to hold spring plant sale April 24-25
CLEMSON — The South Carolina Botanical Garden's Spring Plant Sale will be April 24-25. The sale features a wide selection of ornamental trees, shrubs and perennials, as well as unique, hard-to-find and underutilized plants that will add interest and vitality to local gardens.
The sale is open 2:30 to 6 p.m. on Friday, April 24, for members only. New members may join at the gate for $35 per individual or $50 per family. Members of "Friends of the Garden" are also invited to a reception 4 to 6 p.m. on Thursday, April 23, to peruse the offerings at the plant sale, socialize with friends and seek advice from garden staff members.
The sale is open to the public from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 25.
"With the start of spring, people are eager to update and improve their yards and landscapes, and we have the best variety of plants in the area to help them do so," said Ryan Merck, greenhouse and nursery manager. "The garden's plant sale features unique options that people may not be familiar with, including hardy plants that we know will grow well in our area. So gardeners of all levels can try something new while knowing the plants have been grown locally and chosen by South Carolina Botanical Garden staff."
Master Gardeners of the Foothills and South Carolina Botanical Garden staff members will be on site to help shoppers select the best plants for their landscapes. Sprouting Wings, a children's outreach program, will sell transplants of herbs, daylilies and orchids. New garden accents, décor, and local food items will be available in the gift shop area.
"We hope people shop the plant sale to support the state botanical garden while finding great plants for their own landscapes," said Todd Steadman, associate director. "Our plants are grown by people who are passionate about gardening, and we hope to share their enthusiasm with experienced green thumbs and new gardeners alike."
The South Carolina Botanical Garden is located on the Clemson University campus at the intersection of Highway 76 and Perimeter Road/Silas Pearman Boulevard. The garden encompasses 295 acres of display gardens, nature trails, woodlands and streams, and is open year-round from dawn to dusk, free of charge. The garden is partially supported by the state of South Carolina via Clemson University, but relies on private funding, memberships and proceeds from sales and educational events to continue operations. Contact the Visitors Center for more information at 864-656-3405 or scbg@clemson.edu, or visit www.clemson.edu/scbg.
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