The Saline County Master Gardeners will host their annual plant sale on Saturday, April 18 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Alexander Community Center located at 14577 AR-111. Attendees will have the opportunity to browse a wide selection of locally grown plants, including house plants, hanging baskets, herbs, shrubs, and both sun and shade varieties.
Kathy Lewallen, past president and lifetime member, said she is excited to host the event again this year, and hopes people come out and learn more about plants and gardening.
“My favorite part about this event is just beautifying areas that need it, and meeting new people. Meeting people and working with people who have the same passion you do is amazing, and educating people is also something that I love,” she said.
Lewallen said those who attend can expect native plants and pollinator-friendly options, many of which have been grown from seed or cuttings. She noted the importance of community support, emphasizing that because the plants are locally grown, they are well-suited to the area and benefit the county as a whole.
“It’s all locally grown here, so you know it’s adaptable to our soil and conditions,” Lewallen said. “We put our heart and soul into it. Some of them we’ve raised from seed, and others from cuttings. It helps the whole county. It doesn’t just help us. It helps beautify the entire community.”
Proceeds from the plant sale will go into two scholarships that the Master Gardeners give each year to a high school or college student. They also put money into the 4-H foundation, and ongoing maintenance of the group’s hoop house and flower beds across the county. The money also helps fund educational programming for residents.
“The money goes directly back into the community,” Lewallen said.
Lewallen, who has been gardening most of her life and is now in her 20th year with the Master Gardeners, said her love of plants started early, growing up around family gardens filled with vegetables, fruit trees and flowers. For those new to gardening, she encouraged residents to attend the sale and ask questions.
“Come and learn,” Lewallen said. “We’ll have an informational booth set up where people can ask questions. We’re here to help.”
Attendees can receive guidance on selecting plants suited for their space, whether they have full sun, heavy shade or other specific conditions. Lewallen noted that their plants are offered at affordable prices, and many repeat customers return each year to shop the sale.
“We’ll be able to help you with shade plants or whatever you need, and our prices are very affordable,” Lewallen said. “A lot of people tell us this is the only place they get their plants. We’ve even been told they wait for our sale because it’s the only time they buy.”
Those who attend are encouraged to bring containers or boxes to carry their purchases. The sale will accept cash or checks only.
“It’s just a lot of fun,” Lewallen said. “You get to meet people, learn new things, and if you enjoy it, you might even decide to get involved. I just like playing in the dirt.”
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