SFA to host fall plant sale

Photo from SFA web site.

The SFA Mast Arboretum will host its annual Fabulous Fall Festival on October 4, 2008 from 9 am until 2 pm at the SFA Intramural Fields on Wilson Drive. This event features the annual spring plant sale fundraiser benefiting the SFA Mast Arboretum, Pineywoods Native Plant Center, Ruby M. Mize Azalea Garden, and their educational programs. All of the plants are produced at SFA by the staff, students and volunteers.

According to Dawn Stover, Mast Arboretum research associate, a wide variety of hard to find, “Texas tough” plants will be available including a truly eclectic mix of hard to find perennials, shrubs, and trees. The fall sale will feature a number of heat and drought resistant perennials that will thrive with little to no irrigation in East Texas. Also, new coneflower varieties, leopard plants, hardy gingers, and the outstanding varieties of ferns from recent trials will be available. As usual, gardeners will find a many wonderful plants suited for southern landscapes.

Greg Grant, Pineywoods Native Plant Center research associate, notes that fall is the most appropriate time to plant trees, shrubs and perennials. A large variety of native shade trees as well as many other East Texas natives will be available. Some of Grant’s special introductions will be offered, including the large flowering ‘Helen Fredel’ crossvine and the brand new ‘Peppermint Flare’ rosemallow.

The public is encouraged to arrive early and bring a wagon.
For more information and a list of plants for sale call 936-468-4404, or visit http://arboretum.sfasu.edu and click on “upcoming events.”