04/14/23 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

NEWS & INFORMATION UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA EXTENSION NEWS RELEASE Contact: Lia Spaniolo, University of Minnesota Extension; Spaniolo@umn.edu, 763-324-3498 Anoka County Master Gardeners host plant sale May 16-17 ANDOVER, Minn. (April 10, 2023)—Looking to try new plants in your garden and pots this growing season? Want advice about tomato varieties before you buy? Stop by the Anoka County Extension Master Gardener public plant sale May 16-17 at the Anoka County fairgrounds where hundreds of Minnesota - grown plants will be available. Varieties include native plants, sun and shade perennials, annuals, vegetables, and flowers for pollinators. This year marks forty years since the inception of the Anoka County Master Gardeners and twenty years of plant sales for the community -based program. "Shoppers will have the opportunity to purchase healthy plants chosen specifically for growing in our area. If they have questions about gardening or need assistance at the sale, Master Gardener volunteers will be on hand to help them. Educating others is why our group exists," says Lia Spaniolo, Program Coordinator for the Anoka County Extension Master Gardeners. The Anoka County Master Gardener program, supported by University of Minnesota Extension, trains local volunteers in research -based horticulture knowledge and practices. In turn, volunteers provide educational outreach and lead horticultural projects in their communities that promote and support healthy living and healthy environments. "It's important we provide the right kinds of plants that our native insects and birds can use for food and habitat," adds Eva Knudsen, Anoka County Master Gardener and plant sale coordinator. "We teach people which plants are best for creating beautiful and edible gardens, while supporting wildlife at the same time." The Anoka County Master Gardener plant sale will be open from 3-7 p.m. Tuesday, May 16 and 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Wednesday, May 17 at the Anoka County Fairgrounds. Cash, credit cards and checks will be accepted. Returning for a second year is the 'Last Chance Sale' from 2-4 p.m. on Wednesday, May 17. Prices on remaining plants will be marked down, with up to 50% off the original prices. Plant sale organizers note that shoppers should be aware that U.S. Hwy 10 construction may impact their drive time to the fairgrounds. To learn the latest update on access to Hwy 47/St. Francis Blvd. where the fairgrounds is located, visit www.511mn.org. The Master Gardener annual plant sale, which started in 2003, is a key fundraiser for the Anoka County volunteer program. The 2022 sale alone netted more than $13,000 in profit. Funds help support Master Gardener volunteer activities and projects. Those include educational garden programs at county libraries, community vegetable and flower garden support, and plant and insect diagnostic clinics held throughout the summer at the Bunker Hills Activities Center in Andover. The Anoka County Master Gardeners also host the annual Home Landscaping and Garden Fair, which occurred on Saturday, April 1, at the Andover location. The fair featured 16 classes with educational speakers, craft vendors and resource organizations that offered science -based information and products to help residents grow successful and sustainable gardens. For more information on the UMN Extension Master Gardener program in Anoka County, visit: anokamastergardeners.org For more news from UMN Extension, visit www.extension.umn.edu/news or contact Extension Communications at extnews@umn.edu. UMN Extension is an equal opportunity educator and employer.