Athens, Georgia- February 22, 2011- Gardeners are expected to travel to Athens from throughout the state to attend plant sales from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm on Saturday, April 9, 2011 held by the State Botanical Garden, the UGA Horticulture Club and The Trial Gardens at UGA. A wide array of garden plants will be available at each location, combined with horticulturists, volunteers and Master Gardeners to help with plant selections.
The Trial Gardens at UGA, which grows and tests the newest annuals and perennials from plant breeders throughout the world, will focus on offering unique plants that are difficult to find anywhere else. They will also offer Athens Select Plants, plants that have successfully survived and thrived in the hot and humid climate. Dr. Allan Armitage will be available to sign his books (which will be for sale) and lead tours of the Trial Garden (www.uga.edu/ugatrial). Profits from all sales help fund the continuation of the Trial Gardens research and student employees in the gardens.
The State Botanical Garden of Georgia (www.uga.edu/botgarden), headquarters of the Georgia Gold Medal Plant Program (www.georgiagoldmedalplants.com), will have Gold Medal plants noted among its broad selection of trees, shrubs, perennials, annuals, herbs, vegetables, and more. This sale will also offer many native plants grown at the State Botanical Garden, which has a successful Certificate in Native Plants program and has recently launched a Native Plant Initiative. The Garden Gift Shop, with a large selection of books and locally crafted items, will be open.
The UGA Horticulture Club will be selling a wide range of garden and landscape plants near the intersection of Riverbend Road and College Station Road. Profits from all sales fund projects for students in the Horticulture program.
Gardeners who participate in the 2011 Plantapalooza will be able to see two gardens, chat with horticulturists, and choose from a large selection of plants in three venues. All the plants are selected to thrive in Southeastern gardens.
Plant lists, directions, and more information are available online at www.ugatrialgardens.com. Coffee and light snacks will be sold at the two gardens. Admission is free for all plant sales. Information on Athens hotels and attractions can be found at www.VisitAthensGA.com.
Site Locations:
The State Botanical Garden of Georgia www.uga.edu/botgarden
2450 S. Milledge Avenue, Athens
The Trial Gardens at UGA
www.uga.edu/ugatrial
behind Snelling Dining Hall and next to the Pharmacy building on the UGA Campus, Athens
The UGA Horticulture Club www.hortclub.uga.edu
near the intersection of Riverbend Road and College Station Road
