Nearly 950 attend Plant Sale and Pollinator Festival at Deep Run Park despite change of venue

Henrico County Master Gardeners held their annual Spring Plant Sale and Pollinator Festival 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, June 11, at Deep Run Park in Henrico’s west end. Because rain was expected, the plant sale and all activities were moved from the Event Field to an indoor site in Deep Run Park’s Recreation Center.

The changed location didn’t seem to deter shoppers. A total of 946 people attended the event, breaking the record of 804 participants set last year.

“While the set-up in the Rec Center was last minute because of threatening weather,” said Nadine Oswald, Plant Sale chairperson, “it certainly turned out to be a blessing. We had so many positive comments about having it indoors that, if the Rec Center will have us, we’re planning on having it inside again next year.”

Master Gardeners sold plants from their own gardens at bargain prices. More than 1,500 potted plants, including 160 varieties of perennials, shrubs, trees, herbs and some houseplants, were offered for sale. By the end of the day, very few plants remained on the tables.

“These were sold at prices I was willing to pay,” said one shopper, noting that other large plant sales in the area charged much more for the plants they sold.

The event also included pre-made floral arrangements and terrariums available for purchase and a “Garden Treasures” booth selling gently used gardening items.

I “liked the combo of plants, fresh flowers and garden items,” posted Alyce Newman.

Deborah Stafford was appreciative of the “smiling, helpful, well educated volunteers.”

Sara Bates agreed, posting “Very efficient. Friendly.”

“Thank you all so much for the wonderful plant sale,” posted Marjorie Marlowe. “I can’t wait to pot my special finds. Everyone there was so nice and so helpful. I did enjoy it being inside. The plants were better spread out and easier to select. Thank you again. Can’t wait for next year!”

Before expenses were deducted, sales grossed at least $7200 — another new record for the event. The money will be used to fund horticulture scholarships, community education projects and ongoing training of the Master Gardener volunteers.

In addition to the sales, Junior Master Gardeners supervised a number of hands-on children’s activities and a photo booth where families could take pictures of their children posing as butterflies.

Educational booths featured Henrico Cooperative Extension, Keep Henrico Beautiful, Henricopolis Soil and Water Conservation District, Master Naturalists, Department of Natural Heritage, Virginia Native Plant Society, Plant Virginia Natives, a vermiculture demonstration, pollinator displays and information, an insect display, a bee keeper and a Plant Clinic where Henrico County Master Gardeners were on hand to answer gardening questions.

William (Tripp) Johnson, professor of Mandolin, Banjo and Guitar and director of the Appalachian Music Ensemble at The College of William & Mary, provided musical entertainment during the event. Sandtopia food truck was on site selling hot food for breakfast and lunch.

Scroll through the gallery below to view photos of the Spring Plant Sale: