By Susann C., Extension Master Gardener Volunteer, Pitt County Arboretum
On May 14, hundreds of Friends of the Arboretum lined up early to get a sneak peek the thousands of plants on sale at the 2022 Plant Sale at the Pitt County Arboretum. Plants ranged from giant rounds of hostas, yellow sunflowers eclipsing six feet, showy Plumeria stems and trees telling us we could have a taste of Hawaii, row upon row of tomatoes ranging from Beefsteaks to the more exotic Pineapple Tomato, herbs giving off enticing scents, and tiny caladiums barely breaking through the soil surface. Buyers ranged from grandmothers restocking their gardens with showy plants, toddlers wanting to touch brightly colored petals, and teens, friends and parents eager to try their hand at selecting plants and growing their own flowers and vegetables. The sale began at 09:00 for Friends of the Arboretum and at 10:00 for the general public. It ran until 12:00.
On May 14, hundreds of Friends of the Arboretum lined up early to get a sneak peek the thousands of plants on sale at the 2022 Plant Sale at the Pitt County Arboretum. Plants ranged from giant rounds of hostas, yellow sunflowers eclipsing six feet, showy Plumeria stems and trees telling us we could have a taste of Hawaii, row upon row of tomatoes ranging from Beefsteaks to the more exotic Pineapple Tomato, herbs giving off enticing scents, and tiny caladiums barely breaking through the soil surface. Buyers ranged from grandmothers restocking their gardens with showy plants, toddlers wanting to touch brightly colored petals, and teens, friends and parents eager to try their hand at selecting plants and growing their own flowers and vegetables. The sale began at 09:00 for Friends of the Arboretum and at 10:00 for the general public. It ran until 12:00.
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Sun and shade perennials, trees and shrubs, vines, annuals, herbs and vegetables, wildflowers, succulents and house plants filled tables and open spaces.
The plant sale was organized by Extension Master Gardener Volunteers (Master Gardeners) with the Pitt County Arboretum. Master Gardeners were given two primary tasks: 1) Contribute 40 plants from their own gardens and 2) Help prepare and pot cuttings from the Arboretum grounds. |
Master Gardeners extended special thanks to Gary Fenton for his donation of two Plumeria trees, as well as dozens of plumeria stems that could be planted directly in the ground. The Greenville-based company, R.A.W. Plastics – Restoring Another Waterway, donated a rectangular above-ground planter made from repurposed plastic. The planter will be used in the new vegetable garden.
Membership gifts, plant sales and special presentations are the Arboretum’s major sources of revenue for purchasing plants, growing the gardens, and developing walking paths through the seven acres that make up the Arboretum. More than $7,000 was collected at this year’s plant sale.
The Arboretum is located on the grounds of the Pitt County Agricultural Center, at 403 Government Circle in Greenville, a few minutes’ drive from the Pitt County-Greenville Airport. Admission to the Arboretum is free. |
You can become a Friend of the Arboretum for as little as $20 a year. Friends gain early entry to the plant sale as a way of thanking them for supporting the Arboretum. Friends are people of all ages and walks in life who enjoy gardening and want to see the Arboretum continue to develop as a public garden for everyone to enjoy.
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