by Cynthia Lacken
April is a busy month in the garden. By now, spring clean up should just about be done and the rewards are evident with blooms from bulbs and shrubs alike. A drive around town shows homes graced with colorful azaleas, forsythias, flowering quince and daffodils galore. Iris have started blooming and there have been hummingbird sightings at feeders all over the area. Birds are busy building nests and it clear that the Ozarks have awakened with new life. Master Gardeners have cleaned, pruned and mulched garden beds from Fairfield Bay to Clinton. Spring rains have cooperated and encouraged the beautiful transformation from dull winter brown to the glory of green everywhere!
It is only a few short weeks to the Van Buren County Master Gardener’s annual plant sale in conjunction with Bloomin’ in the Bay on May 7, 2016 at Ed Leamon Park in the heart of Fairfield Bay. This year, in addition to annuals and perennials, we will have a special table of homemade craft items especially made for the sale by Master Gardeners. There will be a selection of handmade pottery items, basket planters, as well as whimsical garden signs that would make perfect Mother’s Day gifts. We will also have beautiful gardening aprons that any gardener would enjoy wearing.
Come early for the best selection and talk to a Master Gardener who can answer your questions about caring for any of the plants that are sold. Plus, Janet Carson, one of the state’s top horticulturist, will be there as an added bonus to meet, greet and discuss your garden issues. Stop by and see a display about Master Gardeners activities and what the organization is all about.
The plant sale begins at 8 a.m. and runs to 1 p.m., rain or shine. We hope to see everyone there!
For more information on the Master Gardener program, please contact Marylou Horvath, President, VBC Master Gardeners at (501) 884-6934 or our VB County Extension Agent, Danny Griffin, at (501)745-7117.