Athens, Ga. – Plantapalooza, one of the most popular horticulture events held each year in northeast Georgia, will be held April 14 from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. in three different University of Georgia locations.
In addition to plant sales, Plantapalooza also is an opportunity for attendees to consult with horticulturists, volunteers and master gardeners in making appropriate plant selections. The event, which is free and open to the public, will be held at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia, the UGA Horticulture Club and The Trial Gardens at UGA. An array of garden plants indigenous to the Southeast will be available at each location.
“This is the greatest and largest plant sale in North Georgia,” said Allan Armitage, director of the Trial Gardens at UGA. “We invite the public to come see and purchase wild and wonderful, bold and bodacious plants and greenery.”
Profits from all sales help fund research and jobs for students employed at the gardens.
The Trial Gardens at UGA grow and test the newest annuals and perennials from plant breeders throughout the world. During the sale, the Trial Gardens will offer unique plants that are difficult to find anywhere else in the state. Armitage will be available to sign his books, which will be for sale, and lead tours of the Trial Gardens, located at 220 W. Green St., on the UGA campus. See www.ugatrialgardens.com for more information.
The State Botanical Garden of Georgia, headquarters of the Georgia Gold Medal Plant Program (www.georgiagoldmedalplants.org), will have Gold Medal plants noted among its broad selection of trees, shrubs, perennials, annuals, herbs, vegetables and more. This sale also will offer many native plants grown at the State Botanical Garden. The Garden Gift Shop and Donderos’ Kitchen, serving coffee drinks and a selection of handmade breakfast and lunch items, will be open. The Botanical Garden is located at 2450 S. Milledge Ave. in Athens. For more information, see www. botgarden.uga.edu.
The UGA Horticulture Club will be selling a range of garden and landscape plants near the intersection of Riverbend and College Station roads. For more information on the club, see www.hortclub.uga.edu.
Gardeners who participate in this year’s Plantapalooza will receive a special card stamped to receive discounts in several area nurseries. Each participating retailer will have a drawing for $25 worth of plants for Plantapalooza attendees.
Participating retailers include:
Cofer’s Home and Garden Showplace
1145 Mitchell Bridge Road, Athens
706/353-1519, cofers.com
Goodness Grows
332 Elberton Road, Lexington
706/743-5055, goodnessgrows.com
Specialty Ornamentals
3650 Colham Ferry Road, Watkinsville
706/310-0143, specialtyornamentals.com
Thomas Orchard and Nursery
6091 Macon Highway, Bishop
706/769-5011, thomasorchardsandnursery.com
Thyme After Thyme
550 Athens Road, Winterville
706/742-7149, thymeafterthyme.com
Wildwood Specialty Nursery
4970 Lexington Road, Athens
706/613-3758, wildwoodspecialtynursery.com
Wolfskin Gardens
10325 Double Bridges Road, Winterville
706/543-5051
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