Athens, Ga. – The State Botanical Garden of Georgia at the University of Georgia will host Bluestems and Bluejeans, a native plant sale and family event, on Oct. 6 from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Mimsie Lanier Center for Native Plant Studies. Bluestems and Bluejeans will feature plants propagated on-site from seed and cuttings collected in Georgia. Children’s activities will be available free of charge from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., and lunch will be available for purchase from Donderos’ Kitchen.
Numerous species of plants, primarily perennials and shrubs, will be available for purchase. The selection includes familiar garden plants native to the Southeast, such as butterfly weed and creeping phlox.
Other native plants will include four different Monarda (bee balm), native ornamental grasses and needle grass (Piptochaetium avenaceum), formally called stipa. Garden staff and volunteers will be available to answer questions throughout the day.
All sales will support the State Botanical Garden’s plant conservation program. The Center for Native Plant Studies is a new conservation horticulture facility that is a “physical manifestation of our conservation vision,” said Jim Affolter, director of research. “It is a place for research, education, displays of native plants and habitats, trials, propagation and habitat restoration. Visitors will have the opportunity to see floodplain restoration currently in progress as well.”
Native plants grown at the center are used for habitat restoration projects throughout the state. For many years, native plants have been reintroduced on public lands, such as U.S. Forest Service property, or land owned by companies, such as Georgia Power.
For more information or a complete list of plants available at the sale, see www.botgarden.uga.edu.
State Botanical Garden of Georgia
A public service and outreach unit of the University of Georgia, the State Botanical Garden of Georgia provides the public of all ages and UGA faculty, staff and students opportunities for recreation, events, research and learning through its natural areas, display gardens and building spaces.