Coming up this weekend, the green thumbs and plant lovers of St. Johns County have a reason to celebrate. The St. Johns County Agricultural Center is throwing its annual Fall Plant Fundraiser, a two-day event kicking off on Friday, Oct. 10. According to an announcement by the St Johns County, the plant sale, which runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. both Friday and Saturday, is not just a sale but a chance to get educated on local flora and horticultural techniques - certainly a benefit to those possessing more zeal than knowledge when it comes to keeping their greenery alive.
Visitors strolling through the grounds at 3125 Agricultural Center Drive can expect to find a literal garden of options. From backyard-ready landscape plants to windowsill-perfect houseplants and vegetable seedlings that are just begging for a spot in any home garden, there's something here for every level of gardener. The plants for sale are directly beneficial, with all proceeds feeding right back into the county's horticulture program – this means more local educational initiatives and community outreach, potentially fruitful for the entire community. Guided tours of the Agricultural Center’s demonstration gardens are up for grabs throughout the duration of the fundraiser, offering an insight into the botanical bonanza.
The local gardening scene is positively blooming, says Tim Wilson, the St. Johns County UF/IFAS Extension Director. In a statement to the St. Johns County's extension, Wilson revealed, "This year, we have expanded our nursery to offer a wider selection of plants." Enthusiasts can anticipate over half of the available plants to be native Floridian species, with the rest labeled Florida-friendly -a term for non-native plants considered suitable for the local climate and conditions.
