Master Gardeners Host Sale at Maple Fall Fest
As fall approaches, green thumbs might feel like their gardening season is coming to an end. But before they pack away their gardening gloves and roll up their hoses, plant enthusiasts need to check out the Wood County Master Gardener’s Fall Sale this year at Maple Fall Fest.
The sale, which is hosted on September 17 & 18 at Wildwood Park & Zoo, 608 W. 17th St., offers perennials, house plants, and other garden treasures such as dried arrangements.
The Wood Country Master Gardener Volunteer Association is dedicated to gaining and sharing knowledge about plants with their communities in addition to simply enjoying gardening together. They were founded by the University of Wisconsin Extension almost 20 years ago.
“Our focus is education, for both children and adults, related to growing all types of plants and preserving our natural resources, said Communication Director Chris Grimes.
This sale is one of the main fundraisers for the group that boasts of 130 members and works on over 30 projects across the county.
“Our volunteers also donate thousands of hours planning and maintaining more than 30 public gardens throughout Wood County and Northern Adams County for community education and beautification. In and around Marshfield some of them would be the Wildwood Zoo, Fair Grounds, Upham Mansion, Weber Nature Park, Pittsville Historical Society, Vesper Recreational Park, Lester Public Library of Vesper, and Green Valley Town Hall,” Grimes said.
The funds raised go directly back into the association to fund projects, provide university scholarships, and present educational programs for the general public.
“Although the UW Extension provides organizational and educational resource support, we are totally self supporting financially. Our main fundraisers are our Garden Walk in July and our two plant sales, one in the spring in Rapids and one in the fall in Marshfield. We are fortunate to enjoy wonderful support of these endeavors by the people of Wood County so we can continue to finance our various projects,” she said.
While the group’s meetings can be attended by anyone in the public, it does take some time and effort to achieve the title of Master Gardner with the group.
According to their website, “to become a Certified Master Gardener, you must attend a general training session and volunteer 24 hours of service. To remain certified, you must volunteer 24 hours and receive 10 hours of continuing education each year.”
While it is work, it is a labor of love for the members.
Grimes said she is looking forward to the sale.
“(It will be) great fun, but hard to figure out where I am going to plant what I want to buy,” she said.
The group hopes people take a little time during their Maple Fest festivities to stop by and check out what they have to offer.
You might want to get there early though. Grimes warns that the dried arrangements usually sell pretty fast!
For more information about the sale, group or their meetings, check out their Facebook page or website.
Sale Hours:
September 17: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
September 18: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
