Just a reminder to all Portland-area readers that the Oregon Master Gardeners will be holding their annual plant sale this Saturday and Sunday.

Every spring [we hold] a spectacular garden fair at the Clackamas County Fairgrounds in Canby. It is held on the weekend before Mothers Day. Last year we had over 15,000 people show up and that number increases every year. There will be vendors selling hanging baskets, bedding plants, annuals, perennials, vegetables, herbs, shrubs, trees and lots of garden art. In addition, there is free pH soil testing and plenty of Master Gardeners to answer questions. There will be sandwiches, hotdogs, chips, coffee, sodas and pastries. Be sure to bring a wagon or a cart labeled with your name to discourage anyone taking it.

It’s more frugal to grow your vegetables from seed, of course, but if you’re going to use live starts, this is the place to get them. I have poor luck with any chili peppers other than the ones I buy here. The plant sale is also a great place to pick up shrubs, trees, berries, and more. It’s a gardener’s paradise.

This article is about News, Odds and Ends  Friday, 5th May 2006 (by J.D. Roth)