Springtime Plant Sale In Cumberland County

Cumberland County residents have a chance to order locally grown plants and produce for their home gardens.

UT Gardens at Crossville has launched its spring sale to the public. Garden Coordinator Shalena Durkot said there are annuals, perennials and plants proven to succeed on the plateau.

“We have several brand new introductions, as far as plant availability. There’s some natives on there,” Durkot said. “I’ve also listed on the plant order forms which ones are native, which ones would be attractive to pollinators. Those that would be shade-tolerant, just to help people when they’re making their selection.”

Durkot said it is important to reintroduce native plants into the environment. She said they’re good for growers too.

“They’re adapted well to the area, they tend to be more drought tolerant,” Durkot said. “Or if you have excess moisture, they tend to be better adapted as well as good for the wildlife, as well as the pollinators. We want to always avoid introducing anything into the garden that can be potentially invasive.”

People can order their plants online through the Cumberland County Master Gardener’s website and physical locations in the community. Durkot said that buyers will be contacted for pickup times.

“All the plant sales, the proceeds go to support the UT-Gardens,” Durkot said. “All proceeds from the pepper and tomato sales will help support Cumberland County Master Gardeners.”

Durkot said there is no prepayment, and they can accept cash or check upon pick up. Order forms can be picked up at the Art Circle Public Library, Fairfield Glade Post Office and the Lake Tansi Thunderbird.