FloraKansas plant sale set for this weekend

Dyck Arboretum of the Plains’ FloraKansas plant sale will be open to the public Saturday through Monday.

“The FloraKansas plant sale is a time we celebrate Mother’s Day at the Dyck Arboretum,” Julie Torseth, arboretum director, said in a news release. “Our mothers and grandmothers taught us how and when to plant and had gardens we loved to explore. This year, we have some new varieties at our sale, like the Tomato Soup and the Mac and Cheese coneflowers that will trigger good memories of home! As a pre-ordered gift for mom, we’re even featuring a patio tomato plant with heart-shaped fruit grown by Kay Neff, who will be selling herbs each day of the public sale.”

This is the 10th-annual FloraKansas: The Great Plains Plant Bazaar, and the proceeds benefit the operation of the arboretum.

The mission of the arboretum is to emphasize environmental horticulture, helping people to appreciate, preserve and utilize native and adaptable plants.

The sale for the public will be from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday and from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday.

An arboretum membership provides a 10 percent discount on plants any day of the sale — and first pick of plants on Thursday and Friday at the members-only sale.

“We encourage people just to show up when the members sale starts on May 7 at 4 p.m. and fill out a membership form. Without our members, we simply could not provide this beautiful place for learning, relaxing, exercising, and spending time with family,” Torseth said.

The plant sale is co-sponsored by the Kansas Native Plant Society, and members will be on hand to help attendees learn more about native plants.

The schedule of activities for Mother’s Day ‘Saturday” is as follows:

• 8 a.m.: Herb Chat — Booth-side chat by Kay Neff, Neff Family Farm, with tasty preparation ideas and recipes. Participants can taste and touch new varieties to include in an herbal kitchen garden.

• 8:45 a.m.: Scott’s Top Picks for 2009 — Learn from arboretum horticulturist Scott Vogt which native and adaptable perennials he would suggest for beauty and longevity in your garden.

These varieties will give four-season interest and provide food and nectar for beneficial insects and pollinators.

• 9:45 a.m.: Come Create the Perfect Gift for Mom — This is a hands-on opportunity to create a gift for mom.

Madeleine Wray, an expert in party design, will bring goodies for participants to assemble and take home as beautifully packaged gifts.

Participants also will take home new ideas for creative giving.

• 10:45 a.m. and 1 p.m.: What’s in Bloom! — Vogt will point out the wildflowers in spring bloom and explain their cultural requirements in order to help gardeners find the perfect spot in their own garden for native and adaptable plants.

The 45-minute tour begins at the entrance to the Visitor Center.

• 11:30 a.m.: Mother’s Day Luncheon — After a luncheon of herbal delights with mom or a favorite friend, Kay Neff will present “Herbs and the Victory Garden,” recalling an era when 20 million Americans produced up to 40 percent of all the vegetables being consumed nationally. See Kay’s digital collection of Victory Garden posters. The cost is $8.50. RSVP by calling (620) 327-8127.