JCMG 15th annual Plant Sale & Flea Market 2024

Gardening enthusiasts call your friends to let them know the Johnson County Master Gardeners (JCMG) will host its 15th annual Plant Sale & Flea Market on Saturday, May 11, from 9 a.m. to noon, at the Johnson County Fairgrounds in Buildings B & C.

“Mark your calendars gardeners won’t want to miss this opportunity to purchase beautiful plants for your home and garden. The biggest draw for shoppers is the plants grown exclusively by Master Gardeners,” said Emil Rinderspacher, sale coordinator. “Our volunteers plan and work for weeks in advance of the sale to start vegetables and get their plants ready for the sale. It is our biggest event of the year — hundreds of hours are involved in the preparation.

“The timing of the sale is also important — the day before Mother’s Day — is intentional,” he adds. “Shoppers will find a wide range of perennial flowers, vegetables and herbs, shrubs and woody plants as well as the Flea Market items and gift selections at the sale. The sale and market now operate out of two buildings at the Johnson County Fairgrounds.”

The popular Flea Market offers a generous supply of reasonably priced garden items including previously owned garden tools, plant containers, equipment, yard art, and other items.

Rinderspacher said area residents can donate used garden items to the Master Gardeners program for the Flea Market. “All items must be clean and in working order and we do not accept chemicals.” Flea Market donations can be dropped off on Thursday, May 9, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Friday, May 10, from 9 a.m. to noon at the south entrance to Building C at the Fairgrounds. Iowa City residents are encouraged to contact city officials about the Swap Shop for partially-consumed or unopened products such as paint, cleaning supplies, and auto fluids.

Proceeds from the annual JCMG Plant Sale & Flea Market support JCMG programs and operations, Kirkwood Community College Horticulture Scholarships and 4-H Awards.

Organized in 1982, Johnson County Master Gardeners is an educational volunteer program, sponsored by Iowa State University and Johnson County Extension and Outreach. The JCMG program provides current, research-based, home horticulture information, education and service to Iowa residents through programs and projects. Master Gardeners receive horticulture training and volunteer to promote a mission of education and service.

Johnson County Master Gardeners 15th Annual Plant Sale & Flea Market will be held Saturday, May 11, from 9 a.m. to noon.Photo byJCMG Plant Sale & Flea Market 2024