The University of Texas at El Paso’s (UTEP) Centennial Museum and Chihuahuan Desert Gardens invites the community to a special one-day FloraFEST 2021 fall plant sale from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 9, at the Undergraduate Learning Center (UGLC) plaza.
“We are excited to announce that we are going to have a fall plant sale to provide native and desert-adapted plants at the perfect planting time,” said Kevin Floyd, botanical curator of the Centennial Museum and Chihuahuan Desert Gardens. “Fall is the best time to plant most perennials, shrubs and trees. The soil is still warm, allowing roots to grow. With more developed root systems, these plants will be ready to grow next spring and can handle the hot and dry early summer months.”
Organizers share that FloraFest the only fundraiser for the maintenance and operation of the Chihuahuan Desert Gardens.
Shoppers can visit with local master gardeners, horticulturists and other plant experts for advice on how to care for their plants at home. Organizers have priced most plants from $8 to $40, but some could be more expensive. Many of the plants sold at FloraFEST are not available at local nurseries or retailers. FloraFEST only will accept payment via credit/debit cards. No cash or checks will be accepted.
This year marks the 27th anniversary of the FloraFEST plant sale, a magnet for hundreds of shoppers from throughout the region who are interested in diverse native and drought-resistant plants. Organizers expect various plant species that will beautify landscapes and generate environmental and ecological benefits to our desert region.
“Join us for this great one-day event and take home some of our region’s most beautiful native and desert-adapted plants,” officials added. “While there, take some time to tour the Centennial Museum and Chihuahuan Desert Gardens.”
Organizers add that the event will follow UTEP’s public safety guidelines, which includes a recommendation for face coverings. Hand sanitizer will be available in several locations.
Parking will be available at the Sun Bowl Parking Garage, and the entrance will be at the western side of the UGLC plaza, closer to University Avenue. There will be a plant-loading zone on Wiggins Way in front of the UGLC. Wagons and volunteers will help load vehicles. Wagons are limited, so please bring your own, if possible.
For FloraFEST 2021 updates, visit the event’s website.
For information about volunteering at FloraFEST, please contact Claudia Ley, education curator, at [email protected] or 915-747-8994.
