April 28 marks the big day for the Charlotte County Master Gardeners’ annual plant sale and lecture series. Perennials, annuals, shrubs, trees, and vegetables grown and propagated by our local Master Gardeners will have a great chance of success in area gardens.

FloraFest will take place at the Extension Office in Charlotte Court House from 8:30 a.m. until 1 p.m.

This year’s list of available perennials includes rudbeckia, yarrow, sedum, lamb’s ear, echinacea, aster, phlox, monarda, day lilies, Siberian iris, Dutch iris, flag iris and many more. Hostas, solomon’s seal and heleborus are ideal for the shade. And do not forget the glorious sweet-smelling peonies.

Among the shrubs you will find several kinds of roses, winter jasmine, forsythia, Virginia sweetspire and nandina, as well as old-fashioned rose of Sharon and lilacs. There will be some small trees such as boxwoods and crape myrtle. Several types of mint, thyme, dill and other herbs will entice you. There will be several ground covers. Vegetables will include heirloom tomatoes and sweet peppers. A few annuals and house plants will be among the treasures at FloraFest.

Master Gardeners will offer suggestions on planting and caring for your precious finds. The herb society will sell herbs across the street. Good gardening advice will be offered in lectures. At 9:30 a.m. JoAnn Jones, a master naturalist, will present “Right under my Nose! Milkweed and Monarchs.” At 10:30 a.m. Jessica Driver, also a master naturalist, will address “Invasive Insects and Diseases of Concern in Virginia.” The lectures are always popular, so be certain to come in early to get a good seat and to take home usable information.

Raffle tickets will be available for the 1 o’clock drawing. Prizes include a handcrafted wooden gathering tray and pottery. Breakfast- type foods, homemade baked goods and drinks will be offered, beginning at 8:30 a.m. At 10 a.m. the Southside Herb Society will begin selling boxed lunches across the street at the church. Plan now to come out to the Extension Office to fulfill many of your gardening needs. Look at your yard and garden and think about what you would like to add. No doubt, you will find many offerings to enhance your garden.

Remember that Mother’s Day is coming up two weeks after FloraFest. The plant sale will begin promptly at 8:30 a.m., rain or shine.