Native Plants and Tool Sharpening at the Halifax Farmers Market

The Second Saturday with the VCE Southside Master Gardener Association will feature tool sharpening and a native plant sale from 8 to 11 AM at the Halifax Farmers Market on September 13th. Garden tools are an extension of the home gardener’s hand. Good tools are an investment, one that needs to be protected especially when money is tight. Fortunately, this is not difficult to do. Bring your hand tools to the Halifax Farmers Market on September 13 and the Master Gardeners will cheerfully clean and sharpen your tools for free.

We all know that sharp tools, especially pruners, are easier to use, but did you know sharp tools are better for the plant? Dull pruner blades can tear bark or mash a stem leaving a wound that is open and susceptible to the entry of diseases or insects. The plant has defenses to heal from a sharp clean cut made at the proper place. Jason Weaver said he started his Courthouse Plants business from his love of birds. He thought about what do birds need to thrive and the answer is insects. What brings in insects – native plants. Native plants are simply defined as plants that were here when the colonists came. Unlike non-native plants, especially invasive aliens, native plants perform ecosystem services to wildlife. A real plus about natives is that they are perfectly suited to our clay soils and our hot summers. They don’t want to be fertilized and don’t need irrigation. But they are beautiful additions to our gardens. Bring your hand tools to the Halifax Farmers Market on September 13 from 8 to 11 AM and the Master Gardeners will clean and sharpen them at no charge. As always, Master Gardeners will be there to answer your gardening questions. Pick up some great native plants while you wait. Plan to visit the regular vendors with veggies, fruits, organic meats, herbs and eggs. Inside vendors have an assortment of handmade items and collectibles. If you want to know more about the Master Gardeners and their programs, call the Master Gardener Help Desk at 830-3383 or e-mail ask@ssmga.org. Caption for picture Bring your garden tools to the Halifax Farmers Market on September 13 from 8 to 11 AM. The Master Gardeners will cheerfully clean and sharpen them free of charge. Native plants will be available for sale.