Master Gardeners

When Gloria Mcleod was 12, she spent her time moving bricks and dirt in her yard to build palaces for her plants. It was a love that would last a lifetime.

Now, as a member of the St. Clair County Master Gardeners, Mcleod has had the opportunity to play around in gardens all over the county, building beautiful landscapes and furthering her love of the craft. What began as a hobby led her to take a class offered through the St. Clair County Extension, and since her certification she’s tilled the earth at several Pell City and Moody schools and Lakeside hospice, and she said she and other members will soon get started on a plot at Lakeside Park.

Work performed by the Master Gardeners is all done on a volunteer basis, or as Mcleod puts it, “For the love of gardening.” But to fund their efforts in the community, they must raise funds annually.

Next week, the Gardeners will hold their Annual Plant Sate at the Pell City Civic Center. The event is being held Friday, April 8 from 8 a.m.-9 p.m. and Saturday, April 9 from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. The Sale will feature all kinds of native and non-native plants, including snowflake hydrangeas, hostas, annuals and perennials.

“It’s everything we’ve dug up from our own yards or someone else’s,” she said.

The Master Gardeners meet every fourth Thursday of the month at Moody City Hall. For more on taking the course to become a member or about the plant sale, visit the St. Clair County Extension Office at the Courthouse in Pell City, or visit the website at mg.aces.edu/stclair.