Extension & Community Association members and Extension Master Gardener Association members are indispensable volunteers. They support N.C. Cooperative Extension's efforts to help Cleveland County citizens improve their lives by using proven research-based information to solve everyday problems.

Our Master Gardener Volunteers are coordinating their first ever Fall Plant Sale, scheduled for October 18 (more details to come). Monies raised from the sale will help construct and maintain a new public Demonstration & Teaching Garden. Over the past few weeks, Master Gardeners have been busy collecting, potting and propagating plants for the sale.

Extension & Community Association County Council President Pat Farley supported the sale by inviting Master Gardeners Joe Bothel and Judy Ford to dig American beautyberry seedlings at her home on August 6. Beautyberries are large shrubs that produce clusters of small flowers during the late spring and early summer that attract pollinators. Bright purple berries appear in fall and winter, attracting 40 different bird species and providing a tart fruit perfect for making jelly.

These American beautyberries are sure to be in huge demand at the upcoming Fall Plant Sale, which will make top quality plants and bulbs available to the public at bargain prices. Plants will be offered for sale at Aldersgate United Methodist Church and Foothills Farmers' Market in Shelby.