A return to normalcy could soon be in full bloom locally, thanks in part to the Henry County Master Gardeners.

  The group will host the 2021 Plant Sale April 24 from 9 a.m., until 2 p.m., in the George N. Nolan House at Heritage Park in McDonough.

  The event will feature numerous types of plants grown by local Master Gardeners, said the sale’s coordinator, Sue Kilgore.

  “We have [items] from 50 cents up to, I think, $20-25, depending on what we get,” said Kilgore. “We’ll have vegetables, herbs, perennials, annuals, house plants, trees and shrubs.”

  She said local residents typically exhibit strong support for the sale each year.

  “We usually have quite a few who come out,” she continued. “We have a line when we open. There’s always people waiting.”

  Last year’s sale was held in conjunction with the Henry County Farmers Market due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Kilgore, who has overseen the plant sale for several years for the Master Gardeners, said participants are eager to return to the Nolan House.

  “I think we have more that are growing plants this year than last year,” said Kilgore. “We usually have well over 1,000 different plants there. We’re looking forward to being able to have it, especially outside.”

  The Plant Sale is a fundraiser each year for the Master Gardeners, which includes 50-60 members in Henry County. Kilgore said funds are generated through the annual event with an educational goal.

  “We use the funds from it to go for our scholarship program, for high-school seniors who are going for an agriculture-related degree,” she said.  “Our scholarship is $1,000, so we try to provide for that, at least. We probably raised over $2,000 in 2019 with the Plant Sale.”

  Attendees at the Plant Sale will also have an opportunity to tour the Nolan House and its gardens. Kilgore said the house, which originally stood at the intersection of Griffin Street and Brown Avenue in McDonough, currently features plants similar to those used in the 19th century.

  Frank Hancock is the agriculture and natural resource agent for the University of Georgia Extension Office in McDonough. Hancock said the sale will be held in compliance with COVID-19 protocols.

  “We’re trying to get back to doing some in-person things, but we’ve still got to comply with both the county and the university’s guidelines,” he said.

  Hancock said the Plant Sale has enjoyed a positive response from the community since its inception.

  “The plant sale has always been a big event,” said Hancock. “They have quite a few plants to sell, and a lot of folks come through there. It will be a good event.”

  For more information, call the Extension office at 770-288-8421.