Ruff’ton Roots Community Garden announces the return of the Plant Sale: Saturday, April 26th, 10 am – 12 pm, under the shade sails at 128 Hospital Drive, Rutherfordton, NC. Parking is available in the lot off Edwards Street (turn in at the Ruff’ton Roots sign) This is a celebratory kick off of the fifth growing season for the Garden.

The Ruff’ton Roots Plant Sale is a collaboration of Community Garden volunteers growing chemical free plants as a fundraiser for the Garden’s annual operating expenses including seed, soil amendments and irrigation purchases. Plants are available in 6 packs and 4 inch pots, at suggested donations of $4. The Plant Sale will offer volunteer favorite varieties of herbs, vegetables, and beneficial flowers. There will also be information guides on companion planting for home gardens and volunteers sharing their garden knowledge and experience. Ruff’ton Roots new merchandise will be available as well including the return of our famous hand tie dyed T-shirts, stickers, and hats. Cash is preferred, with cards accepted for purchases of $5 or more. It is recommended to arrive early as it is expected to sell out, but sales will not begin until 10 am.

About the Garden
Founded in 2021 as a special project of the Town of Rutherfordton, Ruff’ton Roots Community Garden’s mission is to grow healthy food, healthy people, and healthy communities in Rutherfordton and beyond, with a vision to ensure and empower a food secure community. 2025 programming includes joining the Welcome Table Coalition where Ruff’ton Roots will feature garden produce and locally sourced meat as a monthly community meal provider May – September at First United Methodist Rutherfordton Fellowship Hall. At the Gardens, volunteers have added newly planted fruit trees and expanded vegetables in the lower fields along Edwards Street, potatoes at Norris Park and sweet potatoes in the original plot off Hospital Drive. We welcome the return of Sunflower Days and Empty Bowls later in the season. All food grown at Ruff’ton Roots is shared with the community by donations to local food pantries and through our Free Produce Stand at St. Gabriel’s Jericho Road Kitchen on Wednesday mornings, starting the last weeks of April.

The Ruff’ton Roots Gardens at 128 Hospital Drive and LeRoy Mull Drive are now open for visitors, with Safe Pathways signage installed for a self-guided tour, thanks to generous fundraising effort from Rutherford Women’s League. We ask that visitors not pick or harvest, unless invited to do so by volunteers. Additional ongoing support for the Ruff’ton Roots is provided by the Town of Rutherfordton, Rutherfordton Public Works, the Rutherfordton Garden Club, Broad River Water Authority, and private donations. To learn more or become a volunteer, visit rufftonroots.org or email rufftonroots@gmail.com