Plant sale to flourish at CDU

Darwin residents can enhance their gardens in time for the wet season with a range of plants on offer at the annual Charles Darwin University Plant Sale tomorrow (Thursday).

A variety of native, ornamental and indoor plants and vegetables grown by students as part of their course requirements will be on display at the Horticulture Nursery at Casuarina campus.

Certificate III in Horticulture students enrolled in the “Providing information on plants and their culture” unit will run the sale and demonstrate their customer service skills.

Vocational Education and Training lecturer Robyn Wing said students could advise on what plants were suitable for particular climates and planting zones, along with advice on soil type, light availability, care and maintenance requirements.

“This will be an opportunity for the public to purchase economical and quality plants from the students who have grown and cared for them,” Ms Wing said.

“It is also an opportunity for students to showcase their skills and knowledge to potential employers.”

Popular plants including bromeliads, hedging shrubs, pitcher plants and a mix of hibiscus species, along with edible plants such as mangosteen, aloe vera and basil will be sold at the annual sale. Traditional Papua New Guinean vegetables, Aibika and Amaranth will also be showcased.

The plants are free of toxic chemicals and have been grown with organic materials and organic pest control methods. Money raised from the sale will go towards future Horticulture Nursery activities.

The CDU Plant Sale will be held at the Horticulture Nursery (Pink Building 3) at Casuarina campus on Thursday, 22 October from 10.30am until 3.30pm.