MUSSELBURGH'S annual plant sale was once again a ‘blooming’ success.
The event, organised by Musselburgh Horticultural Society, repeated last year’s sell-out frenzy, with all stock going in under one hour.
The doors of St Michael’s Church Hall on Dalrymple Loan, where the plant sale was held, were opened early on Saturday due to the queues outside.
Eve Dickinson, society president, said: “Yet again Musselburgh Horticultural Society plant sale was a resounding success.
“The hall was packed from the outset.
“We would like to thank everyone who came along and hope that they enjoyed themselves.
“Despite almost doubling our stock of bedding plants for sale, we were again sold out within 45 minutes.”
The cake and candy stall was a popular feature of Musselburgh Horticultural Society's plant sale
“It is hard to get the amount of stock of annual plants right and, with a stock outlay this year of approximately £1,200, it was somewhat nerve-wracking hoping that we are not left with unsold plants. We will just have to make sure that we get closer to the right balance next year.
“Our visitors appreciated the increased quantity of vegetables, fruit and herbs, and hopefully this area will be expanded in 2025.”
She added: “As president of Musselburgh Horticultural Society, I wish to thank every single one of my committee and our volunteers, without whose assistance the plant sale would not have been possible.
“Due to the current economic climate, our committee decided that our bedding plants and bought-in vegetable plants would be sold at cost, with the teas, cake and candy, and the donated herbaceous perennials, raising enough funds to cover the cost of the hall hire and any other expenses. Buyers spent just over £2,000 on plants.
“The final income is, however, expected to be less than half this figure after our expenses (plants and hall hire).
“Our annual plants and vegetables were sold at practically cost price to enable local people to buy quality choice plants at an affordable price.
Visitors to Musselburgh Horticultural Society's annual plant sale get ready to enjoy a cuppa
“The majority of our final income will come from the sale of donated perennial plants, the cake and candy and teas. The income will be put towards the cost of hosting the Musselburgh annual flower show on August 17.”
The flower show will also take place at St Michael’s Church Hall. Show schedules should be available from mid-May at Blueberry Gifts, Musselburgh Library, Brunton Hall, MECCA and Strawberry Corner Garden Centre.
Eve added to the community: “It is free to exhibit items and is a community family fun day with free face painting for the children, refreshments, a huge tombola, and cake and candy.”
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