Thefirst March Mart plant sale took place 37 years ago as a means to raise fundsfor the arboretum. The first sale consisted of donated plants that local gardenclub members dug up from their yards and delivered in old coffee cans or milkcartons. One of the largest plant sales in Texas, this two-day sale now offersapproximately 1,200 species of plants including annuals and perennials, fruittrees, gingers, herbs, natives, roses, shade plants, trees and shrubs,tropicals, vegetables, and vines.
March Mart is sponsored by The Mercer Society (TMS), a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. The sale is operated by over 150 volunteers who grow and care for the plants sold at March Mart year-round. In fact, they often begin growing new plants just a few weeks after the sale ends to prepare for the next year's sale. Many are certified Master Gardeners who can answer a variety of gardening questions.
Mercer Arboretum & Botanic Gardens, a Harris County Precinct 4 facility under the leadership of Commissioner Jerry Eversole, is located at 22306 Aldine Westfield Road, one mile north of FM 1960. Harris County Precinct 4 programs serve people of all ages regardless of socioeconomic level, race, sex, religion, national origin, or physical ability. Anyone requiring special assistance to participate in any program should contact Mercer at (281) 443-8731. For additional information, please visit www.hcp4.net/mercer.
