Growing roots in JC
Master Gardeners celebrate 25 years
The Johnson County Master Gardeners are celebrating a milestone year – and inviting the community to join them for one of their most anticipated events of the season. Their annual plant sale returns on April 18, with a fresh new location at the Chisholm Trail Outdoor Museum, where visitors can shop, learn and explore all in one place.
This marks the first year the sales will be held at the museum and organizers say the setting couldn’t be a better fit.
“Chisholm Trail is truly a Cleburne gem,” board member Amy Nichols said. “We’re excited to welcome the community to a space that reflects both our history and our love of the outdoors.”
To celebrate the partnership, museum officials are waiving admission fees for all guests that day, making it easy for families to spend the day browsing plants, enjoying the grounds and taking in local history.
The sale will take place in and around the Old Gringo Star Pavilion and will feature a wide selection of plants suited specifically for growing in Johnson County. Shoppers can expect to find:
- Perennials, annuals and groundcovers
- Shrubs and vegetables
- Native Texas plants that attract butterflies and hummingbirds
- Hanging baskets and houseplants
- A popular “passalong” section featuring plants propagated by Master Gardeners
Students from Godley FFA are also contributing homegrown tomatoes and peppers, adding another local touch to the event.
Master Gardeners will be on hand throughout the day to answer questions and help shoppers choose the right plants for their landscapes. Beyond the plants, the event offers a full family experience. A taco truck will be on site, and guests are encouraged to bring wagons or carts to carry their purchases, though a limited number will be available.
While the plant sale is a highlight, it also serves a deeper purpose.
Proceeds from the event help fund scholarships for graduating seniors and educators, as well as a variety of community projects that have taken root across Johnson County.
Among them:
- Maintenance of Guinn Gardens at Buffalo Creek near the historic courthouse in Cleburne
- Volunteer work at Russell Farm in Burleson
- Support of the Junior Master Gardeners program
- Creation of a Monarch Waystation in Alvarado, in partnership with Master Naturalist’s and the Alvarado Garden Club
The organization’s impact is reflected not just in its projects, but in its people. In 2025 alone members contributed 2,657 volunteer hours, valued at nearly $89,000. Since recordkeeping began, volunteers have logged more than 29,000 hours of service.
This year also marks the 25th anniversary of the Johnson County Master Gardeners, founded March 12, 2001.
The group recently honored founding members Ben Oefinger, Grace Clanton, Elaine Bellm Garey Wylie, Paul Murphy and Greg Marsh.
Our Johnson County AgriLife office, that works with agricultural youth organizations like 4H and JC Master Gardeners, were able to showcase the amount of time our Johnson County volunteers give within a year. These hours, if converted into real dollars, would be like giving the community $469,143. As Master Gardeners we love helping make our community better. We also love these county agents who support us.
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Johnson County Extension Agent
Cassie Mavis
Agriculture & Natural Resources County Extension Agent, Johnson County
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service
109 W. Chambers St. Cleburne, TX 76033
Phone: 817-556-6370 | Email: [email protected]
The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service’s Equal Opportunity Statement – The members of Texas A&M AgriLife will provide equal opportunities in programs and activities, education, and employment to all persons regardless of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local law and will strive to achieve full and equal employment opportunity throughout Texas A&M AgriLife.