SWOSU Biology to Host Plant Sale on April 18, Expanded Selections

The Department of Biological & Biomedical Sciences at Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) will host a plant sale on Saturday, April 18, in the Old Science Building on the Weatherford campus. The sale will run from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., and the community is invited to attend.

The plant sale returns following a successful event last year, with plans to continue building it as an annual spring tradition in Weatherford.

Biology students, under the direction of faculty, have propagated and maintained a diverse selection of plants throughout the semester. Available plants will include houseplants, native species, herbs, tomatoes, peppers, and more, offering options for both indoor spaces and outdoor gardens. Proceeds from the sale will support student-focused academic and community activities within the department.

Visitors will also have the opportunity to speak with students and faculty about plant care and growing practices.

Biology students Darby Elmore and Sam Ardrey repot native species and zinnia flowers.

Biology students Taylor Jones and Austin Buchanan repot tomato plants in preparation for the annual plant sale.

This year's event also highlights recent campus improvements. New greenhouses were constructed last year, and landscaping with native plants has recently been completed. While the greenhouses are not yet open for visitation, attendees are encouraged to explore the surrounding native gardens, which are designed to support pollinators and are already attracting a variety of insects and wildlife.

East greenhouse native garden being watered in the early morning. This greenhouse houses a diverse collection of plants used for teaching and research.

Plants grown by SWOSU biology students and faculty ahead of the annual plant sale.

Additional activities are planned throughout the day. Students from SWOSU's Department of Music will perform nature-themed pieces as part of a flute ensemble beginning at 10 a.m. Food trucks will be available on site, and attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and enjoy the event.

The department will also collect empty plant pots and containers during the event. These will be reused in the greenhouse and for future plant sales.

For additional information, contact Dr. Marcella Santos, assistant professor in the Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, at 580.774.3097 or [email protected].

Directions to the Old Science Building

From downtown Weatherford, follow Bradley Street north to campus. The parking lot is the first left after passing Oklahoma Ave. Signs will guide visitors to the event.

About Southwestern Oklahoma State University

Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) was founded in 1901 and offers over 100 undergraduate and graduate programs across three locations in Weatherford, Sayre, and Yukon. The university serves over 5,000 scholars and prides itself on affordability, small class sizes, and over 200 faculty and staff committed to helping students achieve their academic and personal goals.

For more information about Southwestern Oklahoma State University, visit https://www.swosu.edu.