October 21, 2025 - The Smith County Master Gardeners are once again celebrating the fall season with their annual, award-winning “From Bulbs to Blooms” Conference and Sale on Saturday, October 25, 2025 at Pollard United Methodist Church, 3030 New Copeland Road in Tyler.
The event begins with a free educational program from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m., followed by bulb shopping and online order pickup from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. This year’s presentation, “Growing On and On: A Bulb Sale Preview,” will be given by yours truly and will highlight the heirloom, hardy, and time-tested bulbs available that day. These proven performers are all Earth-Kind bulbs, meaning they thrive in our East Texas soils without the need for irrigation, fertilizer, or pesticides. They are Texas-tough survivors that return and bloom year after year.
While a variety of amaryllids and other perennial bulbs will be featured, daffodils, narcissus, and jonquils remain the stars of the show. These cheerful spring bloomers are among the most dependable bulbs for our region. Their bright yellow, white, or bi-colored flowers emerge when little else is blooming, bringing life and color to late winter and early spring gardens. Unlike tulips or hyacinths, Narcissus do not require chilling or replanting each year. Once established they multiply naturally, forming colorful drifts that last for a lifetime and beyond.
The sale will feature classic heirlooms and a few modern Dutch cultivars that have proven themselves in our ongoing Earth-Kind Narcissus field trial. In addition to daffodils, narcissus, and jonquils, gardeners will find spider lilies, crinums, rain lilies, oxblood lilies, iris, and other perennial bulbs that have thrived in East Texas for generations. A number of the bulbs were grown and multiplied locally by Smith County Master Gardeners and by me at my farm.
The online webstore runs from October 13 through October 22, with pre-ordered bulbs available for pickup on the day of the sale. Gardeners can also browse on-site selections of bulbs, plants, garden art, books, and the Smith County Master Gardeners’ annual garden guide calendar. Proceeds from the sale directly support the development and maintenance of the Tyler Botanical Garden, as well as local educational programs and horticulture scholarships at Texas A&M University and Stephen F. Austin State University.
Whether you are new to bulbs or a seasoned gardener, this annual event offers both inspiration and practical knowledge for creating a garden that returns faithfully each year. Admission is free and the rewards last for generations. There will be a raffle for a rare double-flowered Japanese cultivar of the red spider lily. The winner will be announced after my lecture and the new owner must be present to win.
For more information, visit www.txmgsc.org/b2b, follow Smith County Master Gardeners on Facebook, email the Smith County Master Gardener Help Desk at SmithMGHelpDesk@gmail.com, or call (903) 590-2994 or (903) 590-2980.
