NACOGDOCHES, Texas — In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, Stephen F. Austin State University’s SFA Gardens is introducing a modified version of its popular fall plant sale known as the Fabulous Fall Festival.

Plant sale patrons will have the opportunity to reserve a two-hour window to shop in the SFA Gardens plant nursery throughout the month of October. Up to six plant sale patrons may shop during the same two-hour window, and all physical distancing measures must be observed.

Reservation windows will occur between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Monday through Friday Oct. 1 through 30, with two Saturday opportunities on Oct. 3 and 17.

The sale will feature more than 300 varieties of hard-to-find, “Texas-tough” plants, including Texas natives, edibles, heirlooms, perennials, shrubs and trees, with an emphasis on pollinator friendly selections, as well as exclusive SFA introductions. The featured plants are extensively trialed before being offered to the public and are produced by SFA Gardens staff and volunteers.

All proceeds support staff members and operations within the Mast Arboretum, Pineywoods Native Plant Center, Ruby M. Mize Azalea Garden and Gayla Mize Garden.

Reservations will begin Sept. 18 and may be made online at sfagardens.org and on SFA Gardens’ Facebook and Instagram pages. Reservations are required, and participants must wear a mask in all buildings. Additionally, the much-anticipated plant list will be released in conjunction with the reservation. Cash will not be accepted, but checks and all major credit cards are welcome.

Parking will be available at the Pineywoods Native Plant Center, located at 2900 Raguet St. Carts will be provided. For more information, email dawnstover@sfasu.edu.