If history has taught us one thing, there will be at least 50 people lined up outside the Waihola Community Hall before the doors open, waiting to get the best plants in the annual Waihola District School Plant Fair.
Thousands attend, and Waihola District School PPTA president Danique Girvan is advising people to arrive earlier rather than later, so they don't miss out.
The sale is on November 1, between 9am and 1pm.
''We sell everything - trees, shrubs, vegetables, flowers, perennials, annuals - absolutely everything.
''It's a multipurpose fundraiser. Every single cent goes directly to the children.''
Mrs Girvan said most of the money raised would go towards the cost of swimming lessons for every pupil at the school, which included the cost of admission, tuition and transport to and from the Milton Pool.
It was hoped about $6000 could be raised from the plant sale.
''We rely on people in the community to grow plants for us. We've got really keen gardeners in the district.
''We also have a shade house at the school, so our children grow throughout the year.
''There are also a lot of people who turn up on the day and just donate plants for us to sell.''
Mrs Girvan said any money left over from the cost of swimming lessons would be put towards the school's $250,000 redevelopment project, which was due to begin in December.
The redevelopment included a refurbishment of the school's two classrooms, plus the construction of a learning hub which would adjoin the two classrooms to create a modern learning environment.
A new administration area would also be built, she said.
''At this stage, it is hoped the major structural part of the refurbishment should be completed during the summer holidays.
''We're very lucky that we have a massive new hall, so that can be set up as classrooms if need be as well.''
Mrs Girvan said the plant sale was just one of many fundraising projects at the school throughout the year.
