One of the great joys of spring is the upcoming rush of plant swaps and sales. Many of my plants were obtained through swaps and local benefit plant sales, (and gifts of wonderful and generous friends!) and if anythig I love them more because of it
The first gardening season in my house, I became very active in the start up of a wonderful gardening club at Bates College where I used to work. The members mostly participated through e-mail, with a few meetings in the spring, when garden fever struck hard, and fall, when we got together to share gardening triumphs or challenges. And we organized a plant swap. What fabulous, generous people my friends there are -- that first year I had little to offer but seedlings I had started and good ol' orange daylillies, but I came home with armloads of plants, many of which are favorites still. Even though I've moved on to a new job, I still participate in the listserve and am planning to go to the big plant swap again this spring --this time, with more to share.
Upcoming Sales (I'll update this list as I learn dates)
Saturday, May 27
9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The Annual Master Gardener Plant Sale will be held at the Barron Center in Portland from Brighton Ave, opposite Lowe's, at ME Tpke Exit 48.
The proceeds provide scholarship money for Maine students studying horticulture.
Saturday & Sunday May 13&14
9 am?5 pm,
Wildflower Celebration and Plant Sale
The McLaughlin Foundation Garden and Horticultural Center - 97 Main St., South Paris, ME
Season-opening plant sale specializing in wild flowers and perennials. Enjoy Bernard's [McLaughlin] wild flower collection in bloom while you choose additions for your own garden. The gift shop and house will be open.
Saturday, May 20, 9 am - 4 pm
Bowdoinham Library Plant Sale
Bowdoinham Town Hall
Don't miss this one, it is great! Bring a box, or plastic bags, or both.
Directions
Saturday, May 29 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The Bridge Academy Public Library
Annual Book and Plant Sale on
Old Town Hall, Dresden
More Info
Saturday-Monday May 27-29
Friends of the Maine Wildlife Park Annual Plant Sale
Rte. 26, 3 miles from Gray Center.
This volunteer group helps out the Wildlife Park in so many ways. Learn more about their ongoing projects and enjoy great spring plant deals with plants from their own greenhouse!
Saturday, June 24
9:00 am to 2:00 pm
7th Annual Book and Plant Sale
Humane Society, 120 Drummond Ave, Waterville, ME
Refreshments will be sold. All proceeds benefit the Humane Society. For more information, call the Waterville Area Humane Society at 873-2430.
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2 comments:
SUNY Cobleskill Annual Plant Sale May 6..Cobleskill, NY
Free plants are great, although I learned the hard way to be careful. A few years ago a neighbor of my mother-in-law's was going to build a garage over an old perennial bed. It was spring, and we could take whatever we wanted. Some things I recognized, but some I didn't. After waiting a few weeks, I discovered I had creeping bellflower (aka, per my mother, cancer of the garden), St. John's Wort (not one of my favorites), and plain old common goldenrod (which already self-seeds itself without my help).
On the plus side, I have some beautiful bearded irises, Autumn Joy sedum, evening primroses and alliums.
BTW - I found your blog a few weeks ago, and have been meaning to comment for awhile. I live in Minnesota, so I have a feeling we face many of the same climate challenges. I also love your chicks - I just wish I could convince Spouse they would be a great addition to our landscape! I've added you to the links on my page.
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