Plant offerings will include a selection of perennials, annuals, vegetable seedlings, herbs, hanging baskets and a great rummage table. University of Rhode Island soil testers will be on-site to test soil texture and pH for customers who bring a soil sample. Other features will include a Master Gardener table where customers can get advice on their gardening issues plus a selection of affordable Mother’s Day gifts.
“The Painted Rock Treasure Hunt” is back to its original plan, putting ten rocks out on May 1st without any clues. They will be dispensed throughout the area including Ashaway and Old Mystic. We will be posting photos of the rocks on NSGC’S website, www.nsgardenclub.org, so that everyone will know what they are seeking.
This is one of the largest and most comprehensive of the many plant sales held in the area at this time of year. Many loyal customers travel considerable distances to take advantage of the variety of plant offerings. By the time the gate opens at 9AM there is generally a line of eager customers, many bringing their own garden carts to take maximum advantage of the bargains to be had – a practice the club actively encourages.
The Garden Club provides trays for customers to carry their plants, a holding area where keen gardeners who choose more plants than they can carry, leave their selections until they are ready to pay. Another convenience to accommodate customers are multiple cashier stations and the services of ‘talliers’, members identified by their green aprons. Cash payments and personal checks are accepted.
The majority of perennials offered for sale are dug from the gardens of club members allowing customers to feel confident they will thrive under local conditions. These offerings are supplemented by annuals, perennials, herbs, hanging baskets, tomatoes and vegetables purchased from reputable local nurseries and offered at prices only slightly above wholesale cost. In keeping with our mission to promote native species in our gardens and practices, this year we will offer a selection of 3 choice native plants.
A portion of the proceeds from sales are returned to the community in the form of seasonal civic plantings at North Stonington’s Town Hall and Village Green, winter wreaths on public buildings, an annual college scholarship and grants to local organizations. Recipients in recent years have been Wheeler Library, North Stonington’s Hewitt Farm, Coogan Farm in Mystic, Ashaway Free Public Library, the West Vine Street School, and local land trusts - Avalonia Land Conservancy and GOSA.
The mission of the North Stonington Garden Club is to promote good gardening practices through education, outreach, and example.