Great turnout for Solstice Days perennial plant swap
The Baldur Flower Committee (Committee) held their third annual perennial plant swap that took place on the Saturday of Baldur’s Summer Solstice Days, and what a great turnout it was!
Committee President Tammy McIntosh was thrilled with the turnout guessing there were at least 200 plants traded, up from the 130 plants traded last year. ‘It was busy right off the hop and we didn’t have a chance to count them as people were so excited to be choosing what to take home! I was extremely happy with the community response in donating plants.’
Tammy was positively overwhelmed with the number of varieties of plants that they saw this year. ‘Ferns, grasses, lilies, hostas, salvia, chinese lanterns, solomon’s seal, virginia creeper, prickly pear cactus, daisys, mint, stonecrop and a number of plants we had to Google! It is always exciting to get something new!’
I asked Tammy what she thought were the most popular plants, but she said popularity depends on the gardener who is looking for additions to their space. ‘It changes every year, it all depends if you are starting out, creating a new flower bed, planting in sun, planting in shade. Every year perennials need to be contained and divided, but the schedule changes. I know I have a few things that were not ready to divide this year, but will be for next year!’
We went on to discuss the flowers that fill the many pots around Baldur. I asked if planting for the year had been completed. Tammy pointed out that it is a very large job but it has been completed with the assistance of the Baldur School students, as well as the Sunrise Credit Union Staff who help us every year.’
We also discussed some of the changes that had taken place within the Committee this year. ‘This has been a restructuring year with the retirement of a number of the original flower committee members. We are learning a lot and hope everything looks as good as usual.’
‘If you have some spare time’, Tammy noted, ‘we could use a few new volunteers. If you can help here and there, or weekly or simply pick a planter or two to maintain. It is all greatly appreciated.’
The Committee is greatly appreciative of Carter Elliott, with Tammy adding, ‘he is doing a great job watering for us again this year.’
Tammy, on behalf of the Committee, wanted to send a ‘thank you to everyone who has helped so far this year, adding a special thank you to everyone for supporting the perennial giveaway! By bringing and taking plants you made it a great event. If you have any ideas or comments on what we can change or do better please feel free to contact me.’
Donations to the Committee are always warmly welcomed and can be made at the RM of Argyle office – please specify the funds are for the Baldur Flower Committee.
A perennial plant exchange was a great success at Baldur’s Solstice Days. PHOTO BY SUZANNE PADDOCK
