A long-standing tradition selling potted flowers is digging its new digs in support of an even longer-standing attraction.
The annual Perennial Plant Sale, taking place Saturday, May 24 and Sunday, May 25, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., has taken root at the O’Keefe Ranch.
The sale was started 25 years ago at the Allan Brooks Nature Centre's garage sale.
"Someone brought a few plants and they sold...thus starting the tradition," said Ann Cordingley, volunteer leader.
For most of those years the sale was held in conjunction with the Mega Garage Sale at the Nature Centre, until COVID hit.
"After COVID the garage sale didn’t happen but the plant sale did (in a very organized, outdoor event). That sale was so successful that we had sold all of our plants, cleaned up and gone home before the first day of the two day sale was over!"
Last year, the plant ladies (and men) moved the sale to O’Keefe Ranch, "a wonderful venue since it was held in the Pavilion," according to Cordingly.
"It was shady if it was hot, covered if it was rainy and sheltered if it was windy. The plants were very happy about this."
Funds raised at the sale have traditionally support the nature centre, and last year they were also given to the ranch.
"This year the money will all go to the ranch since they are struggling to survive," said Cordingly, adding the money will be earmarked for garden maintenance.
Many of the plants are divisions of plants at the ranch and can be seen in the gardens. A number of gardening friends bring plants from their gardens as well.
"We generally have an excellent collection of healthy plants. We never really know 'til the day of the sale what plants we will have, but there are usually many hostas, ferns, echinaceas, etc,"said Cordingly. "Most of the plants are perennials (which means they come back every year so you don’t need to keep planting them each year) although we have some vegetables and annuals too."
Plant donations are also welcome, labelled and dropped off Friday afternoon, May 23, at the ranch Pavilion.
Donations of new or gently used garden items are also being sought in support of Packman Opens Hearts. The group, which feeds the homeless once a week, is looking for gardening tools, plant ID stakes, lattice, decorative rocks and lawn ornaments, pots, hoses, watering cans, stepping stones and more. These items can be dropped off at 2305 45th Avenue by Friday.
