Plant and Compost Sale helped gardeners make decisions for their gardens

A group of volunteers including CrossFit Goderich and John Hindmarsh Environmental Trust Foundation members bagged up 300 bags of compost to sell at the event.

After yet another long winter with huge quantities of snow that hid any hint of our gardens for months, spring has finally arrived.

Local gardeners were lured back into their gardens with their usual start of the season enthusiasm, and while thinning and redesigning their flower beds, managed to set aside a generous supply of plants for this year’s Plant and Compost Sale on May 9.

The welcoming overhang at the entrance of the Columbus Centre in Goderich once again provided protection from the threat of late morning rain, but it held off until the event was over.

The introduction of a sorting table efficiently sent plants to their ideal locations. As a result, the large tables were quickly turned into displays of sun-loving native plants, native plants for shade, and other types of ornamentals.

Krystal Brideau, representing the Huron County Backyard Ecosystems, was once again on hand to answer questions and offer advice encouraging gardeners to choose native species that promote pollinators.

Sheila Chick, who looks after the pollinator garden at Butterfly Park (Bingham Park) and is part of the Butterflyway Ranger’s program, was again there to share her knowledge.

Other plan experts including Goderich District Horticultural Society members helped the shoppers make decisions about what might work best in their own gardens.

An amazing group of volunteers, including CrossFit Goderich and John Hindmarsh Environmental Trust Foundation (JHETF) members and supporters, bagged up 300 bags of compost to sell at the event.

It is fantastic that there are so many with strong arms and backs who each year, undertake this ‘workout’ willingly and with good humour.

Special thanks to the many Maitland Trail Association (MTA), Goderich District Horticultural Society (GDHS) and other community volunteers and gardeners who made this event so successful.

It is a reward to have so many people come out to buy plants and talk gardening.

Special thanks to everyone who contributed their time, plants, pots, knowledge and enthusiasm.

Yet again, not only have a great many gardens benefitted, but as always, funds raised will be used for important local environmental projects.

Wendy Hoernig is a member of the John Hindmarsh Environmental Trust Foundation