Local green thumbs proved they were no late bloomers at the Niagara-on-the-Lake Horticultural Society’s annual plant sale, quickly clearing tables of popular items within the first hour.
Saturday’s event at Meridian Credit Union Arena opened ahead of its scheduled 9 a.m. start, as eager customers were already lined up around the building.
“All the gardeners look forward to this day because they know they’re going to get good, well-cared-for plants,” said Cindy Grant, president of the NOTL Horticultural Society.
Grant said the sale has been held annually since 2013 and has become a must-attend for local gardening enthusiasts.
“Everything is local. Many plants are donations from our members’ gardens and they’re very affordably priced,” said volunteer Kathryn O’Grady.
Susan Dodd, the event’s co-ordinator, said community spirit is at the heart of the sale’s popularity.
“It’s always like this,” she said. “We really appreciate the support, and everybody seems to have a fun time. It’s nice to have such enthusiasm.”
Proceeds help fund horticultural scholarships at Niagara College and the Niagara Parks School of Horticulture.
The society also maintains local green spaces, including the pollinator garden at Newark Park, and delivers flowers to seniors in long-term care.
Alan and Barbara Large, a local couple, offered on-the-spot gardening tool sharpening at the event.
“We look forward to this day,” said Alan Large. “It’s fun to meet people and sharpen some strange gardening tools you don’t often see.”
Next up for the society is its popular Garden Tour on July 10 — a major fundraiser that draws visitors from across Ontario and beyond.
“If this event is big, the Garden Tour is huge,” said Grant. “We’ll have nearly 100 volunteers and seven beautiful gardens featured — it’s an exciting day for the whole community.”
