Gardeners young and old rose early on a showery Saturday morning, wearing garden gloves and rubber boots. They were coming to Clarkston Farm and Garden Club’s Plant Exchange 2012 at the corner of Washington and Main to exchange perennials.
Green thumbs examined the pots of strawberries, lilies, black-eyed susans, irises, daisies, and hostas primed for picking before choosing which plants they would take home.
‘Experienced gardeners can cull their own gardens because the plants keep spreading,? said organizer Sue Sajdak, who has been in the Garden Club for 40 years. ‘And you can get plants to fill your new garden.?
While plant lovers waited for their shot to trade a perennial, they talked gardening.
‘It’s a good way to catch up with people,” said Sarah Schultz, after exchanging a Bleeding Heart plant for a Lilly of the Valley from her flower bed.
Schultz remembers attending the plant exchange before 1989 with her mother, Virginia.
‘It used to be really small with maybe 10 to 15 people,? she said.
Others have been to the Plant Exchange for more than 30 years.
The tradition of bringing your daughter or granddaughter to Clarkston’s perennial swap is still ongoing, as 10-year-old gardener Emily White can attest.
‘I came with my grandma,? she said.
‘I like to watch plants grow,? Emily added, noting that strawberries are her favorite plant.
Besides upholding traditions, residents donated plants to the Clarkston Community Garden where bouquets of flowers are sent with Meals on Wheels, said volunteer Linda Zbarcha.
Rain or shine, the Clarkston Farm and Garden Club plans to continue gathering on the first Saturday in June for many years.
‘We’ll do this again,? Sue Sadjak said.
To find out more go to www.clarkstongardenclub.org.