It finally feels like planting weather outside these days. After that warm March and cold April, let's hope we are back on track for the growing season.
And if it's getting close to planting time, then the Master Gardener Plant Sale is happening at just the right time. It will be 9 a.m.-4 p.m. May 19 and 20 at the flea market at the Seneca County Fairgrounds.
We will be in the usual place, on the right of the main driveway just a few spaces in from the entrance.
All the plants will come from the Master Gardeners' own gardens, so you know they are appropriate for our area. We do not bring in commercially grown plants; everything has been grown, potted in good potting soil and brought to the sale by our members.
We never know exactly what to expect until the plants arrive from our gardeners for sorting and pricing, and this year the unusual weather in the spring has affected blooming times and rhubarb growth. We will have illustrations of most of the flowers as they appear in bloom, either by the pots or in books at the education table.
There are some regulars we can expect.
Hostas are always in demand, and we usually have a great selection in many shades of green, with variegated specimens to spice things up. Hostas come in so many shapes and sizes, from the tiny ones suitable for a fairy garden (I will be bringing some of those) to the giants that make a real statement in the landscape.
Day lilies are popular, and the color will be marked when possible. Once planted, day lilies and hostas are trouble free. They just reappear every spring and last until frost is looming.
Expect to find many other perennials, mums, daisies, coreopsis, geraniums, peonies and too many others to name.
Those looking for fruit will find raspberry canes, strawberry plants and, of course, Betty's famous rhubarb, both rooted ready to go into your garden and also in bunches ready for the cook.
Anyone purchasing rhubarb will receive a booklet of rhubarb recipes. This year strawberry recipes will be handed out with those plants.
If you are looking for shrubs, we usually have Rose of Sharon, lilac, forsythia, redbud and more.
Asparagus is popular and sells fast, so come early for that wonderful vegetable.
Several Master Gardeners will be there to help you with selections and an education table will be staffed to answer questions, give advice and explain the needs of plants you are purchasing.
If we do not have the information you need, we will research the subject and get back to you by e-mail or telephone through the resource line.
We also can send you fact sheets from Ohio State Extension and will have some on hand covering the most often-requested information.
Each plant will be labeled with color, height, sun and shade needs and any other facts to help with planting and maintenance.
We want to be sure you enjoy the plants as much as we have.
Janet Del Turco is a local gardener and a graduate of the Ohio State University Master Gardener program. Contact her at janetdelturco@yahoo.com.
