I visited the Dogwood Garden Club plant sale two years ago but, because I arrived very late, there were only two tables left. And the remaining plants on it looked like rejects; like something the club should pay me to take home. So I grabbed a pot of Irises and made a note for myself to arrive early next time.
This weekend I arrived by 9am and there was already a huge line-up all the way around the corner. I would say the line-up was ninety percent female.
No problem. I grabbed a plastic tray and waited. And as I waited, I reminisced about the time I maintained the Dogwood Pavilion grounds with the City of Coquitlam parks department.
Plant sale
The Dogwood Garden Club is based in Coquitlam, British Columbia, and this annual plant sale is their biggest fundraiser. By attending the sale and buying a few plants, you support your local garden club and you avoid paying steep retail prices at your local garden stores. It’s a massive win-win event.
Ready?
Once the attendant finally lets you in you can follow the signs. Two of the biggest signs are “SUN” and “SHADE”. Of course, I ignored the annuals close to the entrance because I hate buying new plants every spring. I prefer purchasing perennials which keep on coming every spring with proper care and some luck.
Every pot sports a color stick which indicates the price and the cashier collects them when you check out. I bought one house plant and four perennials for $18; my total cash budget was $40 but I was short on time because my son was about to hit the soccer pitch.
The plants
I picked up Rudbeckia because it’s a late summer stunner. Rudbeckias never get old but they can be bitter-sweet because once they fade you know summer is over.
Cimicifuga was my best plant purchase. It’s another late summer bloomer but, unlike Rudbeckias, it produces an incredible scent. If you Google it you might find the scent description; I have no idea how to describe it. I just know it’s intoxicating.
Heuchera has incredible purple foliage and produces nice flowers.
I also bought a Columbine because I never had one but it’s fairly common in local gardens.
The club
The Dogwood Garden Club meets on every third Tuesday and brings in guest speakers; and they also make garden trips together so consider joining if you want to learn more about gardening. The club membership is only $10 for the year.
Garden Club plant sales are great if you want to score cheap plants; and if you want your questions answered because club members float around ready to help you. I think this whole experience beats retail stores.
